Mercedes-Benz will be giving its next generation SL a world debut at next year’s Detroit show, but what seems like official brochure images have already leaked out.
These black and white scans show the three pointed star’s big roadster wearing the brand’s new face, featuring the wide grille as seen on the new CLS. In fact, the front end of the new SL is very similar to that of the latest SLK, but with bigger headlamps.
The sleeker and longer body of the SL also has larger and more prominent side vents that become the main feature of the profile. Compared to today’s car, the new SL has longer wrap around rear lamps and a more sculpted rear end, but the shape remains familiar.
It has been reported that the new SL uses aluminium lightweight construction, saving 140 kg over the current steel bodied car. Engines will include a new naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 and a twin-turbo 4.6-litre V8.
The dashboard layout also mimics very closely the style set by today’s SLK. Retro look air vents flank a central screen, with the standard Mercedes stereo and A/C clusters sitting below.
The only difference I can spot is the different arrangement of the gear lever/Comand controls compared to the SLK. The SL’s plush looking chairs have Airscarf vents, too.
Do you prefer the looks of the current SL or this?
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prefer the previous model
for me the current SL look better
Looks like a cross between the SLK (front) and CLS (rear).
What a disappointment! This is why car brands shouldn’t slavish follow ‘corporate’ looks or design trends. The new ‘snout’ is goes completely against the rest of the svelte profile and the Chris Bangle-esque flame surfacing is so passe. Doubtless loaded ninnies will still buy it but I’m sure it won’t be because this car stirs their loins. There was a time people bought Mercs because they loved the sheer beauty, quality and durability of the thing, status symbol be damned. today I think it’s the reverse. It also the reason why brands like Audi are starting to build a very strong presence in the same market. There was a time such a thing was a laughable impossibility…
It’s a damn shame Mercedes, a damn shame.
2013 official images have been provided
holyyy goddd…
sexyyy!!
but the current z4 is sexier:p
simple design yet beautiful, curvy edges all over makes it very romantic than the boring Aston Martin ranges. the current model SL remain superb as well.
Some say, that the sound of the new Mercedes V8 engine was inspired by the music of Richard Wagner.
…and that the Valkyries were seen riding the new SL to cross the universe.
delicous front end
surely i love this beast!!! before ive used to drive my uncle’s SL320 R129 to the class at UPM. alhough i didnt get any chickas but i really appreciate the smoothness and sportiness of that car. :D from bangi to upm, 130kmj at sharp bend at the ramp exit from silk highway to upm, is not a big deal!!!
Looks like a 1/2 cut of SLK ( front and back) with CLin the middle,
the previous SL looks more svelte and exclusive
Simply irresistable, simply irreproachable.
maserati better
Merc has just introducd a bona.fide boulervard crusier – with humpty dumpty proportions and all. Fat is the word to describe the car. Haha!
looks like merc is trying hard to match their design with SLS… but the fact is not all cars are nice when they are heading to the SLS design line… especially the front… it has spoiled the SLK, now the SL… sigh…
lovely.
going to book one for my mistress when it’s launched
im an avid fan of mercedes SL class (the only class i like aside from mclaren and SLS)
i still think the best SL variant is the R-129