SL-Class (R231) [Official] Mercedes-Benz SL (R231)


Mercedes-Benz launched the sixth generation SL, internally the R231, at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012. The R231 introduced aluminum bodywork, its weight advantage offset by higher safety and convenience equipment.
This SL in real life looks far less attractive than the previous shape bean shaped headlight version both front and back. It is one of the worst looking out of the latest Mercedes models. The headlights in particular are over designed and not a nice shape. This car doesnt make you say "wow" when you see it! Compare this car to the new S-class sedan, C-class and new S-class coupe and it looks dated and ugly in comparison
 
This SL in real life looks far less attractive than the previous shape bean shaped headlight version both front and back. It is one of the worst looking out of the latest Mercedes models. The headlights in particular are over designed and not a nice shape. This car doesnt make you say "wow" when you see it! Compare this car to the new S-class sedan, C-class and new S-class coupe and it looks dated and ugly in comparison

I disagree, but then taste is 100% subjective. The SL, which I am looking at right now on the showroom is much more bold in real life than the previous. The upright design of the headlights is simple, and anything but overdesigned. And, this feature comes off much better in person than in photo. This car has presence, and the previous one, although beautiful, lacked in that area.

I think there is a lot to criticize on the current SL. MB basically lowered the price of the SL by $5k after the first year, making premium package standard. Imagine a $100k plus car needing a premium package to just enjoy something as simple as keyless Go? The interior is where I find most of the problem. The screen looks cramped and small wedged in between the large round air vents. I imagine will see something for the facelift. I miss the pop up roll bar. The seats however are magnificent. The drivetrain and the ride quality is wonderful.
 
Looking at the AMG SL in the above picture, I am convinced that the disjointed front end design has more to do with the proportion of the grille (too big) in the regular, non AMG, model than the headlight design. The AMG model with far better proportioned (smaller) grille in line with the headlights appear far more attractive and appealing...would dare to say pretty. Also, because the overall appearance is so similar to the previous SL, it failed to wow like its predecessor when it first came out with the beany eyes.

IMO Mercedes could charge extra $5K for the AMG grille on the regular model and people would pay for it.
 
On a regular non-AMG SL, this package is worth it to replace the horrible big mouth grille that is responsible mainly for ruining the front end IMO.

Source:http://www.worldcarfans.com/1140228...lange-gt-r-announced-by-jms-and-piecha-design

Mercedes SL Avalange GT-R announced by JMS and PIECHA Design
Styling package costs approximately 12,000 euros
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The front is the problem. Rest of the car is absolutely fine imo. Seems very solid built also, so if the FL actually manages to fix its face then the SL is right where it should be.
 
Mercedes Brings Special Editions of SL and SLK to Geneva

Both the SL and SLK are open-top two-seaters at around the midpoint of their active duty in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. This year, at the Geneva motor show, the manufacture didn't revealed updated versions of either, but it did create two unique special editions called the SL 2LOOK Edition and SLK CarbonLOOK Edition.
The smaller of the two, the SLK CarbonLOOK, is bestowed with “muscular” front and rear aprons and visible side skirts, “high-sheen” five-spoke AMG rims, dark headlight surrounds and anti-rollover bars finished in what looks like anodized aluminum (a cool effect and one that’s unique to this version).

A cushy ride is not its prime concern, though, as it features stiffened sports suspension that has been lowered by 10 mm. Stopping power is improved over lesser SLKs too, and even cars equipped with four-pot engines now get cross-drilled front disks, plus visible Mercedes-Benz lettering.

It can be had as a SLK 200, 250, 350, 55 AMG and 250 CDI at an extra cost ranging from €6,426 - €6,962, which they say is equal to savings of up to €1,710.

The SL 2LOOK is aimed at being overtly flashy, with light shades of paint that contrast with the black-finished roof, though the latter can be had in the body color if so desired. It too comes with the same high-sheen kind of AMG wheels, though these are larger and have seven spokes. The pack features less unique parts than the SLK CarbonLOOK, concentrating more on color and material contrasts; it’s available on all V6 and V8 models, including the SL63 and 65 AMG as of June 2014.

Expect to pay as much as €9,401 over the regular price if you want your SL63 to be a 2LOOK.

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The SL is nowhere near its midpoint of service, unfortunately. More like 30% through. At least a couple of years from a facelift.
 
The name SL is more important IMO than SLS or SLR due to the long list of beautiful cars associated with it. What a pity Mercedes paid least attention (figuratively) to come up with a credible design that can at least equal the most pedestrian of the past SLs, the facelifted R230. The dangling, floppy grille and weird headlights made me look away when I first saw the car (non AMG) in real life. Anyway, I am hoping like others that the facelift will come soon. I am sure it will look better because that's the only possibility :) I guess.
 
It will be interesting to see how MB will work the new larger LCD screens into these two interiors considering the limitations of the air vents. It may end up being pretty expensive for them on the interior for the facelifts.
 

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Group AG is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Established in 1926, Mercedes-Benz Group produces consumer luxury vehicles and light commercial vehicles badged as Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Mercedes-Maybach. Its origin lies in Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes and Carl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled automobile. The slogan for the brand is "the best or nothing".
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)

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