SL-Class Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster R231 to Receive Drastic Facelift in 2015

[far2000]

Despite featuring an entirely new platform - that lost a drastic amount of weight thanks to the extensive use of aluminium – and an uncountable array of new technological safety and comfort features such as the Magic Vision Control windshield wiper system or the Magic Sky Control roof that becomes either dark or see-through at the push of a button, the current generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster is not exactly the most wanted SL in history.

Sure, sales of the SL Roadster (R231) aren't exactly low - mainly thanks to a new generation of buyers that get excited at the idea of a technological tour de force wrapped in a coupe/cabrio body that goes like stink,especially in AMG guise - but we feel that its fan base has somewhat decreased compared with some of its predecessors.

Not to say that it's a bad looking car, but the front end of the current generation has very few stylistic details in common with the rear end, which kind of harks back to the R230.

Well, it seems that we're not the only ones with this opinion, as it is apparently expected that the first facelift of the SL will be rather massive, with the front of the car to really get under the knife.

Still, the reasoning behind the extensive refresh is obviously not related with our opinion about its hammerhead shark-like headlights, but more with the fact that the SL has to be aligned to the new Mercedes-Benz style of design, which is called “Sensual Clarity”.

Take a look at the style of all recently-launched three-pointed star models and you will see a design pattern that mainly concerns the grille-hugging headlights and/or the side “dropping line”. The SL will have to be a part of that as well, with its facelift expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015. Would you agree with a massive restyle?

 

[DJRaze99]

The fact is so this generation from very beginning aroused great controversies, I am under the impression that it is the most wronged model from a whole range of the Mercedes, all the more so because SL is a legendary car with fine history. Changes must be radical, outside and inside, this car must arouse admiration and emotions. To please with every detail and one's line of the bodywork.

 

[Wolfgang]

^ Agree. Two points to fix, the lights and the asymmetric radio.

That's how the lights were supposed to look.

But, instead got the eyebrows from the B.

The interior may have been designed to look like this:

But radio screen constraints or some such produced an asymmetrical arrangement.

Source: Daimler

 

[Rolf]

If the SL receives a FL only 3 years into production then it definitely is not just a FL to align the car with other Mercedes models design style, it is cause of serious problems with people liking its current styling. As the SL is one of Mercedes models that stays in production the longest (10 year or longer life cycles is the norm)it is not normally the case that the car receives a FL only a few years after been introduced. For instance the previous model which was launched in 2001 only received a major facelift in 2008 and carried on in production till 2012. I think all of us knows where this car needs to be drastically changed, front lights, bumper and grill is the major area as well as the back lights in my opinion and then the interior needs new symmetrical infotainment system (maybe Ipad style).

 

[jackywhatever]

in Hong Kong the SL never sold well. and the dealer gives year end offer at 40-50% off (limited qty)

 

[Wunderkind]

in Hong Kong the SL never sold well. and the dealer gives year end offer at 40-50% off (limited qty)

I would be mightily interested in a SL65 at 50% discount. I never got a call from my sales rep. I suspect the discounted offers were for the run-out SL350 only.

I saw the GT-S at the launch and I'm having itchy feet...........one spec'd to my heart's desire costs $2.65mil.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

in the interior, the slight asymmetry doesn't bother me as much, in fact it reminds me of the W140 and the R129. I would like them very much to update the HVAC controls to the toggle button set-up seen in the C, E, and S-class. Also the audio/infotainment controls are pretty antiquated.

 

[Car Nut]

Firstly I think that everyone would agree that the R231 SL is a beautifully engineered automobile with a spectacular aluminium chassis. It is the exterior that I have a bit of a problem with. To me, the R231 SL is not the most elegant or timeless looking car, which a model bearing this name really should be. There are a few things which bug me about the design. Firstly the headlights look a bit clumsy, secondly I have never liked the overly concave waistline (when viewed side on). In my opinion this concave line also does not flow well into the rear fender which is a bit shapeless (and not like a muscular haunch). When I saw the first few spy shots of this SL some years ago, I was a bit worried, although at that point it was mainly by the front and rear overhangs which always somehow appear larger with heavy camouflage. A while after those first spy shots appeared, a second SL prototype appeared on the scene (I am attaching a pic to refresh your memories). This second body-type seemed immediately more elegant and dynamic. I sometimes wonder what that finished product would have looked like. I hope that the face lifted model will rectify some of my concerns because such a well engineered car deserves to also look pretty.

 

[tennmb]

Firstly I think that everyone would agree that the R231 SL is a beautifully engineered automobile with a spectacular aluminium chassis. It is the exterior that I have a bit of a problem with. To me, the R231 SL is not the most elegant or timeless looking car, which a model bearing this name really should be. There are a few things which bug me about the design. Firstly the headlights look a bit clumsy, secondly I have never liked the overly concave waistline (when viewed side on). In my opinion this concave line also does not flow well into the rear fender which is a bit shapeless (and not like a muscular haunch). When I saw the first few spy shots of this SL some years ago, I was a bit worried, although at that point it was mainly by the front and rear overhangs which always somehow appear larger with heavy camouflage. A while after those first spy shots appeared, a second SL prototype appeared on the scene (I am attaching a pic to refresh your memories). This second body-type seemed immediately more elegant and dynamic. I sometimes wonder what that finished product would have looked like. I hope that the face lifted model will rectify some of my concerns because such a well engineered car deserves to also look pretty.

I still think that was a mule of the previous gen SL, and not an alternate production car.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

That looks like an SLK to me, not an SL.

 

[klier]

SLK looks quite different imo:

 

[mercpassion]

the SL imo is near perfection, I have no issues with the design, everything fulfils its task very well, it might just might be my favourite model in the current product line-up, and i'm saying that despite the S saloon and S-coupe being here now,i mean the SL traditional MB traits can be seen in abundance.

 

[vios1]

I like the current design as well but it will be interesting to see what Mercedes will offer with the facelift.