SL-Class [Spyshots] 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R231) Facelift

[DexterMorgan]

YTD US sales through May are already down almost 13% compared to 2014. And this is with the introduction of a cheaper SL400 model. Here's hoping this MMC swings the sales for this car around.

 

[Merc1]

Such a well built and engineered car, but the design is toast until the next all new generation comes out. The proportions are bad, and they aren't going to be able to fix that with the facelift.

M

 

[Wunderkind]

Such a well built and engineered car, but the design is toast until the next all new generation comes out. The proportions are bad, and they aren't going to be able to fix that with the facelift.

M

I agree. The cabin looks like it is circa 2005, not 2015. I really think Mercedes should have made the effort and gave the facelift model a bang up-to-date dashboard. I fear the SL will face a slow and painful demise.

If it were up to me, I would have given the facelift model a new dashboard and a sports version of the tilting(carving) suspensions already seen on the S coupe.

 

[Rolf]

Mercedes have made a terrible mistake with this car and not updated it's ugly rear lights and they should have made a huge update to the interior, it's infotainment screen is way out of date compared to the latest models as well as the button filled center console.

 

[DJRaze99]

Too much greater costs on the more upgrades that are being prepared other models. Certainly it is one of the most disadvantaged Mercedes models in recent years, the more regret that it is the icon automotive industry. I hope that will be a worthy successor to his knees and shed...

 

[Wolfgang]

A brief glimpse of the successor?

Caution, this posting may be temporary, only.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I knew they couldn't justify re-engineering the dash to accommodate the larger common screen. Very poor product planning.

 

[Giannis]

I knew they couldn't justify re-engineering the dash to accommodate the larger common screen. Very poor product planning.

Ι, for one, am happy about it.

I don't like cars having a screen the size of my TV inside. It feels weird.

 

[PHYBENZ]

Guaranteed there will be a bigger screen, just like you can see in some spy photos the SLC getting a bigger screen. Just can't tell how the air vents are integrated. No way they keep the SL around with that tiny screen.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

Such a well built and engineered car, but the design is toast until the next all new generation comes out. The proportions are bad, and they aren't going to be able to fix that with the facelift.

M

...and I suspect that the current R231 SL will have the shortest model cycle of all SLs' ever produced.

 

[vios1]

The facelift will be a very good looking car I believe by judging the spy shot. I like what I see so far. The SL is heading the right direction.

 

[Rainer271]

Latest Mercedes-Benz SL facelift spy shots reveal new taillight graphics

Mercedes-Benz SL facelift spy photo / Yihan Zhao/SB-Medien

To be unveiled in the following months
A partially camouflaged prototype of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL has been spied up close and personal near Stuttgart.

The SL's design is getting a bit old in the tooth so naturally Mercedes-Benz is working on a mid-cycle revision for the roadster, but as you can see from the attached spy images the cosmetic tweaks are moderate at best. The white disguise on the front end indicates the most important changes will occur on the bumper, headlights and grille.

Moving at the back, the rear bumper is also getting a subtle nip and tuck while the taillights are almost undisguised and show their slightly different graphics. The interior wasn't hidden on this prototype which can only mean the changes will be minor so expect an update of the infotainment system, a more generous array of safety & assistance systems along with other miscellaneous novelties such as fresh upholsteries, trims and additional optional equipment.

A previous report indicated Mercedes-Benz will open the order books in December which means the facelifted SL will be shown before the end of the year. Deliveries are reportedly programmed to commence by March 2016.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/115061995493/latest-mercedes-benz-sl-facelift-spy-shots-reveal-new

 

[Merc1]

That new front end won't fix the problem, which is too much overhang/heft up front for a roadster. Po thing.

M

 

[Sovereign]

The current model doesn't look as bad as in the pictures. In fact its still a good looking car but looks a bit too familiar as it shares the overall profile with the R230. However I am getting the feeling from the above pictures that the facelift would make it a much more attractive car. It looks quite good even with camouflage and the rear treatment has brought some needed aggression at the rear of the car.

 

[Sovereign]

I like the long trunk design that is obvious from the side picture above. This design element reminds me of some of the best old American cars of the past. Very attractive.
Thanks rs271.

 

[Wolfgang]

Should become available to order in November, and arrive at the dealerships in the spring.

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Source: MB Passion & Jens Walko / www.walko-art.com

 

[klier]

i suspect the area around the exhaust will be blacked out in the end, and it really will be a major improvement. Not the best looking car, but a lot better than before.

I do think the all new next gen SL will be even better looking than the AMG GT, to make up (and they appear get a hang of the new design direction now).

 

[DJRaze99]

 

[Merc1]

No hope for this car.

M

 

[Amat46]

Blame Pfeiffer!