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Updated: More pics of 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL facelift

 
12 3,120 views Jan 22, 2008
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Updated: More pics of 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL facelift

Updated: More pics of 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL facelift

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Updated: We now have the first completely undisguised images of Mercedes’ facelifted SL convertible ahead of the new car’s world debut, rumored to be at March’s Geneva Motor Show. The current model is arguably one of the most stylish and elegant cars on the road but our initial impression of this facelifted version is one of disappointment. The side profile still looks great, however the headlights look strange when viewed front-on.

Original: Just a few days ago we brought you pictures of the latest SLK 55 AMG, and now we have the first official picture of the SL 65 AMG, Mercedes’ flagship roadster. As early as February of this year we were giving you previews of what the SL facelift might look like, and it seems we were pretty much on the money. The one major difference in the new look is the rear fascia and diffuser, which are unique to the new facelift and not found on any other model in the SL line. The news that accompanies the new pictures also confirms Mercedes will be offering an SL 63.

The picture released today only shows the new SL 65 from a rear three-quarters view, so other visual details are obscured. The powerful and prominent rear diffuser that holds the quad-exhaust tips, two at either side and the large, aggressively styled taillights dominate the view from behind. What we can see of the side looks similar to the outgoing model, and the front end, which is not shown in this picture, will doubtless hold a few surprises.

Power still comes from a 6.0L V12 in the SL 65 AMG, churning out a massive 450kW (612hp) and 1,000Nm of torque. The SL 63 AMG will get its power from a large-displacement V8 that pumps out 386kW (525hp) and 630Nm of torque. Both will be available with the AMG SpeedShift MCT 7-speed. For those with an eye toward fuel consumption and emissions, neither car is going to win any ‘green’ awards, but the figures aren’t as bad as you might think, given the massive power statistics. The V12 in the SL 65 AMG burns 15.1L of petrol per 100km traveled, and emits 362g/km of CO2 along the way. The V8 in the SL 63 AMG is somewhat more economical at 13.9L/100km and 330g/km CO2.

No word yet on pricing, but expect things to start out somewhere north of $180,000 like the current SL 65 AMG.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL facelift

HI-RES GALLERY: mercedes sl 01




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Comments (12)

  1. By Gus Posted: 1/21/2008 10:19am PST

    It's the front lights that look angry and surprised at the same time.
    The rest of the car looks mostly the same, which is good...
     
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  2. By MARIO Posted: 1/21/2008 11:34am PST

    1994. SL looks nicer in my opinion
     
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  3. By Beelzebub Posted: 1/22/2008 6:44am PST

    Is it just me or are car emblems getting HUGE?
     
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  4. By HECTOR Posted: 1/22/2008 6:45am PST

    Yeah... Why are those headlights staring at me and what do they want?
     
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  5. By lackar Posted: 1/22/2008 8:48am PST

    where's the elegance?
    i think the SL shuold keeping its original elegant style. and save the sport style for the SLC.
     
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  6. By vb Posted: 1/22/2008 9:10am PST

    First impression:"Oh my god what did they do?"
    Compared to the old SL the new front is awful...
     
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  7. By lexlife Posted: 1/22/2008 1:48pm PST

    I agree with VB & Lackar. What did they do? If I were shopping for a high end convertible I would just have to spend more and step up to an Aston Martin Vantage convertible. The 09' SL has such an in-your-face appearance with its distorted new front. I simply want to gracefully make moves without the loud introduction. Mercedes has an abundance of talent in their creative department some executive with poor taste passed on some great design alternatives attempting to seek a younger audience. Wrong audience and bad execution. I suppose I should have expected this design disaster after being so disappointed in the new CL design. Its a virtual land yacht with zero appeal. The upcoming SLC has to save the day with design language that melds classy with sporty- we'll see.
     
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  8. By balkan boy Posted: 1/23/2008 1:21am PST

    I have bigger issue about SL's grille with an oversized amblem....it gives this car over the top and almost cartoonish visual appeal....too bad, I think that MB's design should go back to the grace of for example it's own W114/115 series from seventies...actually Cadillac recaptured front end elegance of W114/115 in a modern wraper in their designs of late....
     
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  9. By Steve Posted: 1/29/2008 3:31pm PST

    What I like about the new front of the SL is it makes look like the 1994 one. But the problem is the back doesn't match! It looks like they welded the halves of two different cars together.
     
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  10. By Dan Posted: 2/1/2008 9:47pm PST

    Horrible front end. It looks like they tried to mix a bit of the C class and a touch of the CLS. And that emblem is a bit too MC Hammer for me. This is proof that trying to improve upon a nearly perfect design is a difficult task. This reminds me of the mistake that Porsche made with the 996. The older 993 looked much better. The SL is the cream of the Mercedes line, and since its inception, has not failed to impress me straight away. Until now, that is.
     
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  11. By Chris Posted: 2/4/2008 5:51pm PST

    This is the worst mercedes design I have ever seen!!! worse than than the...well anything, period. These will sell less than the 1994 SEC redesign...
     
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  12. By Bambino Posted: 2/5/2008 7:15pm PST

    I have to agree, the sporty should be left for the SLK. After all, it's a Mercedes Sport car, can't say Roadster since its too much of a word for such a small car, but nice. By the way, what are those headrests, they are twice as big as an average human-head. I also have to agree with Chris^^, not such a financial benefit for the German automobile makers with this design. I hope they won't paste the same design into the S65, Iove that car. There are three things I would give my life for: My family (only those whom I love), My wife, and My mercedes Benz. don't make me regret saying that please.
     
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