When we first saw the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class in the metal at the company's Carlsbad design studio, we weren't allowed to take any photos or talk about what we saw. That's no longer the case, however, with the full details in the wild and the car on display in Detroit this week.

Packing a new 4.6-liter V-8 engine and more technology than your nearest Best Buy, the 2013 SL Class is a no-bones super-luxury roadster. From the fancy water-jet wipers to the photochromic roof, from the all-new yet somewhat classically reminiscent design to the truly fantastic interior, the SL is a car to be seen to be truly understood--no matter whether you love or hate the new look.

For more details on the new SL, check out our previous coverage here.