[PHOTOS] New 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Bows in LA
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class debuted yesterday at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show with an upgraded exterior and some more muscle. The 2017 SL marks the mid-cycle refresh for the roadster, so we got to see some notable changes for the model.
For starters, under the hood of the SL450 (previously known as the SL400), we now get a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that ups the model’s horsepower from 329 hp to 362 hp. It’s mated to an all-new nine-speed transmission and rockets the SL450 from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, a slight improvement over the current iteration.
While the SL550’s 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 doesn’t see any performance changes for the 2017 model year, it is mated to that all-new nine-speed transmission.
The AMG models see no major changes. A 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 motivates the SL63, at 577 horsepower. Power knows no bounds in the SL65, however, with the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 laying down 621 horsepower.
The exterior, while improved, still leaves something to be desired. The front really benefited from the refresh, with reshaped headlights and an all-new grille. The profiles merely gained larger cosmetic air outlets, and the rear retains what critics have disliked about the SL-Class in the past, including the unnecessarily large taillights. However, two new exterior color options (Designo Selenite Grey Magno and Brilliant Blue) and some new alloy wheel options make the exterior redesign an overall win.
Some other new features include some very patriotic ambient lighting; drivers can choose among solar red, polar blue, and polar white. There’s also a new Saddle Brown interior color available with Nappa or Exclusive Nappa leather. An added bonus, the roof can open and close at speeds up to 25 mph.
The all-new 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class will be available in early 2016. Try not to drool over all these pictures while you wait.
Gallery: 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Photos
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