Convertibles personify everything good in this world including a sunny day, cool breeze and open roads preferably running across a coastline. We could even say world peace but maybe that would be pushing it a little. Nevertheless, what we are trying to say is the world needs more convertibles, especially some good looking ones. Somebody at Mercedes-Benz seemed to feel the same way and has impressed us with the 2017 SL facelift that has been officially revealed ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.
Mercedes’ new design language takes over the 2017 SL that gets a completely new front fascia. Now inline with other models from the automaker’s lineup, the new SL looks more like a baby AMG GT from certain angles. The bold new grille is new and so are the beautifully curved headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. The bumper is tweaked with larger air intakes while the ORVMs have been reworked as well for better aerodynamics.
At the rear, the 2017 Mercedes SL facelift comes with new petal shaped LED tail lights, along with redesigned bumper and a new diffuser. The more powerful SL63 AMG spices things further on the facelift, complete with the multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels and the trademark quad exhausts that are worth every bit attention. The roof continues to be a hard top unit and as it generally is with any Mercedes, the SL comes with optimum insulation levels.
Inside the cabin, things have been spruced with a host of upgrades on the Mercedes SL facelift, as the Cabriolet comes with a larger infotainment display unit that can be accessed by the same control, while a new flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel keeps things exciting for the driver. Also, new is the redesigned gearshift knob as well as a controller which allows you to select between different driving modes including Individual, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Race. For the AMG spec version, the cabin gets plenty of carbon fibre, AMG sports seats and all black treatment as opposed to the leather upholstery options seen on the standard SL facelift.
Mercedes will be revealing the complete specifications list on the 2017 SL facelift only next week, but do we have an idea on the powertrain that will be visible on the model. So we expect to see a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that is likely to make around 329 HP while the SL550 will use a 4.7-litre twin-turbocharged V8 churning out around 449 HP. The SL63 AMG will continue to get a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 577 HP, while the top-of-the-line SL65 with a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 would be packed with 621 HP.
The transmission will reportedly be updated to a 9-speed automatic on the standard model while the AMG versions will continue with the 7-speed SpeedShift unit. Now, the good thing is the 2017 Mercedes SL will be heading to India but only next year, replacing the outgoing model and will also be offered in its AMG avatar. If that doesn’t excite you enough, let us remind you that the SL looks like a baby AMG GT and that itself is a good deal in our books.
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