2017 Mercedes-Benz SL

Sorry for the long delay; I know you guys have been wanting coverage from the 2015 L.A. Auto Show, but I was not able to publish any when it was fairly new and relevant, which was over a month ago. The Mercedes-Benz SL received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2017 model year. Compared to the pre-refreshed version, it contains a new front fascia, headlights, and rear splitter. It is available in four trim levels: SL450, SL550, AMG SL63, and AMG SL65. The SL450 replaces the SL400 and is powered by a twin-turbo V6 churning out 362 horses. 0-60 mph is expected to be in the mid four-second range in the entry-level SL. The SL550 is powered by a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 with 449 horses. Both these models are paired to a new nine-speed automatic. Not much has changed with the performance-oriented AMG SL63 and AMG SL65 models. The SL63 retains its 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 horses; the SL65 retains its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 621 horses. Both AMG models are available solely with the seven-speed "Speedshift" automatic. Other performance specifications for the 2017 SL lineup have not officially been released. The retractable hardtop on all SL models can open and close at speeds up to 25 mph. The red ambient lighting in the vehicle's cabin can now be changed to blue or white. Another notable feature on the 2017 SL is the curve-tilting fuction on the Active Body Control suspension. This causes the vehicle to lean into corners a few degrees. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL is expected to hit showroom floors soon, starting at approximately $86,000 for the SL450, $109,000 for the SL550, $151k for the AMG SL63, and $220k for the AMG SL65. I think it has improved aesthetically compared to the 2013-16 model. Like most Three-Pointed Star badged vehicles, the 2017 SL looks great inside and out, and is engineered brilliantly. Pictured below is the 2013-16 Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) to compare this model to the one above.