Facelift for 2017 Mercedes SL Officially Revealed

Launching in spring 2016, Mercedes-Benz has pulled the cover off the facelifted SL roadster at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show.

Receiving a substantial facelift for the 2017 model year, the new SL gets a heavily revised front end with standard LED headlights and a unique diamond radiator grille that follows in the footsteps of other recently revamped Mercedes models. A pair of powerdomes accentuate the long hood, while the sporty silhouette of the SL is further emphasized with enlarged cosmetic air outlets with wing-like chrome inserts.

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For the U.S., the 2017 Mercedes SL will launch with four models: SL450, SL550, AMG SL63 and AMG SL65. The base model Mercedes SL450 is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, while the SL550 features a 4.7-liter V8 with 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both models receive a new 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission with Dynamic Select that allows the driver to adjust vehicle characteristics with a touch of a button.

Stepping up into the AMG range, the AMG SL63 boasts a 5.5-liter V8 packing 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, while the range-topping SL65 gets a 6.0-liter V12 with 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. According to the German automaker, the SL63 will be good for a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.1 seconds, while the SL65 does the sprint in 3.9 seconds. The AMG SL63 will have its powertrain mated to an AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sports transmission while the SL65 gets an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic box.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage

Along with the facelift, Mercedes said that the new SL models use an all-aluminum bodyshell that weighs around 220 pounds less than if it had been produced using steel technology.

Standard features on the 2017 Mercedes SL include Active Brake Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Parking Assist Parktronic, Keyless-Go, Hands-Free Access and Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system. Optional features include ambient lighting, exclusive Nappa leather interior, Magic Sky Control, Smartphone Integration package, Active Body Control with curve tilting function, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system (AMG models) and the Driver Assistance package that outfits the roadster with Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Pre-Safe Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Pre-Safe Plus.

Pricing on the new Mercedes SL will be announced closer to its spring 2016 launch.

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