Spy Shot: Mercedes-Benz SL gets a facelift - major overhaul in 2013

I don't think the next generation will be as silky smooth as the current design. The current SL and the previous S-Class I believe are epic designs that will be in the record books as the most beautiful cars ever built. The new design philosophy of today's cars are very edgy, bulky, and wide. Much of the new CL's visual success came after the car was launched where it had to grow on people. For me I wasn't used to the look. But when I went to the dealer as well as the auto show the car is as stunning as any car can get. It screams luxury and refinement. It's top notch Mercedes quality and yes quality is back. If you don't believe me step foot in the latest Mercedes models. The S-Class is the first place to look when you want quality and the CL is at that same level.

I disagree about the last-gen exterior designs. Mercedes wasn't aggressive enough with the W220; it was too feminine and lacked road presence. That's not to say it wasn't a nice car... but the new S is such a massive improvement. I love the new exterior design, especially with the AMG package.

And in fact, sevor, you're wrong about the last-gen S-Class. In fact, the A-Class was the first to feature their previous design cues. The S followed.

Why was I so de-boosted? What was wrong with my comment?

"Quality"? Well, Consumer Reports, JD Power and several others have found otherwise, and as a Mercedes owner for many years, I would say that while styling and pricing had been very good over the last few years, the workmanship (quality) has seriously diminished of late. These cars have been in the shop with plaguing mechanical gremlins and even Mercedes acknowledges this in their internal magazines to club members (like myself), to which we are provided special 800 numbers to help remedy ongoing setbacks.

The new visual cues however, here will be surely interesting. When the CLS first appeared, many were really stricken by its looks in a good way. Then, it seems like as many were repelled by this. However, now it seems as if has grown on everyone and the car is regarded as one of the more beautiful cars on the road and this is inspiring a whole generation of sporty 4-door "coupe" like models from others.

Waiting for more shots on this new SL.

Wouldn't this mean the SL will be around for a total of ten years? That's a bit long, don't you think? A new XK will be out by then!

It does seem long. But if this face lift resembles the new S-Class or CL for that matter it should be up to date in terms of styling cues. Now to hold a generation for 10 years is like the NSX holding it for even longer before the idea was scratched. The only difference is that this SL is attractive and will still be loved by those it caters to.

Facelift or major overhaul, the SL screams luxury and screams for attention. That retractable hard top idea is unparalleled and gives the consumer versatility in their vehicle. Great idea by Merc.

If you look at the history of the SL-class, it's been a repeating theme that the model sticks around a very long time. The R107 lasted from 71 to 89. R129 lasted from 89 to 01. Earlier models turned over more quickly but still in the 5-8 year range. I think the SL has always been a car that becomes timeless the moment it's produced and hence why they can get away with spending so much time on one model.

I think it's a little short sighted in saying that the current designs are the best there will ever be. I think the SL series from the 50's are some of the most beautiful designs MB has ever done.

Don't get me wrong, however. The current designs are quite appealing and stand on their own merit, but I doubt if they will be considered the best EVER!

It will be one of the greatest in the MB museum. Not the greatest ever as I can not for tell the future of Merc.

What can we possibly see from all this camouflage? But, anyhow the SL was always a beautiful car and it will be in its next generation as well.

The only problem I have with the current SL is the exterior antenna. It would be nice if they could hide it somewhere in the windshield frame instead.

At least it's body-color.

I wonder if the major overhaul will be close to the release of the BMW SL-fighter that is rumorered to be in the works, it'll make it very interesting.

No, it's the SL87 AMG. The SC-F will beat it, though!

aha...he...ha...ha...ha...ha...ha

Lexus

the AMG's just need AWD. the ML63 is a beast, so imagine a SL65 4-matic?

Who's the moron/morons that come through these blogs & senselessly de-boost comments. It's my biggest pet peeve on this site.

For example, why the hell would anybody de-boost any of “S4’s”, “Answer”, or “BMWM’s” comments. They’re having a non-bashing conversation in which someone is trying to make look irrelevant.

Then I realize it must be one of these retarded Lexus fan boys, because right after the de-boosted comments I mentioned, “LexusLexusLexus” comment is posted which has been boosted for excellence.

The funny thing is “S4” is joking around when he says

“No, it's the SL87 AMG. The SC-F will beat it, though!

aha...he...ha...ha...ha...ha...ha

Lexus”

However the Lexus fanatics will post comments just like that & believe it 100% with no evidence to back their beliefs. It’s tiring, ridiculous & no doubt immature!

i think 2013 for the the major overhaul of the SL is a bit long..Mercedes is currently in the stages of transferring almost all their line-up to the next-gen..All is left is the E,CLK and perhaps a few changes on the CLS..Why dont they just release an all new SL..Mercedes will be on top of the world with the most amazing line-up..Really, not one of their new cars is a disappointment and I hear reliability is much improved.

i pray that this isnt the case. the result will be a platform that wont change regardless of competition. the merc has an old design but very classic. performance upgrades thoughout MYs help too.

Is there any point in showing us a disguised car?