First Look: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 and SL600

Still prefer the current Model to this

The current one is timeless, in the way that all Benzes used to be. This will take time to get used to, like every new design out of Germany, which is a shame.

"Every" new design out of Germany?

How about the Porsche 997, Audi S5, Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW 335i, BMW X5, Audi TT, Porsche Cayman, Mercedes-Benz CL, Audi A8 and VW Passat "Coupe?" To name but a few.

Real automotive design is like art. It is not a bad thing to have to get "used" to a new design. You can never gauge true art upon first glance--you have to see it again and again. Then it hits you. "Ah!" The artist was a genius.

Am I asserting that these cars are rolling art? No, that can only be said about things like the Bugatti Veyron, Maserati GT and Aston Martin DB9. But in a way, they could be. The Audi A8--especially the 2008 version--is drop-dead gorgeous from every angle and although it's not sexy, it will look fantastic in ten years, twenty, thirty, forty. Of course, some new German cars will look tacky in ten years. And some won't.

But the point is, people need to push the envelope. I personally wouldn't want all luxury sedans to look like the Lexus LS460 and W220 Mercedes S-Class. Innovation is what the German three do best.

I really like the older model better, this is looking too close to the SLK

Even the SLK looks better than this

Yess.

I agree with all of you, Anthony is right. I love german cars but some times the designs are unusual so you need to see the vehicle on the street before you do your final review. I do remeber that I hate the M5 and 5 series. Now the only reason because I prefer MB E class over it is for the glass roof, but in overall the the 5 series looks better to my eyes.

I like the new model

I definitely do not like the headlights. Its too squared and the lines are not very smooth... too bad

I'm starting to like this SL. It's different. I want to see it on the road.

because its 'merc'. If it was anything else, you would probably be laughing. I cant imagine this and the CL come from the same maker.

No... because the initial shock has worn off and I'm beginning to appreciate the overall design. It's edgier.

It looks like they tried too hard, and ended up in total failure. BTW, I totally hate that steering wheel. It looks like it belongs on a cheap 10k car, not a luxury gt cruiser.

I love this new SL, time for a trade in boys.

The front is fine, what's wrong is the outdated back and interior.

The new S-Class already looks dated. The design will not wear well over time. Too bold to be timeless.

The new S-Class is NOT dated, it still looks fantastic, and it will remain so until the end of its model run.

Yes, it's a trendy design compared to the timeless A8, but it still looks awesome.

I really love the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550.

It's beautiful ;-)

dont you wish you were that beautiful, EL34? ;)

Well said S4. Audi S5, since Nuvolari concept, has the best design I have seen since the 635csi. Hope BMW's next large coupe can get that beauty back.

this car look fantastic! great work mercedes. and also the interior is cool,nothing wrong in this car even the steering wheel looks great !

Heh those headlights look like they were cribbed from the Hyundai Genesis.

Dear god they ruined an icon!!!

Why benz??

It looks a lot like the SLR McLauren, grill wise. I love the new headlights and the rear lip.