DETROIT AUTO SHOW: 001 Captures ALL Of The Brand New Mercedes-Benz SL's Nooks And Crannies

Last year, one of the most followed test products was the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Spy photographers lined up and publications posted image after image, after image. You can't blame them either. The SL is an industry staple.

And, for many, it's an object of affection AND something to aspire for.

Rightfully so because driving an SL is like no other convertible experience. It's sturdy and confident and the quality is through the roof. So, the next-gen seen below has some mighty big shoes to fill. Given Mercedes' major changes to this all-new product, in form of weight savings and more power, it will be interesting to see how the SL shakes out in 2012.


Stay tuned to AutoSpies as more of the BEST photos emerge from Detroit...

Lexus is the exclusive sponsor of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show Photo Galleries.


2012 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

wins555 - 1/11/2012 11:49:10 PM

+5 Boost

WOW. Too many buttons on the dash though. Why has everything have to be so complicated these days?

Steve - 1/12/2012 1:36:23 AM

+1 Boost

The quad headlamped SL500 (no longer in production) is in my mind the most beautiful roadster ever made. I'm not warm at all to what MB is delivering today. Ditto with the new SL.

iamdabest1 - 1/12/2012 8:14:30 AM

+1 Boost

definitely like the headlamps on the 2011 model more, but everything else i think it perfect on this car.. im sure the new style will grow on us eventually.

Yonder7 - 1/12/2012 8:54:12 AM

+1 Boost

As an MB fan I hate the Toyota Rav 4 Headlamp style but no idea why those are starting to look more attractive to me...

docsout1 - 1/12/2012 9:38:19 AM

+2 Boost

Was expecting something way more updated. Different front end, different dash, poof?! My '03 SL looks much better, or anyway equally good, such that I'm not going to spend another $100K for that. 'Three different disigners on one car', (Motor Trend preview article). How ridiculous. Disappointedly poor.

ThierryHenry14 - 1/12/2012 11:32:21 AM

+1 Boost

Right, because you are going to find 4 cylinder engines in this vehicle... Good one!

pepito66 - 1/12/2012 9:42:23 AM

+2 Boost

Nissan engines , explain please ?????

ThierryHenry14 - 1/12/2012 11:33:47 AM

+1 Boost

I believe MB is outsourcing its high end 4 CYLINDER engines for Nissan to build in their Tennessee plant. I'm not sure if any 4 CYLINDER engines will find its way into the SL... Nice try...

docsout1 - 1/12/2012 9:52:30 AM

+2 Boost

Additional comment: After seeing the new Boxster, it will be a definite consideration as opposed to this SL. Again, with the MB, nothing exciting.

CarCrazedinCali - 1/12/2012 5:29:19 PM

+1 Boost

what's so new and interesting about the "new" boxster?

ThierryHenry14 - 1/12/2012 11:36:01 AM

0 Boost

IMO, the SL's oversized proportions of headlights and certain parts just make this car small looking, which in turn make it not look like a proper GT. It actually does not make the car sleek and flowing, forward moving and having road presence, which is what I feel makes the SL so attractive.

quizz - 1/14/2012 2:13:55 AM

+1 Boost

Agreed. It wants too much to be like the SLK rather than the CL, a more appropriate analog.

Occarnut - 1/12/2012 2:28:52 PM

+2 Boost

Well I guess we can start hoping that at least the new S-Class might turn out okay..though given MB's in ability to design anything attractive and worthy of being an MB lately I think we know how that will play out.

keyzi747 - 1/13/2012 8:56:21 AM

+1 Boost

I really didnt like this car at first, but it is really starting to grow on me..... a lot.