Exterior design
The most notable change to the 2009 Mercedes SL is unquestionably it's all-new front end, boasting a distinctive V-shape, wider radiator grille and new bonnet featuring what Mercedes is calling "powerdomes." Other changes include new front wings with gill-style air outlets, a new diffuser-style rear bumper and exterior mirrors featuring a new housing design with arrow-type indicators.

Engine and transmission
As for the 2009 SL's powerplants, notable changes here lie in the realm of the V6 powerplants. A new SL 280 variant developing 170kW/231 hp is now available, as is a SL 350 featuring a new high-revving sports engine developing 232kW/316 hp. Fuel consumption for the range is reduced up to 0.4 liters per 100 kilometers, while a seven-speed automatic transmission which includes a double-declutching function is now standard on the SL 350.

Interior design
Inside, a new three-spoke leather sports steering wheel, a new-look instrument cluster and new fluting on the seat covers are the primary changes, while a new interior color - natural beige with high-sheen pale burr walnut trim - is now available.

Safety and technology
And of course, what model revision would be complete without a host of new safety and technology features. Notable additions in this segment include AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, an Intelligent Light System with five different lighting settings and a COMAND system featuring additional functions.

 

SL63

Exterior Design of SL 63 AMG

• New, distinctive AMG bodystyling
• New: AMG bonnet with its own design contours
• New: AMG spoiler lip
• Air outlets in the front apron painted in body color
• New: matt silver painted AMG trim panels with “6.3 AMG” lettering in the front wings
• New: high-gloss black painted radiator grille
• New: transverse fin in the front apron, painted in high-gloss black
• New: darkened bi-xenon headlamps
• Darkened tail lights incl. third brake light
• AMG sports exhaust system with two oval twin chromeplated tailpipes
• New: 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a new triple-spoke design

Interior Design of the SL 63 AMG

• AMG sports seats
• New: AMG DRIVE UNIT
• New AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel
• New AMG instrument cluster
• AMG carbon-fiber trim elements
• Brushed stainless steel door sill panels with AMG lettering
• Nappa leather upholstery

SL 63 AMG Technology

• New: AMG 6.3-liter V8 with 386 kW/525 hp
• New: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission
• New: 3-stage ESP (ON/SPORT/OFF)
• AMG high-performance braking system
• New AMG sports suspension
• New AMG speed-sensitive steering

 

Is this supposed to be a next generation design or a mid-gen refresh? I just saw the new SLK and they stated it was a 'next gen' but that Mercedes liked the current gen so much and thought it had staying power so they really just did a mild to moderate refresh to the suspension and powertrain while leaving the exterior and interior almost completely alone save for the front clip and some updated tech options w/ the nav and such.

Sounds to me like Benz is either smartly confident in their designs or is getting lazy. The question to me is - where are they shifting the resources of their engineers to if they've been resting around doing nothing with what were supposed to be redesigned models?

BTW... I've always liked the SL, so I still like this one, but I think I actually prefer the headlights on the model prior to this one better. They make some pretty good used car buys... you'll find ones 2-3 years old with 10-20k miles selling for half their original MSRP

 

I agree. I like it but don't love the looks like I did on the last one.

 

Mercedes is turning into a company I really like styling-wise. Getting rid of the Beak was the last step.

I still wouldn't touch one of their cars with a ten-foot pole, though.

 

I've really like Merc cars over the past 10 years for their styling, inside and out, which is personally kinda conflicting since they aren't my first choice for a 'driver's' car (BMW seems more enthusiast centric).

Having said that, after drooling over past samples like the CLS, SLK, SLR and 'Black' series, the headlights really diminish the styling on this car.

 

I liked the older front end more.
This one looks too much like the early SLK.

 

this is the first of MB's new design's that I cant stand.

 

what the hell is in the back of those head rests

 

I'm guessing their "air scarf" system... blows hot air around people which actually works surprisingly well to allow top down driving in cooler weather without feeling cold... much better than just turning on the heater vents in the dash.

 

The new design is a little girly compared to the old one IMO. Looks a lot like their cheaper roadster -- I forget which model that is. I didn't look much at the specs, but I'm sure the AMG version is plenty fast.

 

Okay, so I'm trying to imagine what was going through the management team's mind when they did this. Maybe:

"Well, we'll start on the front."

(Styling review comes.)

"AHHH!!! Stop!!! STOP NOW!!"

(Reality hits.)

"What the hell. It's a Mercedes. Rich tards will buy it regardless. Go ahead, put it in production."

 

I like the SL63 AMG, and the interior is real nice, simple and looks functional, nothign crazy going on.

I dont really see the girliness of the car.

 

One thing is for sure - I'm shocked at how long Benz has continued to use the crappy looking modular nav systems they've been using... tiny screen, crappy interface, parts-bin look with generic parts bin looking buttons on the sides. For a system being thrown in cars that cost as much as some homes... I'd expect more. I mean look at what you get in a 25k dollar Honda Accord... blows the SL's nav out of the water.

And strangely the C class has a nicer nav system than the SL, even after this supposed "update".