The facelifted 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL has been unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Sporting a few cosmetic changes for 2016, the SL gets a revised front end with AMG GT-inspired headlights and a new front bumper with larger air intakes. At the back, the LED taillights have been refreshed with updated graphics, along with a restyled rear bumper.
Inside, a few minor revisions are obvious, including a new steering wheel, larger infotainment screen, updated instruments graphics and gear lever.
Underneath the car’s elongated bonnet are carried over engines with slight power hikes. The 4.7-litre V8 engine in the SL400 receives an extra 25kW and 20Nm to bump the power output to 270kW and 500Nm of torque. The same engine in the SL500 now produces 335kW and 700Nm.
Stepping up to the SL 63 AMG brings a 5.5-litre V8 engine churning out 430kW and 900Nm, while the mighty 6.0-litre V12 in the range-topping SL 65 AMG delivers 463kW and an earth shattering 1,000Nm of torque.
While the numbers may look impressive, the SL 65 is only 0.1 second quicker than the significantly cheaper SL 63 AMG.
All engines are now mated with Mercedes’ 9-speed automatic transmission.
Technology wise, the optional Active Body Control curve tilting function borrowed from the S-Class Coupe makes its debut on the SL. It reduces the car’s body movements when braking and cornering.
There’s also a new controller for the DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, which allows the driver to select Curve (CV), Comfort (C), Sport (S), Sport Plus (S+) and Individual.