What's the news?
The Mercedes-Benz SL is getting a facelift, which includes the two mental Mercedes-AMG versions as well. There are some new bits of hardware in the form of a nine-speed automatic gearbox and the Active Body Control curve-tilting function, while extra equipment is also drafted in for the cabin.
Exterior
If you're a fan of Mercedes' most opulent models, it's pretty clear to see from which car the facelifted SL gets its inspiration. There's more than a hint of Mercedes-AMG GT in the shape of the standard-fit LED headlamps and revised, raked radiator grille with a diamond pattern. All models get the AMG-esque A-wing lower airdam at the front and the bonnet features a couple of striking 'powerdomes'. The AMG models get a slightly more pronounced A-wing and the double-strake bars running either side of the three-pointed star.
Along the flanks, all SLs get enlarged air vents behind the front wheels, and at the back are reshaped taillights that are finished entirely in red. All variants benefit from a slightly revised lower back bumper, too. New colours are available (Brilliant Blue and designo Selenite Grey Magno) and there are fresh alloy wheel designs for the Benz SLs and the AMG pairing. Talking of which, the SL 63 and SL 65 cars can be had with an optional Night Package, while the carbon-fibre exterior styling is extended to include inserts for the rear apron and side skirts.
Perhaps the best news for SL fans is that the 'vario-roof' - still available with optional Magic Sky Control, in which the glass panel can turn from opaque to transparent, or vice versa, in just seconds with the hood up - can now be dropped on the move at speeds of up to 40km/h. There's also an automatic boot separator, which moves according to whether you want the hood up or down.
Interior
Not a huge amount to report in here, as it has merely been given a set of new finishes and materials to keep it feeling suitably premium. Perhaps the biggest change is the addition of the latest Comand infotainment software, which incorporates internet radio and live traffic information. The AMG models, as usual, get sports seats, a three-spoke performance steering wheel and the option of a lot of carbon fibre trim.
Mechanicals
The all-petrol engine line-up continues largely as before, only the SL 400 entry model seeing any updates. Its 3.0-litre V6 has been boosted by 35hp and 20Nm to now stand at peaks of 367hp (from 5,500- to 6,000rpm) and 500Nm (1,800- to 4,500rpm). The other non-AMG model is the 4.7-litre SL 500, its V8 churning out 455hp at 5,250- to 5,500rpm and 700Nm from 1,800- to 3,500rpm. Speed freaks need to look to the twin-turbocharged Mercedes-AMG models: the SL 63, equipped with a 5.5-litre V8 rated at 585hp (at 5,500rpm) and 900Nm (2,250- to 3,750rpm); or the monstrous 6,0-litre V12 SL 65, with 630hp at 5,500rpm and 1,000Nm from 2,300- to 4,300rpm.
As standard, the 400 and 500 models get the 9G-Tronic nine-speed auto, while the SL 63 has the AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed dual-clutch unit and the SL 65 gets an AMG Speedshift Plus 7g-Tronic auto. Performance, from base to flagship, is rabid: 0-100km/h takes 4.9-, 4.3-, 4.1- and 4.0 seconds for the 400, 500, SL 63 and SL 65 respectively. Top speed is limited to 250km/h on all models, although fit an AMG Driver's Package to either of the Affalterbach variants and that figure rises to 300km/h. Fuel economy is not so hot, with the SLs returning anything between 11.9 litres/100km (23.7mpg) on the SL 65 and 7.7 litres/100km (36.7mpg) on the SL 400. CO2 emissions accordingly start at 175g/km on the 400 and culminate in 279g/km on the SL 65.
The additions for facelift time include the curve-tilting function as part of the optional Active Body Control (ABC) adaptive dampers of the SL. This leans the Merc's body into corners to prevent body roll and lateral acceleration on the occupants, with the system working between 15- and 180km/h.
An interesting note for AMG fans is that the rear axle differential lock is now standard fit on both the SL 63 and SL 65 beasts.
Anything else?
The revised Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG SL line-up will go on sale in the first half of 2016, following a debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show running this month. Ola Källenius, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales and Marketing, said: "The SL is an all-season vehicle that is fully suited for daily use, but above all it is a dream car for those special moments as a couple. Whatever its owner desires, it fulfils the expectations with technical perfection."