2009 Mercedes-Benz SL350: New Design

Motoring Channel Staff - 23/January/2008

Stuttgart, Germany — Has Mercedes committed the ultimate sin? 

New images have emerged showing the 2009 model Mercedes-Benz SL-Class convertible in all it's glory, but it appears the German automaker has taken an iconic vehicle and belted it with the ugly stick.

The major element of the 2009 model-year facelift for the SL-Class is the headlight design, and almost every car enthusiast we've shown these photos to has expressed dismay.

One staffer even went so far as to call the car the "ugly step-sister of the Chrysler Sebring". 

The insults are starting to fly already, and Mercedes-Benz decision to try a CLS-Class influence may backfire.

Changes to the SL-Class Mercedes are not wholesale however. 

The front end is largely new with the updated head light design, a slightly different front apron style and a new single-bar grille.

With new side strakes along the cars flanks, the rear end also gets a slight touch up, though the brake lights and exhaust pipes appear to be have been modified only slightly, if at all.

The overall body shape remains largely unchanged, though new alloy wheels will help differentiate the new model from the old.

Inside the vehicle not much has changed. There's a new steering wheel and updated speedometer and tachometer dials, and a handful of new features are also expected.

The model shown in these leaked images is believed to be the SL 350, which is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that outputs around 200kW of power and 350Nm of torque.

The classic SL model has always been the SL 500, which is powered by a 285kW V8 engine and can sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

Mercedes facelifted SL-Class range is expected to comprise the SL 350, the SL500, the SL 600 and the motor sports influenced SL 63 AMG. All models will be rear-wheel drive.

The SL 63 AMG is expected to output an impressive 390kW (525hp) and 630Nm of torque, which will enable a zero to 100km/h dash of around 4.7 seconds. 

The AMG model will also benefit from larger 19-inch wheels, a rear diffuser, and a more aggressive front apron.

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