Mercedes-Benz updates the SL 550

The SL 550 is one of the most dramatic vehicles in the entire Mercedes lineup, but recent changes have only improved the luxury sports car. Anyone can tell from looking at the 2017 model that it’s different.

Exterior Look

The shape of the headlights has been altered and the front fascia is heavily revised, with larger grille that’s directly inspired by the classic 300SL. The lower air intake openings are also more aggressive, thanks to a curvy new look, emphasizing the car’s performance abilities. Standard 18-inch aluminum wheels have a new twin 5-spoke layout that add a nice touch. Two 19-inch wheel choices are available, including a twin5-spoke and an AMG® 5-spoke.

The front fender vents have been made slightly larger, emphasizing one of the nicer design features on the car. As for the deep creases down the sides and in the side apron, they have been preserved, which communicate a sense of athleticism and motion that is essential to the car’s excitement factor.

Despite all of these changes, the price of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 isn’t going up dramatically.
The back end of the car has been slightly revised as well, making the vehicle more modern and attractive.

Interior Changes

At first glance, the interior of the 2017 Mercedes SL 550 looks pretty much the same as the 2015 model. While the differences may be subtle, that’s the beauty of them. For example, the physical switchgear in the center stack have been revised to make them even easier to use while driving, meaning drivers can focus more on enjoying the feeling of cruising down the road. The gauge cluster has also been altered, with a simpler look that accommodates quick glances.

Another change that might not be immediately apparent but many can appreciate has to do with the ambient interior lighting. Instead of only being red, which has been the case up to this point, drivers can set a different mood by being able to switch it to white or blue.

Mechanical Differences

Not all of the changes to the 2017 SL 550 are cosmetic. When it comes to the car’s mechanical layout, or more specifically the powertrain, Mercedes’ engineers saw fit to introduce a few improvements. The car is still powered by the wondrous 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, which produces 449 horsepower for more than enough acceleration and passing abilities in any situation. The big change has to do with the transmission. A nine-speed automatic was added, which follows the trend of automakers lately as they cram more gears in. The big advantage of having nine different speeds is that the engine can stay in its “sweet spot,” or the RPM range where horsepower and torque output are at their greatest, more often. What that means for drivers is that the SL 550 really moves in a hurry when you want it, or you can drive it normally and enjoy a clam experience behind the wheel.

Dealing with the car’s convertible top has become much easier and convenient. Drivers can now raise or lower it at speeds of up to 25 mph, such as when driving down a residential street. Owners also don’t have to mess with the plastic separator piece, because it moves on its own, just like the roof.

Despite all of these changes, the price of the 2017 Mercedes SL 550 isn’t going up dramatically. Instead, when the car becomes available in the early part of 2016, the suggested price will be about $109,000. That fact alone makes the two-seater an excellent value.

If you would like to see all that the new Mercedes-Benz SL 550 has to offer, drop by Mercedes-Benz of Loveland and talk to one of our experienced and friendly sales people. We are conveniently located at 4040 Byrd Drive in Loveland, CO.