SL/R231: Just viewed a 2017 in person.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Just viewed a 2017 in person.
Today, I visited MB of Foothill Ranch to test drive the new S550 Cabriolet. I'll post my impressions of that car on the W222 forum.
Anyway, they had a new SL450 on the showroom floor. The front end is nicer than the 2016, but it still looks odd to me and did not look nearly as nice in person as the photos I have seen. The grill appears to still be too upright and the entire font end a bit obtrusive, at least to my eye. I do not believe there will be a new SL in my future, but I'm sure many others will like it.
Anyway, they had a new SL450 on the showroom floor. The front end is nicer than the 2016, but it still looks odd to me and did not look nearly as nice in person as the photos I have seen. The grill appears to still be too upright and the entire font end a bit obtrusive, at least to my eye. I do not believe there will be a new SL in my future, but I'm sure many others will like it.
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 11
From: Las Vegas
2017 SL450; 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo; 2005 Lexus SC430
Drove the new SL450
Since my 2017 SL450 is now on order, when the first "spec one" designed for quick sale finally arrived at my dealer this past Wednesday (Fletcher-Jones/Las Vegas), I was invited to drive it -- which I was delighted to do a couple of days ago.
The engine is very similar to the one in the "new" SLC43. Both produce the same 362 HP from a 3.0L V-6 engine; the SLC's pound-feet of torque is 15 pounds more within the same 2,000 - 4,200 rpm range.
I am very pleased to be able to pass along to my fellow enthusiasts that the engine mates well with the SL. Not only is there plenty of "pep", but -- even better -- the engine roars, gurgles and pops. It is an absolute blast to drive, offering both performance and near obscene comfort. My ONLY criticism is that the "head-in" media center (including the display screen) looks as if it was made for a cheaper car and was simply stuffed into the front of the dashboard. That was disappointing, but not a deal killer. I would have gladly have paid another $500 to have it fit and be finished better.
Finally, Fletcher-Jones had a 2017 S63 Cabriolet on the showroom floor. A fabulous toy, with great looks and performance to match, but with a sticker at over $200K, I decided to stay with my upcoming SL450!
The engine is very similar to the one in the "new" SLC43. Both produce the same 362 HP from a 3.0L V-6 engine; the SLC's pound-feet of torque is 15 pounds more within the same 2,000 - 4,200 rpm range.
I am very pleased to be able to pass along to my fellow enthusiasts that the engine mates well with the SL. Not only is there plenty of "pep", but -- even better -- the engine roars, gurgles and pops. It is an absolute blast to drive, offering both performance and near obscene comfort. My ONLY criticism is that the "head-in" media center (including the display screen) looks as if it was made for a cheaper car and was simply stuffed into the front of the dashboard. That was disappointing, but not a deal killer. I would have gladly have paid another $500 to have it fit and be finished better.
Finally, Fletcher-Jones had a 2017 S63 Cabriolet on the showroom floor. A fabulous toy, with great looks and performance to match, but with a sticker at over $200K, I decided to stay with my upcoming SL450!
