SL/R231: R231 Changes
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,641
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
R231 Changes
I'm new to the SL family and am wondering other than going from the SL400 to SL450 and the 9 speed transmission, what other major changes have occurred during this model's life? Thanks.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
- A 'Face Lift' occurred in 2017 - (Grille, Lower Front Fascia, Tail Lights changed)
- 19-inch wheels are now standard instead of the 18-inch wheels that were the stock wheels for the earlier 231 models, (2013-2016).
- The Premium-1 Package became standard on both the SL550 and SL450 models, but according to the recent 2020 Dealer Order Guide release, (DOG), this Premium Package will soon become optional once again for new (2020) SL450's.
- In addition to the 6-cylinder model's engine upgrade that you mentioned, there was also a horsepower increase for the SL550, (Horsepower for the SL550 increased from 429 HP to 449 HP).
- The 6-DVD/CD Changer that was on the 2013 models was dropped, and the standard Harmon Kardon Logic-7 Sound System now has (3) fewer speakers than it did when the 231 was first introduced in 2013.
- Exterior Color Choices were changed, (For the worse in my opinion)
- Not sure, but I think Apple 'Car Play' has been added
(There have been a few other minor 'electronic interface changes' that I haven't mentioned here)
- 19-inch wheels are now standard instead of the 18-inch wheels that were the stock wheels for the earlier 231 models, (2013-2016).
- The Premium-1 Package became standard on both the SL550 and SL450 models, but according to the recent 2020 Dealer Order Guide release, (DOG), this Premium Package will soon become optional once again for new (2020) SL450's.
- In addition to the 6-cylinder model's engine upgrade that you mentioned, there was also a horsepower increase for the SL550, (Horsepower for the SL550 increased from 429 HP to 449 HP).
- The 6-DVD/CD Changer that was on the 2013 models was dropped, and the standard Harmon Kardon Logic-7 Sound System now has (3) fewer speakers than it did when the 231 was first introduced in 2013.
- Exterior Color Choices were changed, (For the worse in my opinion)
- Not sure, but I think Apple 'Car Play' has been added
(There have been a few other minor 'electronic interface changes' that I haven't mentioned here)
Last edited by bob55; Jul 18, 2019 at 12:19 PM.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,576
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
- A 'Face Lift' occurred in 2017 - (Grille, Lower Front Fascia, Tail Lights changed)
- 19-inch wheels are now standard instead of the 18-inch wheels that were the stock wheels for the earlier 231 models, (2013-2016).
- The Premium-1 Package became standard on both the SL550 and SL450 models, but according to the recent 2020 Dealer Order Guide release, (DOG), this Premium Package will soon become optional once again for new (2020) SL450's.
- In addition to the 6-cylinder model's engine upgrade that you mentioned, there was also a horsepower increase for the SL550, (Horsepower for the SL550 increased from 429 HP to 449 HP).
- The 6-DVD/CD Changer that was on the 2013 models was dropped, and the standard Harmon Kardon Logic-7 Sound System now has (3) fewer speakers than it did when the 231 was first introduced in 2013.
- Exterior Color Choices were changed, (For the worse in my opinion)
- Not sure, but I think Apple 'Car Play' has been added
(There have been a few other minor 'electronic interface changes' that I haven't mentioned here)
- 19-inch wheels are now standard instead of the 18-inch wheels that were the stock wheels for the earlier 231 models, (2013-2016).
- The Premium-1 Package became standard on both the SL550 and SL450 models, but according to the recent 2020 Dealer Order Guide release, (DOG), this Premium Package will soon become optional once again for new (2020) SL450's.
- In addition to the 6-cylinder model's engine upgrade that you mentioned, there was also a horsepower increase for the SL550, (Horsepower for the SL550 increased from 429 HP to 449 HP).
- The 6-DVD/CD Changer that was on the 2013 models was dropped, and the standard Harmon Kardon Logic-7 Sound System now has (3) fewer speakers than it did when the 231 was first introduced in 2013.
- Exterior Color Choices were changed, (For the worse in my opinion)
- Not sure, but I think Apple 'Car Play' has been added
(There have been a few other minor 'electronic interface changes' that I haven't mentioned here)
Besides the engine power (4.9 from 5.1 to 60) and 9G-Tronic transmission (major improvement)
Configurable Dynamic Select modes, configurable suspension, steering, transmission options (ECO, Comfort, Curve, Sport, Sport+, Individual)
Distronic Plus includes auto-steering, longer standing times, better acceleration
Traffic Jam Assist. Full auto steer, auto follow without intervention
Headlights switched from Xenon to LED
4G Internet for apps, hotspot, etc.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
If ABC, included improved damping and Curve function
Price dropped for Nappa leather, exclusive Nappa option. Now includes full leather interior on dash, door panels, etc. Before all was MB-Tex
Fully powered trunk liner. Also design change to accommodate more volume. Can be removed completely for more trunk space
There were a bunch of other smaller things; had listed that in another older post.
