Leaked images of the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL have leaked onto the Net, and are up over at Autoblog . I have to say this give me hope in that not all Benz designers are in a coma. I was beginning to wonder after seeing their GLK concept.
No word yet on what's under the skin, or on model content...
daytona_500 says:
06:11 AM, 01/23/08
The only car company whose designers are truly in a come is Honda - first the Civic, the CR-V, then the newest abomination which is also known as the Pilot.
Mercedes has done a pretty good job with their styling however. This SL looks good, but kind of like a photochop.
texases says:
07:35 AM, 01/23/08
The headlights are not good - I liked the older style better. The 'kink' in the new ones messes with the front-to-rear flow of the design. Porsche found that out when they stuck the Boxter headlights on the 911. At least they fixed it.
jschaffer180 says:
09:28 AM, 01/23/08
It looks like the current SL ran into something at 5 mph. Not attractive and almost Sebring-esque.
roar02ram says:
09:40 AM, 01/23/08
I have to agree with jschaffer - lots of scoops, strakes, kinks, and bulges sitting in less than perfect harmony. Certainly less than Mercedes SL-grade harmony.
jaguar8 says:
10:34 AM, 01/23/08
This thing looks like a giant bass fish...not good looking at all!
rick8365 says:
11:27 AM, 01/23/08
The current SL is a great looking car IMO.
This one (and some other new models from MB)look to have been beaten with one heck of an ugly stick.
ewilfong says:
06:46 PM, 01/23/08
The exterior styling is interesting, though perhaps not as classy looking as the current model. I'm glad the interior is somewhat traditional. I hate the layout of S550 (no experience with the SL's interior), especially that stupid shifter stalk on the steering column.
autoboy16 says:
10:04 PM, 01/23/08
Mercedes annoys me with their styling! Its like a pay-per-view boxing match that wasn't even good: Some hits, lots of misses, and not even worth the money.
The Sedans are good IMO. The C,E,S all check out. The coupes need some updating but are mostly good. The CLS IMHO is the worst. I cant wait to see the new CLK since the Cclass is so good looking!
The SUVs are mostly good but the R and G(not GL or GLK) need a redo. The roadsters are all in need of work IMO. The SLK is fine from the rear but a miss up front. Complete opposite of that jetta I like! This SL IMO is horrible from every angle except the side.
Most mercedes look good, but there isn't anything I would pay for. I think the best thing going is the C, GLK, GL and S. Beyond those, send everything back to the drawing board... ASAP!
ps:Mercedes-Benz honestly needs to make a decision: Choose either the the almond headlights from the C or S classes or keep the double oval from the old C and S class. A mix of each isn't working out(as shown above...)
-Cj
alman08 says:
09:58 AM, 01/24/08
after their divorce with Chrysler, they're now left with an ugly child... maybe the designers from Chrysler took over the Mercedes design studio.