For enthusiasts of open-top driving and sophisticated luxury, the Mercedes-Benz SL Class has long represented an icon. The 2017 model year marked a significant refresh for this legendary roadster, enhancing its already striking design and technological prowess. This update brought a sharper aesthetic, improved performance, and an even more luxurious driving experience to the 2017 Mercedes Benz Sl Class, cementing its position in the grand touring segment. Let’s delve into the details of what makes this model year a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of performance and elegance.
Sharper Styling and Design Cues
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL Class received noticeable exterior enhancements, pushing its visual presence further. The front fascia was reimagined with new LED headlights, offering improved illumination and a more modern appearance. A newly sculpted twin-powerdome hood added muscularity and aggression to the front end. Perhaps the most prominent change was the adoption of a more upright grille, drawing inspiration from the iconic 300 SL Panamericana racing car. This design cue not only paid homage to Mercedes-Benz’s rich heritage but also gave the 2017 SL a more commanding road presence.
Further refining the front, an A-wing design element led to a body-color splitter, subtly echoing the styling of classic Mercedes-Benz models. While the previous generation SL was already known for its bold stance, these 2017 styling updates amplified its assertive character.
Moving to the rear of the 2017 Mercedes Benz SL Class, Mercedes-Benz addressed what some considered a visual disconnect in the previous model. The taillights and rear body panels were refined, resulting in a more athletic and cohesive look. These subtle yet effective changes ensured that the rear of the car now harmonized more seamlessly with the aggressively styled front, creating a more unified and dynamic visual impression.
Interior Refinements and Technological Integration
Inside the 2017 SL, the changes were more about refinement than radical redesign. The cabin of the Mercedes-Benz SL Class was already a benchmark of luxury and precision, and the 2017 updates enhanced this feeling. The cockpit retained its aviation-inspired design, featuring round air vents and a layout that exuded sophistication.
A key update was the integration of a slightly larger infotainment screen within the dashboard. Unlike some newer Mercedes-Benz models that adopted a freestanding screen design, the 2017 SL kept the screen integrated, maintaining a more classic and luxurious aesthetic. This system provided access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings, and for 2017, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration became available as part of an optional package, enhancing connectivity for modern users.
Another notable interior change for the 2017 SL was a new three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel, adding a touch of sporty elegance to the driver’s interface. Minor reconfigurations of some buttons further streamlined the cabin’s functionality. The focus remained on creating a comfortable and luxurious environment, ideal for both spirited drives and long-distance touring. Seating remained a strong point, with wide, supportive seats offering extensive 12-way adjustability, including a useful bottom cushion extender to accommodate a wide range of body types.
Powertrain Options and Performance Dynamics
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL Class lineup offered a range of engine choices to suit different performance preferences. A significant powertrain update for most of the range was the introduction of new 9-speed automatic transmissions. However, the high-performance AMG variants retained the 7-speed Speedshift automatic, tailored for their specific power delivery characteristics.
The entry point to the 2017 SL range was the SL450, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up, the SL550 featured a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8, now upgraded to 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque for the 2017 model year.
For those seeking even greater performance, the Mercedes-AMG SL63 boasted a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 engine, delivering an impressive 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. At the pinnacle of the lineup, the SL65 was equipped with a massive 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12, generating a staggering 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. While the SL65 offered ultimate power and acceleration, the SL63 was often considered the sweet spot, balancing exhilarating performance with refined handling. The SL65, however, could achieve a 0-60 mph sprint in a mere 4.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph, showcasing its raw power.
Fuel economy varied across the range, with the SL450 achieving a respectable EPA-rated 23 mpg combined, thanks in part to the new 9-speed transmission. The SL65, predictably, was the least fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 16 mpg combined.
Grand Touring Character and Driving Experience
Regardless of the engine variant, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL Class prioritized grand touring comfort over outright sports car aggression. Even in its most powerful AMG forms, the SL leaned towards refined cruising and comfortable long-distance driving. The standard two-mode suspension offered a comfortable ride, and surprisingly, the base suspension setup, even without the optional Active Body Control, was often preferred for its balance of comfort and handling in everyday driving. While “Sport” mode in the base setup might feel more like “comfort” in some sports cars, the standard SL handled sweeping corners with grace and composure.
The electric power steering in the 2017 SL, while precise, was not designed to deliver the hyper-connected feel of a dedicated sports car. However, Mercedes-Benz did implement tuning adjustments for the 2017 model year, including the addition of a curve-tilting function to the optional Active Body Control system, aimed at further enhancing handling and ride comfort.
Comfort, Safety, and Standout Features
The 2017 SL Class excelled in providing a luxurious and comfortable driving environment. Beyond the supportive seats and refined interior materials, the SL offered a range of comfort-oriented features. The retractable hardtop, operable at speeds up to 25 mph, allowed for seamless transitions between open-air and closed-cabin driving. A convenient trunk button could power the stowed roof panels upwards, facilitating easier access to cargo.
Available features like Airscarf neck vents, Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen premium audio systems, and the Magic Sky Control panoramic roof (which could switch between transparent and darkened glass) further elevated the cabin experience, making the 2017 SL a truly pleasurable space for extended journeys.
In terms of safety, the 2017 SL Class benefited from inheriting many of the advanced active-safety technologies found in the flagship S-Class sedan. A comprehensive suite of safety features, including knee airbags, adaptive cruise control, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, radar cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control, contributed to a high level of safety, although official crash-test data was not available.
Conclusion: A Refined Grand Tourer
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL Class represents a compelling evolution of a legendary roadster. With its sharpened styling, refined interior, potent engine options, and focus on grand touring comfort, the 2017 SL delivers a sophisticated and enjoyable driving experience. It remains a strong contender in the luxury roadster segment, appealing to drivers who appreciate a blend of performance, elegance, and open-top freedom. For those seeking a refined and capable convertible with a rich heritage, the 2017 Mercedes Benz SL Class is well worth considering.
