Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury and performance, and the SL series embodies this perfectly. For the 2017 model year, the Mercedes-Benz SL received a significant refresh, enhancing its already striking appearance and modernizing its technology. This update aimed to solidify its position as a premier grand touring roadster, blending exhilarating performance with unparalleled comfort. The Benz Sl 2017 model year brought subtle yet impactful changes that refined its aesthetic and driving experience, appealing to discerning drivers seeking a sophisticated and powerful convertible.
The exterior of the 2017 SL underwent a noticeable evolution, injecting even more dynamism into its already bold design. The front fascia was significantly reworked, drawing inspiration from Mercedes-Benz’s rich racing heritage. New LED headlights offered improved illumination and a more contemporary light signature. The hood was reshaped into a distinctive twin-powerdome design, adding muscularity to the front end. Perhaps the most prominent change was the redesigned grille, taking cues from the legendary 300 SL Panamericana race car with its more upright and assertive stance. This new grille not only paid homage to the brand’s iconic past but also gave the Mercedes-Benz SL 2017 a more aggressive and planted presence on the road. Further enhancing the front-end design was an A-wing shaped element integrated into the bumper, leading to a body-colored front splitter. This subtle detail evoked classic sports car styling while contributing to improved aerodynamics.
Image alt text: Front view of a silver 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL showcasing redesigned LED headlights and upright Panamericana grille, emphasizing the car’s updated aggressive styling.
While the front of the SL 2017 received a comprehensive makeover, the rear was also carefully updated to achieve a more cohesive and athletic appearance. Previously, some felt the rear design was slightly disconnected from the front. For 2017, Mercedes-Benz designers massaged the taillights and rear body panels, creating a smoother integration with the rest of the car’s dynamic lines. These subtle adjustments resulted in a more sculpted and contemporary rear profile, harmonizing with the bolder front-end styling of the Mercedes-Benz SL 2017.
Image alt text: Rear perspective of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL highlighting refined taillights and body panels for a more athletic and cohesive design, emphasizing the car’s updated rear aesthetics.
Stepping inside the 2017 Benz SL, the interior remained a sanctuary of luxury and precision, albeit with subtle enhancements. The cabin was already renowned for its high-quality materials and meticulous execution, creating an atmosphere akin to a private jet. Round, aviation-inspired air vents and a large infotainment screen continued to define the dashboard layout. Notably, the infotainment screen was slightly enlarged for 2017, improving usability and visual appeal. Unlike some newer, more entry-level Mercedes-Benz models that adopted freestanding screens, the Mercedes-Benz SL 2017 retained an integrated infotainment display within the dash, reinforcing its premium positioning. A new three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel was introduced, adding a sporty touch and enhancing driver engagement. Minor reconfiguration of some buttons further refined the user interface within the cabin. The seats remained exceptionally comfortable and supportive, offering extensive 12-way adjustability, including a useful bottom cushion extender, ensuring a perfect driving position for a wide range of body types. While rear space remained limited, suitable for a briefcase, the trunk offered enough capacity for a couple of roll-on bags with the roof raised, or soft-sided bags when the retractable hardtop was stowed.
Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz SL 2017 lineup offered a range of powerful engine options to suit various performance preferences. The majority of the models received new 9-speed automatic transmissions, improving fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The entry-level SL450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, providing ample performance for everyday driving and spirited cruising. Stepping up, the SL550 boasted a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8, now upgraded to 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, delivering a significant boost in power and exhilarating acceleration. For those seeking ultimate performance, the Mercedes-AMG models remained at the top of the range. The Mercedes-AMG SL63 retained its potent twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8, generating 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, striking a compelling balance of power and handling. The flagship Mercedes-AMG SL65 continued to offer a monstrous 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine, unleashing 621 horsepower and a staggering 738 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly, the high-performance AMG variants retained the 7-speed Speedshift automatic transmission, optimized for their specific performance characteristics. The SL65 was the quickest of the range, capable of sprinting to 60 mph in a mere 4.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 186 mph, showcasing the raw power available in the Mercedes-Benz SL 2017 lineup.
In terms of fuel economy, the SL450 demonstrated a modest improvement thanks to the new 9-speed transmission, achieving EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 28 highway, and 23 combined. Unsurprisingly, the SL65 was the least fuel-efficient, with ratings of 13 mpg city, 22 highway, and 16 combined, reflecting its high-performance V-12 engine.
Despite the impressive power figures, the Mercedes-Benz SL 2017 maintained its character as a grand touring coupe rather than an outright sports car. The standard two-mode suspension provided a comfortable yet controlled ride, even with optional sport wheels and brakes. In fact, the base suspension setup was often preferred over the more complex and costly Active Body Control upgrade for its balance of comfort and handling in most driving situations. While “Sport” mode on the base suspension might feel closer to “comfort” in some sports cars, the SL handled sweeping curves with grace and composure. The electric power steering, while precise, was not designed for ultimate sports car-like feedback. However, Mercedes-Benz did implement tuning adjustments for the 2017 model, including the addition of a curve-tilting function to the Active Body Control system, further enhancing handling and stability.
The Mercedes-Benz SL 2017 continued to excel in comfort, safety, and technology features. The retractable hardtop, operable at speeds up to 25 mph, provided the versatility of both a coupe and a convertible. The trunk offered a convenient button to power the stowed roof panels up and out of the way, simplifying cargo loading. All SL models came equipped with Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system, enhanced with a slightly larger screen for 2017. Apple CarPlay smartphone integration was available as part of a package, and a full navigation system was offered as an option. The SL truly shined in its comfort and safety features, including options like Airscarf neck vents, premium Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen audio systems, and the Magic Sky Control panoramic roof, which could tint the glass panel at the touch of a button. On the safety front, the Mercedes-Benz SL 2017 inherited numerous advanced active-safety features from the flagship S-Class sedan, including knee airbags, adaptive cruise control, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, radar cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control. This comprehensive suite of safety technologies positioned the SL as an exceptionally safe performance car, although official crash-test data was not available.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz SL 2017 represented a thoughtful and effective refresh of a legendary roadster. The styling updates brought a more assertive and contemporary look, while the interior refinements enhanced the already luxurious cabin. The range of powerful engines and advanced features ensured the SL remained a top contender in the grand touring segment, offering a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology for discerning drivers.
