Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new SL

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveilled the new Mercedes-Benz SL, with a host of signifcantly enhanced technical and visual features.

The revised front end is particularly eye-catching: the diamond radiator grille extends downwards, and the standard-fit LED Intelligent Light System with headlamp housing extends far to the outside.

Two powerdomes accentuate the long, drawn-out bonnet, and the sporty silhouette is emphasised by the enlarged cosmetic air outlets with wing-like chrome inserts in the dynamic, broad vehicle wings and the exterior mirrors positioned on the beltline.

The model range now comprises the SL 400 with V6 engine uprated to 367bhp and 500Nm, as well as the SL 500 with the 455bhp V8 engine. Power transfer is handled by the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.

With Dynamic Select, the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the setup of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering at the driver's behest. With five transmission modes and Active Body Control with the curve tilting function, the SL is taken to a new dynamic level.

Inside, the instrument cluster has been redesigned, with a TFT multifunction display sitting behind a three-spoke sports steering wheel. The ambient lighting also now has three selectable colours to ensure an emotional lighting mood. The new vario-roof can now be operated at up to 40km/h, and an automatic boot seperator facilitates the storage of the electrohydraulic vario-roof.

Additional variants will include the two Mercedes-AMG models in the guise of the SL 63 and SL 65, the latter with a V12 engine. The Mercedes-Benz SL which will be available from April 2016.