{"id":390,"date":"2026-03-26T00:42:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T01:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/?p=390"},"modified":"2026-03-26T15:03:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T15:03:57","slug":"the-mercedes-sl-is-getting-a-facelift-and-the-headlights-are-the-least-interesting-part","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/26\/the-mercedes-sl-is-getting-a-facelift-and-the-headlights-are-the-least-interesting-part\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mercedes SL Is Getting A Facelift, And The Headlights Are The Least Interesting Part"},"content":{"rendered":"<div><img width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MB-AMG-SL-FL-17-copy-1024x576-1.jpg\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New spy shots reveal the SL getting sharper LED headlights in its next update.<\/li>\n<li>Cabin updates are expected, including a redesigned steering wheel and controls.<\/li>\n<li>Refresh is set to touch every variant, from AMG models to the ultra-luxe Maybach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>It seems German brands are in the middle of a relentless facelift cycle, with updates arriving at a steady pace across their lineups. BMW is deep into a design transformation, and Mercedes-Benz is keeping up with a slew of refreshed models, including the SL roadster seen in this latest batch of spy shots.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-placement\">\n<div id=\"82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\tvar adpushup = window.adpushup  = window.adpushup || {que:[]};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tadpushup.que.push(function() {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tif (adpushup.config.platform !== &#8220;DESKTOP&#8221;){<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t} else {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t}<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2026\/01\/the-stars-come-out-for-the-facelifted-mercedes-sl\/\" id=\"3357347\">Mercedes Found A New Way To Make The Facelifted SL Stand Out<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We&rsquo;d argue the current SL is one of the better-looking cars Mercedes builds today, and it hardly feels overdue for a refresh. Still, four years have passed since its debut, which makes an update understandable. As these images of both AMG and Maybach-branded prototypes suggest, the changes will be subtle, albeit noticeable.<\/p>\n<section class=\"type:slideshow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><\/section>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SH Proshots<\/h4>\n<p>Visible at the front of both testers are redesigned headlights that now feature Mercedes&rsquo; increasingly unavoidable star-shaped elements, doubling as turn signals and daytime running lights. The camouflage does a decent job of masking the finer details, but don&rsquo;t expect a radical departure, as the overall shape will likely stay close to the current SL.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-placement extra__ad_tbl\">\n<div id=\"ea4d4b5a-f8e5-4d5d-9d9a-53a3b956b6cd\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<div id=\"44c0a4dc-e25b-4ba5-ac64-2c510461b92a\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\tvar adpushup = window.adpushup  = window.adpushup || {que:[]};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tadpushup.que.push(function() {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tif (adpushup.config.platform === &#8220;DESKTOP&#8221;){<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;ea4d4b5a-f8e5-4d5d-9d9a-53a3b956b6cd&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t} else{<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;44c0a4dc-e25b-4ba5-ac64-2c510461b92a&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t}<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p><\/div>\n<p>At the rear of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/tag\/mercedes-amg\/\" id=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/tag\/mercedes-amg\/\">the AMG version<\/a>, the familiar quad exhaust setup carries over unchanged, looking nearly identical to the existing model. The taillights retain their shape as well, although the LED signature appears to have been slightly revised. <\/p>\n<p><strong>What About The Cabin?<\/strong><\/p>\n<section class=\"type:slideshow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><\/section>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SH Proshots<\/h4>\n<p>Our spy photographers have yet to capture any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2025\/11\/2027-mercedes-amg-sl-thinks-more-grille-is-the-answer\/\">images of the updated SL&rsquo;s interior<\/a>, though the car is expected to debut with a subtly revised steering wheel.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond that, additional cabin updates could be in store, potentially including a version of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2026\/01\/mercedes-benz-s-class-2027-facelift\/\">MBUX Hyperscreen seen in the facelifted S-Class<\/a>. To our eyes, this may be a bit of a downgrade from the SL&rsquo;s current cabin, but big screens are having a thing at the moment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>New V8 Power<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-placement\">\n<div id=\"9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<div id=\"bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\tvar adpushup = window.adpushup  = window.adpushup || {que:[]};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tadpushup.que.push(function() {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tif (adpushup.config.platform !== &#8220;DESKTOP&#8221;){<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t} else {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t}<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The extent of the powertrain changes also remains to be seen. However, there&rsquo;s a strong likelihood that all V8-powered variants, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/tag\/mercedes-sl\/\" id=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/tag\/mercedes-sl\/\">including the SL 63<\/a>, will transition to the new M177 Evo, a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine that recently debuted in the S-Class. It features a flat-plane crank and meets the latest Euro 7 emissions standards.<\/p>\n<p>In standard mild-hybrid guise, this engine delivers 530 hp and 533 lb-ft (723 Nm) of torque, and those figures will likely grow for the SL 63. The outgoing model delivers 577 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm), while the flagship hybrid SL 63 E Performance ups these figures to 805 hp and 1,047 lb-ft (1,419 Nm).<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-placement\">\n<div id=\"9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<div id=\"bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\tvar adpushup = window.adpushup  = window.adpushup || {que:[]};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tadpushup.que.push(function() {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tif (adpushup.config.platform !== &#8220;DESKTOP&#8221;){<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t} else {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t}<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p><\/div>\n<section class=\"type:slideshow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><\/section>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SH Proshots<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New spy shots reveal the SL getting sharper LED headlights in its next update. Cabin updates are expected, including a &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/26\/the-mercedes-sl-is-getting-a-facelift-and-the-headlights-are-the-least-interesting-part\/\" class=\"more-link\"><span class=\"more-button\">Continue Reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">The Mercedes SL Is Getting A Facelift, And The Headlights Are The Least Interesting Part<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":392,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/390"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=390"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/390\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":393,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/390\/revisions\/393"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/392"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=390"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=390"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindicoraz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=390"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}