As predicted, both the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL and 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS have been confirmed to be celebrating their world debuts at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.
The facelifted SL has yet to be fully revealed but yesterday, a number of images of the new sports car was released. So far, the German marque has confirmed that it has been adorned with a selection of technical enhancements including more powerful engines, a revised 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, the Active Body Control function introduced by the S-Class Coupe and a Dynamic Select system with five different transmission modes.
From a visual standpoint, the new Mercedes-Benz SL is easy to distinguish from the outgoing model. Most significantly, it adopts revised headlights and taillights as well as redesigned bumpers across the range. The design of the range-topping SL63 AMG model is particularly noteworthy thanks to its gloss black front air intake surrounds which curve around to the number plate.
As for the new Mercedes-Benz GLS, it has been introduced as the successor to the GL and is being promoted as the SUV equivalent of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Different variations will be available throughout the world. They include the Mercedes-Benz GLS500 powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 outputting 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. In the United States, this model is badged the GLS550. Elsewhere in the range is the entry-level GLS450 complete with a 3.0-litre turbo V6 outputting 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, the same as other ‘450’ badged models in the Mercedes-AMG Sport line-up.
