Watch the Current Mercedes-Benz SL Fade to Black with This Grand Edition
As the sixth generation of the classic Mercedes-Benz SL comes to an end, the automaker is rolling out a special black-and-brown-themed Grand Edition.
Grand Edition cars have been seen before in the Mercedes lineup, and U.S. customers will be allocated some SL450 and SL550 Grand Edition models in 2020.
The new, next-generation SL-class is expected later, in 2020 or 2021.
In the 65 years since Mercedes introduced the first roadgoing SL, there have been just six generations of the flagship two-seater. For 2020, Mercedes will send off that sixth R231 model with a special color scheme and call it the Grand Edition.
Dressed in a lighter black metallic over a black and brownish interior with poplar wood trim, the Grand Edition introduces yet more designo options to the SL's extensive custom order sheet. (The official names for the diamond-quilted leather and tan piping are Tundra Brown Pearl and Golden Olive Pearl, respectively.) The headrests receive SL Grand Edition embroidering, while the two-tone steering wheel is a mix of perforated black and smooth Tundra Brown leather (the latter still looks gray to us, at least in these photos). Outside, Mercedes adds yellow Grand Edition type to the double-lined fender embellishments and borrows some of the AMG SL63's matte silver trim for the chin spoiler, although SL historians will note the Grand's chrome rocker panels and outside air intakes are unique to this model. A polished set of staggered 10-spoke 19- and 20-inch wheels riding on a 0.4-inch-lower sport suspension complete the Grand effect.
Ignore the Euro-spec SL500 moniker in these photos. Mercedes will import a limited number of SL450 and SL550 Grand Editions starting in 2020 at several grand more apiece because they can-for what will be an eight-year-old car. Mercedes has gone Grand on many occasions, such as for outgoing generations of the CLS sedan, CL coupe, and ML, GL, and GLS SUVs.
The current-gen SL launched in 2012, was refreshed in 2016, and has been watching its prestige and sales slip against flashier and faster Mercedes softtops including the S-class cabriolet and the AMG GT roadster. Even the E-class cabriolet, with its succulent interior that nearly matches that of the Maybach cabriolet, is more technologically advanced at a cheaper price. A brand-new SL will arrive later in 2020 or by 2021. Still, the SL's racing history and legacy of innovation, even if this final Grand Edition isn't entirely up to speed with the rest of the Benz lineup, is indeed something to celebrate.
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