New Mercedes SL Review 2009 - The new SL has been redesigned for 2009. The most noticeable changes to the SL are changes to the front. The old dual headlights are gone and more architectural headlights similar the CLS flow into the more aggressive bumper. The Mercedes badge is also larger than the previous version. Another change in the front is a wider grill with a bar spanning across it. Ridges in the hood give add to the updated sporty look. The turning signals on sideview mirrors are now designed as slits instead of the older light units.
The rear hasn't changed that much compared with the older model. The taillights now have LED's and the backup lighting unit is more clearly defined. The rear bumper has been freshened up also.
Moving inside the car the curvy two-tone dashboard is still similar to the previous generation with some elements added and modernized. The most obvious change is the steering wheel has been brought up to date in and designed in a "T" fashion.
Another interesting design element is the new addition of fans mounted in the back of the head rests. These fans are officially called airscarfs and were first seen in the new SLK. According to Mercedes,
"Airscarf uses ventilation outlets in the seat to circulate warm air around your neck and head. You control the temperature from the central console, and the airflow adjusts to the vehicle’s speed."
Airscarfs may also keep the driver cool on hot days. Though, as useful as they are the installation of airscarfs in the headrests make the headrest look a little bulky and awkward. Other than that the new SL is designed well.
The 2009 SL is modern enough to differentiate itself from the older generation but not too different that it looks like a different car and looses its heritage.