The two biggest Mercedes novelties that made their way to the Los Angeles Auto Show this year also happen to be two very interesting models for the North American market.
Of course, Stuttgart stretched things a bit by claiming that the SL is a “new generation” model and also calling the GLS “all-new”. In fact, they are revamped versions of their predecessors.
Starting with the SL, Mercedes did a great job by bringing this car to Los Angeles, because this is basically its biggest US market. It’s a luxury convertible with supercar-like performance and it certainly will attract lots of open-top-loving customers in sunny Hollywood.
The facelifted model comes with a new grille, headlights, bumper and hood, so it’s basically all-new from the A-pillar onward – though not sufficiently different as to call it “next-gen”. Mercedes even upgraded the entry-level 3.0-liter V6 unit on the SL 400, giving it a power output of 367 PS (362 hp) and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under 5 seconds.
A very smart move, given that we reviewed the previous version earlier this year and found that the SL 400 was already an excellent performer on the road.
As for the GLS, well, it complies with Merc’s new naming system, even thought essentially it is a facelifted GL. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that. It should still be an extremely comfortable and luxurious car, as well as more than competent enough to successfully take on its direct rivals.
The SUV formerly known as the GL had already sold more units in the US than any of its rivals in the full-size premium segment during the first half of 2015, so it’s pretty safe to assume that the GLS will have no problem to continue this trend.