Spied: 2009-2010 Mercedes SL-Class

The SL-Class underwent a minor facelift just last year, and already Mercedes engineers are hard at work on a new model. Spy photographers have snapped photos showing a test car with a disguised front end. Whether we're looking at a facelifted current-generation SL or a mule for an all-new model remains to be seen.





The spies at Hidden Image reckon the car pictured here is a major facelift for the 2008 or 2009 model year. They say the updated SL will get an all new front end including grille, air intakes and headlights as well as a new rear end and new taillights.

But we're not convinced. Development appears far too early along for this to be a 2008 model, which would have to be in showrooms by late summer.

So let's assume that this is a 2009 SL-Class instead. An all-new SL is expected for either that model year, or the 2010 model year at the latest. Why would Mercedes completely redesign the front of its flagship roadster, only to replace the entire car one year later?

With that in mind, we believe this is actually a test mule for the next-generation SL-Class. Automakers often graft all-new front ends and engines onto previous-generation bodies in order to complete early testing.

The current SL was introduced for the 2003 model year, meaning a replacement should arrive seven years later, for the 2010 model year. Of course, Mercedes could bring the new model a year early, as it's planning to do with the 2009 E-Class. Time will tell...