Mercedes-Benz introduced the fifth generation of the SL roadster in 2001 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and, by 2006, it was already time for a refreshed version.
When the carmaker decided to drop the canvas-top and replaced it with a retractable hard-top, its customers were happy. That was one of the most important advantages of the SL over its main competitors on the market. Another benefit was the adequate engine range. When the facelift occurred, the engines were replaced and got cleaner, more fuel-efficient.
Mercedes’s design department didn’t seem to spend too many hours refreshing the car’s exterior. They removed the pinned-out bumper, installed a more common one with a curved lower area, and changed the headlights. Another change was on the grille, which sported a three-slats design instead of four-slats as the 2001 model. In the back, the carmaker changed the taillights, adding larger clear areas for the reversing lights.

Inside, the most noticeable difference was on the center stack, which received a new infotainment system. It was still with navigation, but it included an aux-in in the glove-box, and the screen and buttons received a new design.

There was a major revamp for the V-6 and for the V-8 versions under the hood, which gained more power got better performances. The V-12 version, named SL600, kept the same power as before but earned on the torque department leading to better 0 to 60 mph (0-97 kph) times.