2012 Mercedes SL & BMW 3-Series spied by WCF reader

2012 Mercedes SL spy photo - 27.7.2011 / BenG

Highly-anticipated models caught in London

World Car Fans reader Ben G recently caught the 2012 BMW 3-Series and Mercedes SL in London.

As we have previously reported, the next-generation SL will adopt styling that mimics the SLK and SLS AMG. Engine options are slated to include a 306 PS (225 kW / 302 hp) 3.5-liter V6 as well as a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 with 408 PS (300 kW / 402 hp) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. Furthermore, the SL63 AMG could be powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 544 PS (400 kW / 537 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque.

On the other hand, the BMW 3-Series looks like a pint-sized 5-Series and will feature a variety of turbocharged engines with outputs ranging from 143 PS (105 kW / 141 hp) to 320 PS (235 kW / 315 hp).

Thanks Ben!

Source: BenG Flickr

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nederinaa

The multispoke wheels are back in fashion.

July 27, 2011 4:11 pm

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1 reply

schizo

Those wheels are the standard wheels on the new CLS250 CDI...which doesn't have the LED headlights... They are uglier in person.

November 7, 2011 12:11 pm

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benzboy

Multispoke may or may not be back in fashion , but the are a Bitch to keep clean.

July 27, 2011 4:35 pm

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2 replies

PAA

My thoughts when reading nederinaa's comment. I hate cleaning my car's multispokes. Have you noticed how excited the readers are about the cars? They talk about the wheels.

July 27, 2011 8:39 pm

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nederinaa

Hahaha i agree. We need to use our fingers instead. Bet the owners send it to the car spa instead

July 28, 2011 5:00 pm

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CDspeed

I just hope the new SL doesn't turn out to be as ugly as the SLK.

July 27, 2011 7:14 pm

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benzboy

CDspeed, you dont say what kinda car you drive daily? I think calling the SLK ugly is very harsh. But people who live glass trailerpark homes, shouldnt throw their 40 ouncers.

July 27, 2011 9:01 pm

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2 replies

CDspeed

Ok maybe ugly is a little harsh but the new SLK isn't good looking, I'm just hoping that the new SL turns out better. The SL has always been one of my favorite cars.

July 28, 2011 5:10 am

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tbrodie

The last SLK wasn't a looker with that beak. The current one isn't bad, but it is far from jaw dropping (see Alfa's 2uetto concept). I'm puzzled with the SLK and Z4. Two seat convertibles have potential for being incredibly sexy. With the exception of the Boxster, it seems like German roadsters are getting busier and busier. (I'm hoping VW stays close to the Bluesport concept.) At least it looks as though the SL will emerge with clean styling. Hopefully the lower half of the grill will not be textured plastic pretending to be an air intake (like the new SLK). It seems to have escaped the dreaded Ponton rear flanks.

July 29, 2011 1:49 am

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benzboy

The one way to get away from the multispokes , is order the AMG Package with rims. I think this car will be a step above the current SL. I have a 2010 SL 63 and I am looking forward to the new body style very much and the biturbo engine as well.

July 27, 2011 9:13 pm

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siranto

These wheels are definitely not for production. Look at the size of the wheels in relation to the body. As for the looks of the new SL, the best way for me to describe it is uninspired.

July 27, 2011 9:34 pm

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Han Solo

Please don't tell me that I'm the only one to notice this, but dont you guys think that 143 PS (105 kW / 141 hp) is a little too incompetent for the New BMW 3 Series (even if it is just for the Entry Level Variant).... I just can't beleive this...this has got to be a mistake.

July 27, 2011 9:59 pm

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xLumino

my friends E46 has only 100 PS and it's ok... 143 is very much for an entry level.

July 27, 2011 10:13 pm

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FloPoe

The problem with the new SL is - you already pretty much know how it will look and that's not a good thing. It's starting to be very much Audi'ish where you always month ahead know what the new model will look like.

July 27, 2011 10:50 pm

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1 reply

PAA

well said.

July 28, 2011 12:39 am

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Mark633CSi

BMW must be hungry again. 3 different lengths of the same sausage again! They are taking retro the wrong way! Someone should tell them the retro fad, while dying, is about styling cues rather than their product planning model from the 80's! The Merc looks nice. The finished product should be very nice.... SL's rarely fail to disappoint in the design dept.

July 27, 2011 10:52 pm

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Scuderia-Paul

I am not liking the front of the SL as it looks so generic with no element making it stand out. At least the 4 round headlights of the pre-facelift model of the current version had something.

July 28, 2011 2:09 am

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panamera789

i agree... i used to be big fan of SL.. but it's turning plain after the facelift from the 4 round headlights..

July 28, 2011 2:37 am

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adz612

what the SL needs is timeless, classy and elegant styling. Much like the old R129 series which didn't change much for 12 years. Now whenever I think of an SL I think of that.....and well the original 300SL Gullwing......

July 28, 2011 3:05 am

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bmw2002m

Wouldn't you just be so tempted to rip off the cover and start taking photographs while your mate restrains the Merc employee.

July 28, 2011 3:09 am

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