German Mag posts pics and speculation on R171 2008 facelift - Benzworld.org

ianx, manchester · 01-25-2006, 03:20 AM

Well speculation is starting in the german auto press.
We know that the R171 will receive a minor mid-life update around 2008. A few cosmetic changes to the styling, maybe an update to NTG2 etc etc.

One mag has posted the following pics and SPECULATE that MB will drop the 'nose'

my opinion: no chance, the distinct front of the R171 will not be droppped. Its part of the cars character whether its to your taste or not.
That pic, thats more like an R172!

let the debate begin...

RonJeffries · 01-25-2006, 03:44 AM

I'm with you, Ian. That pic looks so bland.

nlagos · 01-25-2006, 04:45 AM

Looks like Opel Tigra. Its ugly. MB keep the shape as it is. We like it. Proof ? Our money is in your hands

sagey · 01-25-2006, 04:48 AM

Looks like the SL facelift just photoshopped onto an SLK. The rest of the car looks no different.

I would be surprised if they face lifted in 2008. It's normally just done to either correct some styling that is having a dramatic effect on sales (think BMW) or to bridge the gap between a new model arriving.

As far as I know the 171 is selling well enough.

BAZMAN · 01-25-2006, 05:09 AM

This looks like the disasterous R-Class!!!! Hey, it all depends whether the designer in charge is a partner in the company that makes these grills [:p]

LETO · 01-25-2006, 05:58 AM

facelifts are never this drastic.....not even when they are needed (like the BMW 7 series). There was speculation that the SL was going to get the SLR/SLK snout in it's facelift and that did not happen.

malibuite · 01-25-2006, 07:55 AM

I like the look of the redesigned BMW Z4 M class that is due out later this year.

Shinigami · 01-25-2006, 09:50 AM

Yup, as a facelift, that is too drastic. Usually it's just a minor update to the front bumper and that's it.

That does look waaaaaay photoshopped, but there are some people that would definitely prefer this look over the "nose".

I like the nose, but I wouldn't mind having a look like the original SLK's or something that looks like the picture in ianx's post, but it needs a little bit of fixing to it, it's too "droopy" at the moment.

Oh, and it definitely needs LSD from the get-go, the 63 engine, and... maybe a sequential gearbox [;)] (after all, AMG boss mentioned their plans for one which just might be released two years from now, hehe).

Always fun to see car speculation [:)]

Thanks for the pics ianx!!!

tiranova · 01-25-2006, 11:06 AM

NO NO NO! that pic is soooooooo bland

Dont change the gorgeous R171!

Peter Cee · 01-25-2006, 12:05 PM

Probably in the minority here, but I am one of the few owners that doesn't care for the nose - to me it looks like a bit of a gimic from some angles - I actually prefer the flat bonnet shown.

And whilst we're at it I would also prefer some SL style twin headlights.

Trouble is, then it would really look like a baby SL.

Hope they don't change the rear end - to my eyes it's 'perfect'