The first official details of the all-new Mercedes SL have been released ahead of its spring launch.

The Mercedes SL now boasts a larger front radiator grille, new look front wings and a bonnet with aggressive bulges.

As with the outgoing model there will be three engines to choose from – a 3.5-litre V6 in the SL350, 5.5-litre V8 for the SL500 and flagship 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 517bhp for the SL600.

View pictures of the 2008 Mercedes SL

The 3.5-litre engine is the only new engine in the range and produces 315bhp (up from 272bhp) while improving fuel economy by 1.1mpg to 28.5mpg compared to the Mercedes SL350’s current engine.

Performance for the SL500 and SL600 should remain similar to the current models giving the SL600 a blistering 0-60mph time of about 4.6 seconds. 

New features on the Mercedes SL – which was first built in 1954 – include bi-xenon headlights, ‘AIRSCARF’ neck-level heating which distributes air through the head restraints, a new three-spoke steering wheel and a 510 watt sound system with ten speakers.

The Mercedes SL600 will also get a wood trim, specially designed door panels and V12 emblems on a host of the cars equipment while rolling on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Buyers can opt for the Intelligent Light System which provides five different light settings for specific driving conditions while active light function pivots the headlights to the side in line with the steering wheel allowing the driver to see about 25 metres further into a long bend.

Prices haven’t been released but expect to pay from £63,000 for the Mercedes SL350 rising to almost £100,000 for the top-end Mercedes SL600.

The Mercedes SL will makes its official debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show before going on sale in mid-April.

We’ll be reporting live from Geneva so don’t forget to come back for all the big news.

View pictures of the 2008 Mercedes SL