The latest Mercedes-Benz SL quietly disappeared from the showroom last year after an eight-year career. Given the Dutch sales figures, it was really a car for the ‘happy few’, but for those who are eagerly looking forward to a sequel, there is good news.
In the summer of 2020, Mercedes suddenly sent out a well-packed prototype, which was immediately recognizable as the new one. Super-Leicht. That was certainly special, because the future of one of Mercedes’ longest-running bloodlines was highly uncertain until then. The SL has not really been a sales hit in recent years and it is clear that Stuttgart was finding it increasingly difficult to reconcile the SL with thick engines with the increasingly strict CO2 requirements. Still, the Germans have found a way to put it back in the range in a new guise and so we can look forward to the luxury convertible this year.
The new SL takes a different approach from its predecessor on several fronts. To start with, it gets two additional seats. Yes, it will be a real 2 + 2, so behind the undoubtedly spacious front seats will soon be two fairly modest seats. The SL must also fill the gap left by the S-Class Cabriolet. Anyone who then thinks of a car that focuses more on comfort and less on sporty driving is wrong. For the first time, Mercedes-AMG is taking on the development of the SL. As can already be seen in these illustrations, the SL looks closer to the real hardcore convertible, the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. It will therefore be a somewhat more widely applicable alternative to the open AMG GT and possibly even its successor. In addition, there is another change that, despite the sharper and more aggressive lines, provides some more classic influences: the SL gets a fabric pop-up roof. That is the first time since the beginning of this century, R129.
Electric
Then we are not there yet when it comes to the changes, because as mentioned, Mercedes must find a way to reduce the CO2 footprint. That means, unfortunately for enthusiasts, that the V12 is very likely no longer available. Do not worry, because for the top version, Mercedes-AMG is probably looking for a solution that it uses for more models: partly electric drive. There are rumors that for the first time since the R129 there will be a ’73’ again, which, like the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé, combines the 4.0 biturbo V8 with an electric motor and thus possibly receives more than 800 hp of system power. Of course there will also be ‘milder’ varieties; the 63 and possibly also a 43 or 53. The SL 500 and 400, in which AMG was not involved, do not return. For the first time in its existence, 4Matic all-wheel drive will soon be on the order list. We expect to be able to view that order list fairly quickly, because the new SL will be presented this year.