The new Mercedes SL was recently shown by Mercedes itself, but has now also been spotted by our own spy photographer. So there is more to see, but there are still a lot of questions.
The Mercedes SL is a very important car. Not so much because of the sales numbers – it remains a niche product – but because of its history. The SL is one of the oldest Mercedes model lines. In addition, the model has been a legend from the first generation – the 300 SL.
Nowadays, however, Mercedes does not seem to know exactly what to do with the SL. The relatively large and heavy roadster actually has competition mainly in-house. In terms of comfortable four-seat convertibles, Mercedes has more models than any other brand. At the other end of the spectrum we find the AMG GT, a two-seater roadster that is sportier than the SL, but at the same time is still firmly in its course.
Nevertheless, the SL will survive the planned downsizing of the model range. The historical value is apparently too great. The car is being developed by AMG together with the new AMG GT in order to counter the danger of ‘doubling up’. In terms of positioning, the SL will be the open alternative to that – closed – GT, but the car will get its own carriage and therefore also its own name. Officially, this will be Mercedes-AMG SL, followed by a two-digit number.
Roof to see better
Especially around the roof, the SL reveals itself more than on the images of Mercedes itself. The line around the side window is now clearly visible, as is the shape of the roof itself. Nevertheless, Mercedes is still doing its best to hide what kind of convertible top it is. Two longitudinal ‘roof rails’ serve as a distraction. There is a good chance that the SL will exchange its steel folding roof for a fabric one, albeit of the sleekest shape.
With its low, long nose and deeply recessed wheel arches, the SL has a traditional, sporty shape that at first glance feels good on the retina. The fact that the car is being developed by AMG is evident from the typical exhaust tailpipes. Expect only AMG engine versions, starting with an SL 43. The top end of the range buzzes around an SL 73e, an electrified and four-wheel drive version with an output of about 800 hp.