These are the first spy shots of the next generation Mercedes SL, which aims to bring back the golden days of the German luxury convertible.
Our spies were able to spot the 2021 Mercedes SL in an undisclosed location, hence the heavy editing of the images; however we get a first proper look at what the new generation is going to look like and, well, count us intrigued.
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Despite the full body camouflage and the tarp on top, we can already make out some key points of the new model’s design; the styling appears to be less busy than that of the previous model, featuring clean, classy lines and smooth surfaces all around.
As we have reported on the past, the development of the new SL takes place under AMG’s wings as Mercedes aims to make it “far sportier” than its recent predecessors, according to Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers. “It will have a perfect compromise between driving dynamics and comfort because it’s still kind of a cruiser too,” Moers said back in April 2019.
The new generation Mercedes SL is expected to ride on the same aluminum Modular Sports Architecture (MSA) with the next AMG GT sports car as well, along with a range of other components.
The 2021 Mercedes SL will also mark the return of the fabric folding roof in the German roadster, ditching the folding hard-top solution that was featured in recent generations. This will certainly help the new model not only shed more weight but also look better proportioned. The cabin is expected to feature a 2+2 configuration, with the tiny rear small seats making it a bit more practical and position it better as potential Porsche 911 rival.
The engine range will be comprised from electrified straight-six and V8 petrol engines, with the base SL 450 to feature the same mild-hybrid 362 HP 3.0-liter six-cylinder powertrain found in other models in the Mercedes range.
V8-powered versions will make use of AMG’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter unit in various outputs, with the SL 63 expected to churn out as much as 630 HP. Mercedes is reportedly planning to offer an SL 73 model as a range-topping plug-in hybrid monster, complete with a rear-mounted electric motor for a combined 805 HP. All-wheel drive might be offered as an option while a V12 engine seems unlikely, given the performance on offer from the eight-cylinder models.
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