The sixth-generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster has been in production since 2012. In 2016, the model only had a minor facelift and some updates. It has been a long wait for its next-generation model, but recently, its successor has been spied making its rounds. The next-gen Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster is rumored to arrive sometime in 2021 as a 2022 model year car.
No More Benz Trims
As officially confirmed by Daimler, the next-gen car will be developed by AMG, which means that the range will no longer offer the standard Benz trims. The spy shots from Autoblog further confirm the direction that the German automaker is taking in relation to the SL.
The SL in the spy photos shows the same level of camo as the one teased by Mercedes a few months ago. Among the things that suggest the vehicle’s AMG blood are the four square exhaust tips peeking at the back, sports wheels, and its low stance. The bulges on the covers also hint a front lip spoiler plus winglets on each side of the front bumper.
The retractable roof is strangely very puffy in the photos, but it might be a deliberate attempt from Mercedes to hide the true design of the auto’s hardtop. The front grille appears to be hiding vertical slats too, which means it will get AMG’s signature Panamericana design.
Inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Gorden Wagener, the chief designer of Mercedes, said that the design of the new AMG SL is inspired by the iconic 300 SL. The car is expected to ride on the three-pointed star brand’s MSA (Modular Sports Architecture) rear-wheel-drive platform, which will be utilized by the future AMG GT as well.
Trims Offered by the Next-Gen Mercedes-AMG SL
The AMG SL will likely be offered in two trims, the Mercedes-AMG SL 53 and the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 (shown in the spy shots). The former will probably get a mild-hybrid setup that uses a 3.0-liter turbo engine matched with an electric motor to produce up to 430 hp. Meanwhile, the AMG SL 63 will be equipped with a more powerful mild-hybrid powertrain featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and an electric motor with a combined output of 600 hp.
More spy shots of the upcoming Mercedes-AMG SL can be found here.
