Mercedes-Benz’ new SL will be developed alongside the next AMG GT

At one point, the Mercedes-Benz SL was at the peak of the automaker’s lineup, but this model has lost its appeal after the Mercedes introduced newer vehicles like the AMG GT Roadster, with the latter boasting a more interesting style. Because of this, SL sales have decreased over the past few years, and now the company is trying their best to reverse this by developing a new model that will be introduced in 2021.

For a couple of months now, Mercedes-Benz has been quiet about this model. But according to Automobile, this is because the automaker is debating whether or not the next generation model should just transition into an AMG exclusive vehicle. If they decide to push through with this, that will be a huge change for them. However, the publication says that because it will be developed alongside the next-generation AMG GT that is scheduled to come out in 2022, it kind of makes sense too.

The next generation SL will be sportier than its predecessor, which really should not come as a surprise despite its AMG origins. This is because it will adopt an aluminum intensive design, together with a rear wheel steering and active stabilizer bars. Customers will also have an option to add an air suspension and a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Even if the new SL will become sportier, we also expect it to come with a longer wheelbase and two rear seats. Furthermore, sources confirmed that the model will not be a full-on sports car, also because there will still be the AMG GT model that will take that role.

As for the engine, Mercedes did not confirm anything just yet, though some reports say that the model will be getting a number of hybridized powertrains including a 3.0 liter straight six with 435 hp (324 kilowatts) and a twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 that can carry out as much as 522 horsepower (389 kilowatts) and 612 horsepower (456 kilowatts).

If rumours prove to be accurate, the Mercedes-Benz SL will also likely get a plug-in hybrid variant that will feature the larger engine, and this will be paired to an electric motor that gives out and extra 204 horsepower (152 kilowatts). When working together, both models will have a combined output of over 800 horsepower (596 kilowatts) and 738 pound-feet (1000 Newton metres) of torque.

We hope that when the Mercedes SL comes out in dealerships in 2021, this will help Mercedes improve sales for the said model. But that will all depend on how this model would turn out to become, and whether the market will love it.