Next Mercedes-AMG SL: Ditch Performance For Comfort?

• A refreshed Mercedes-AMG SL might prioritize comfort over performance.
• The convertible shares a platform with the hardcore AMG GT.
• The SL will also receive updated powertrains as part of its mid-cycle refresh.

When the updated Mercedes-AMG SL arrives sometime next year, it could be a bit softer than the current car. The success of the Maybach SL allegedly has the automaker considering a slightly different path for the convertible, which shares its platform with the GT.  

According to a new Autocar report, AMG wants to further differentiate between the SL and GT. To do this, the convertible will allegedly receive chassis tuning that alters its driving dynamics and positions it more as a grand tourer.  

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

The updated tuning will coincide with new styling, including star-shaped headlights and taillights. The car will also get revised bumpers, the latest infotainment software, and a new steering wheel—though it’s unclear whether any Maybach SL features will trickle down.  

Under the hood, rumors suggest the SL will ditch the 416-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and replace it with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 449 hp. The automaker will also update the available V8 with the one from the new SL, boosting the SL 63’s output from 577 hp to nearly 650 hp.  

Regardless of the powertrain, each SL will be a mild-hybrid car. It is also unclear if Mercedes will continue offering the SL 63 SE Performance plug-in hybrid. Sources suggested the automaker could kill the variant.

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Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Motor1’s Take: Mercedes’ move to differentiate the SL from the GT makes sense if the Maybach version has been wildly popular. The two models can easily serve different types of customers, and the convertible is a natural pick to be the ground tourer. 

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