Mercedes-AMG will soften the SL and reposition it as a conventional open-top grand tourer in a transfer to extra clearly distinguish the automotive from its hard-top GT sibling.
The modifications will arrive as a part of a facelift for the seventh-generation automotive subsequent yr and work is already nicely superior, a supply has informed Autocar.
The SL and GT share a platform, chassis, drivetrains, electrical structure and different key elements.
Mercedes-AMG’s choice to place extra clear air between the 2 fashions comes after what one high-ranking insider described as an “overwhelmingly optimistic response to the comfort-focused Maybach SL (pictured beneath), which was launched final yr.
The mid-life revisions to the SL transcend chassis tuning and pure dynamic variations, although. Additionally they embody a brand new vary of engines, pushed largely by the upcoming Euro 7 emissions laws.
Probably the most vital change is the discontinuation of the prevailing SL 43. Its 375bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is ready to be dropped. Instead, Mercedes-AMG will introduce a revised model of its 3.0-litre inline turbocharged six-cylinder engine not too long ago launched within the GLC 53. It’s deliberate to energy a brand new SL 53 mannequin, producing round 449bhp.
Additional revisions are in retailer for V8-powered fashions. Each the SL 55 and SL 63 will change from cross-plane crankshafts to a flat-plane design – as is utilized by the up to date S-Class in its range-topping S580 guise. The change is pushed by emissions and permits Mercedes to fulfill Euro 7 limits with no drastic minimize in energy output.
The SL 55 is anticipated to ship round 537bhp, whereas the SL 63 will climb to almost 650bhp-up from the 577bhp of the prevailing mannequin. Topping the vary would be the SL 680 Maybach, which is ready to undertake the 63’s V8 in a milder state of tune, at round 612bhp.
All fashions can be delicate hybrids, with a starter-generator mounted forward of Mercedes’ nine-speed computerized gearbox. It stays to be seen whether or not AMG will proceed with the SL 63 SE Efficiency and its petrol-electric plug-in hybrid system. Insiders have steered it might axed.
As a part of the facelift, the SL will obtain an exterior makeover. Revisions embrace new-look entrance and hind lights with the star-shaped graphics of different latest Mercedes fashions, amongst different extra refined tweaks. Inside, the SL will undertake Mercedes’ newest MB.OS working system, a brand new show and a distinct steering wheel.
