SL-Class [Renders] 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL

[klier]

Can't wait to see what Wagener has in store for the SL. He wanted to design one.

It's going to be the best looking Benz in the line-up.
The next SL is going to be an utterly fantastic Roadster, living up to it's iconic name. The most iconic name in the whole MB range in fact, so it has every reason to be special and step up the game.

 

[klier]

On top of that, it's not any longer the open-top flagship anymore. So what to do?

That's debatable. The AMG GTS is from 135k, the SL65 AMG is from 240k.

The soft top is set (welcome back R129) and I wouldn't be surprised to see a 2+2 layout.
I don't believe that MB will produce these three cars in the future that's just too expensive. I bet that the next SL will combine all three cars in one.

SL is a Roadster, there is absolutely no way it will come with 4 seats. They have the S cabrio now for that.
And money is not the issue at all whatsoever. MB builds whatever they damn well please, and they will sell these cars at a huge profit anyways. Particularly when the SL is being made on a modular platform.

 

[Amat46]

There were some rumours that the next gen S coupe will be a 4 door. So perhaps making some room for the SL?

 

[klier]

I don't think the SL needs any room, it has plenty for itself already if they make it a royal Roadster again with ample luxury, comfort and interior quality. The looks are no concern; it'll be beautiful through and through.

They can make the AMG GT line the sporty alternative. I think it will work very well.

AMG GT, SL, S coupe/cabrio. All pretty distinct, and quite different from eachother.

 

[75KoDe]

That's debatable. The AMG GTS is from 135k, the SL65 AMG is from 240k.

Don't forget the S65 AMG Cabrio here. From a technical point of view, the SL does not even come close to the S-Cabrio - to be fair here: the SL is the older car. Nevertheless, the R231 looked dated in the moment it landed and it hurts to write that but I assume I'm not the only (MB Fanboy) here, that shares my opinion. The current SL lacks the "specialness" that cars like the S-Coupé and Cabrio have for many people. To me, it's just not right where the SL stands today. The SL should be right on top with the S-Class as the most luxurious and technically advanced car MB offers to their customers.

SL is a Roadster, there is absolutely no way it will come with 4 seats. They have the S-Cabrio now for that.

Well, I can see your point here, but you forget that the R129 had seats for kids with a height of around 150cm and a weight of 50kg back in the day. So why should a new SL not get two extra seats? The seats in the S-Cabrio are not really made to carry adults in the back for long distances as well. So no point here. The only Cabrio today available as a 4-seater with decent legroom in the back is the RR Dawn. Why can't the SL not replace the S-Cabrio? In this case, you have to develop only one car and not two.

And money is not the issue at all whatsoever. MB builds whatever they damn well please, and they will sell these cars at a huge profit anyways. Particularly when the SL is being made on a modular platform.

Not sure about that. Even a company like MB can't have too many toys and low volume sellers like the SL, the S Coupé and Cabrio. Having all three cars does not make sense at all. BTW it's not all about money. Rumour has it, that AMG leads the development for the SL because MFA2 the new SUV's and the EV's require too many engineers.

There were some rumours that the next gen S coupe will be a 4 door. So perhaps making some room for the SL?

Makes sense to me, this could be the anticipated AMG GT4. "Four-door coupes" (stupid term tbh) are selling better than the two-door variant as sad as it is.

 

[SKY]

If I were un charge of MB I could not wait to see a new SL on the streets. The current one is a shame for the brand right now. Especially when you see next to it the S-Coupe.

But the damage is already done, so they better no hurry this one and do it properly.

 

[75KoDe]

If I were un charge of MB I could not wait to see a new SL on the streets. The current one is a shame for the brand right now. Especially when you see next to it the S-Coupe.

But the damage is already done, so they better no hurry this one and do it properly.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[klier]

Not sure about that. Even a company like MB can't have too many toys and low volume sellers like the SL, the S Coupé and Cabrio. Having all three cars does not make sense at all.

It makes a lot of sense when the platform is modular, development costs aren't that high (because it won't be a standalone model), and the car will be sold with a fat profit.
It's a matter of filling the niches with cars that already exist technically.

S cabrio and coupe are modded S class: relatively fast and easy to make
SL on the new sports car platform: costs shared with several other cars.

 

[Centurion]

Yes I think so, we have yet to see the facelift and the cabrio.

The SLS AMG only was never face-lifted and only had a 4 year life span.

 

[Wolfgang]

Can't wait to see what Wagener has in store for the SL. He wanted to design one.

Yes!

http://www.germancarforum.com/threads/mercedes-benz-whats-next.47554/page-34#post-757357

Autonews: Is there a car you wish you had designed?

Gorden Wagener: I would like to design an SL. When I joined the company, the SL was already done. That is my big ambition and that is on the list -- stay tuned.

http://www.germancarforum.com/threads/mercedes-benz-s-600-v222.50051/page-13#post-717701

 

[Wolfgang]

I am curious to see how the new SL not only separates it self from the S Cabriolet but the AMG-GT Roadster as well. Retaining a hard-top would help in differentiating from the other two.

Yes. Might slot between the GT C roadster and the S Cabrio? Some dimensions.

[corrected]

 

[Yaz]

The SLS AMG only was never face-lifted and only had a 4 year life span.

With the upcoming variants, we'll see the GT for more than 4 years. So there will be a facelift.

 

[Wolfgang]

Not so sure about these news. Cloth top? Sporting character?

Caught here testing in prototype form for the first time at the Nürburgring under the heavily modified body of a S-class coupé, development of the new two-seat luxury roadster was recently handed to AMG as part of a plan by Mercedes-Benz’s incoming research and development boss, Ola Källenius, to provide the new SL with what’s been described as “a more sporting character” than the existing model.

“It is being kept secret at the moment, but AMG is heading the engineering of the new SL,” a highly placed insider at Mercedes-Benz’s headquarters in Stuttgart told Autocar, adding: “It’s going to be a vastly different proposition to today’s model.”

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2018-mercedes-benz-sl-will-be-amg-engineered

 

[SKY]

A much needed change IMO. I have been saying for a while that the SL and SLC should be moved to Mercedes-AMG. Sold with AMG engines and be part of a three model range with the SLR, SL and SLC.

 

[Centurion]

A much needed change IMO. I have been saying for a while that the SL and SLC should be moved to Mercedes-AMG. Sold with AMG engines and be part of a three model range with the SLR, SL and SLC.

Good idea. The SLK can then move up in size to compete with the F-Type leaving Merc with room to add an affordable convertible to the A-Class range.

To be honest. I struggle to understand how the SL and AMG GT can be differentiated if they are both under the AMG name.

 

[SKY]

Good idea. The SLK can then move up in size to compete with the F-Type leaving Merc with room to add an affordable convertible to the A-Class range.

To be honest. I struggle to understand how the SL and AMG GT can be differentiated if they are both under the AMG name.

I think they will be merged with the next generation. AMG will release a more upmarket sportscar (SLR) and the SL and thus the SLC will be sportier.

 

[75KoDe]

To be honest. I struggle to understand how the SL and AMG GT can be differentiated if they are both under the AMG name.

Only because the SL is partly engineered and developed in Affalterbach does not automatically mean that the car will become more performance-orientated and sportier. The main focus for the SL will be comfort and luxury and not a "more sportier character" like Autocar claims.

 

[lukeswiss]

I bet that the next SL will combine all three cars in one.

Mercedes-Benz are not worried about having too many models.

 

[lukeswiss]

@Wolfgang

Is the length of the SL you posted wrong ?

 

[Wolfgang]

Yes! Thanks for checking it, lukeswiss. It was copied from MBUSA and should be 182.7" long instead of the incorrect 162.7".