SL-Class [Renders] 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL

[Serpens]

I dunno. I see hard edged sports car, not an elegant SL.


M

Hard edged would be taking it too far based on what I've seen/heard (imo), but sports car for sure. Handing development over to AMG ensured that. As I mentioned earlier, with the average SL buyer age being as high as it is a change in direction was needed. Everything I've heard suggests it won't have a brittle ride like most AMG products, which is good news.

 

[GTA45E]

I am a bit worried about the transmission on this new SL. (no transaxle this time around so the weight distribution might suffer a bit.)
The 9-Speed wet clutch I read sometime back, is not compatible with the plug-in hybrid tech.
The 9-speed automatic (torque converter) is. The AMG wet clutch seems to perform better than the automatic.

 

[Rolf]

This SL appears to be alot more compact and smaller than the previous model. Almost size of a Boxster compared to a 911 in my opinion. The bonnet and front end looks shorter as well as the rear of the car.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

This SL appears to be alot more compact and smaller than the previous model. Almost size of a Boxster compared to a 911 in my opinion. The bonnet and front end looks shorter as well as the rear of the car.

Especially the top photograph has me anticipating a visually delicious automobile.

 

[Wunderkind]

Looks very compact and has a very BMW Z4-sequel silhouette. I think it’s fair to call it a re-bodied GT coupe (maybe with 15cm added to the wheelbase).

The compact dimension would definitely give the car better dynamic abilities. Looks like the AMG GT-SL double is going Porsche 911 hunting.

 

[Serpens]

Just want to point out again that the current AMG GT and SL are within 3 inches of each other in length and the AMG GT is wider by a similar amount (more in GTC+ form). Looks are deceiving...the decreased overhangs and increased width are really giving a sportier look.

 

[Grosser]

So, room for passengers like in Peugeot 206 CC?

 

[Serpens]

So, room for passengers like in Peugeot 206 CC?

I think the Lexus LC 500 convertible would be a more apt comparison.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

Adieu, Clown Shoe !

M-B designers got the bonnet length just right.

 

[J.E]

NEW SL ROADSTER: RELEASE FOR SALE ONLY AT THE END OF 2021

Even if the development of the new generation of the SL Roadster - which this time is carried out exclusively by Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach - continues, we do not expect the R 232 series to be released for sale until the 4th quarter of 2021.

2 + 2 seater with rear-axle steering, 4MATIC + all-wheel drive and soft top

With the new SL Roadster of the R 232 series, numerous new innovations from other AMG variants will be offered, including rear-axle steering and the performance-oriented 4MATIC + all-wheel drive with torque on demand. The R 232 series is being given a soft top and is now designed as a 2 + 2 seater.

The MSA platform should be shared by the SL with the GT successor, after which the SL will be lighter and more geared towards more sporty driving performance.

Plug-in hybrid drive in combination with 4- and 8-cylinder

In terms of motorization, we currently expect four performance levels with two plug-in hybrid variants in combination with an 8-cylinder and a 4-cylinder drive.

Images: Daimler AG

Source in German: https:///2020/09/neuer-sl-roadster-verkaufsfreigabe-erst-ende-2021/

 

[Merc1]

Once again the worry is there across the board: styling, the wrong models designations, engines, interior. I hope they get this right, otherwise the SL nameplate is done, or goes EV.

M

 

[Rolf]

The SL is long due for a look that gets alot of positive attention and looks gorgeous. Its been nearly 20 years since the last great looking SL, the R230 was launched. From the looks of the mules, they have given this SL a far more sportier appearance, but hoping the small little details, like headlight shape and graphics and also rear end looks stunning and not controversial. I also hope they make this cars interior beautiful to look at and touch, they dont need to go over hightech with this like a S-class.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

My take:

M-B missed the opportunity to develope the next SL as a BEV 2+2 luxury sportscar. The proportions of the architecture (long bonnet, cabin-back, short rear desk) could have been retained. An additional frunk under a long bonnet would have been a bonus in terms of practicality. The refinement and torque excesses of a competent BEV drivetrain would be a perfect fit to the character of an SL. Alas, as it now stands, we can anticipate a visually exciting SL underpinned by a drivetrain destined for rapid extinction. An opportunity to make a big statement has been squandered.

 

[Merc1]

OMG rapid extinction lol.

M

 

[Deleted member 1071]

OMG rapid extinction lol.

M

Yep-goin' the way of this fella:

 

[Ozy]

Well, the SL works well as it is, because it has a history and the S class is not BEV neither, so it seems like a sure bet. I wouldn’t mind seeing a BEV coupe from Mercedes as well, but when will see one, in my opinion depends on the success of the EQS. It’s the S class alternative, so if it performs as well or better than the S class, we will surely see an BEV luxury coupe.

 

[Merc1]

Yep-goin' the way of this fella:

Overblown hype.

M

 

[Deleted member 1071]

Overblown hype.

M

Let's take a look at the automotive industrys' environment in say...5 years time.*

*That time period may admittedly not be all peoples' definition of "rapid".

 

[Merc1]

Let's take a look at the automotive industrys' environment in say...5 years time.*

*That time period may admittedly not be all peoples' definition of "rapid".

There will still be new ICE vehicles. Everyone will not be driving or wanting an electric.

M

 

[Serpens]

There will still be new ICE vehicles. Everyone will not be driving or wanting an electric.

M

Totally agree. Mercedes clearly wanted to increase sales of this generation of SL and making it BEV-only right now would not be the path for that to occur. I would fully welcome a BEV version down the line or a BEV next generation though.