SL-Class [Renders] 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL

[martinbo]

That's what I said - it looking more like an SL. But people are grumpy with me these days.

 

[SKY]

A CLE coupe will replace the C-Coupe. However we don't know whether it will be E or C class based and what the price point will be.

I hoesntly will believe that car exists the day I see the first spy pics. Until then, it looks like the kind of car that is forever rumored by mags and ends up not seeing the light of day.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

I hoesntly will believe that car exists the day I see the first spy pics. Until then, it looks like the kind of car that is forever rumored by mags and ends up not seeing the light of day.

You certainly have a point there.

 

[SKY]

You certainly have a point there.

In fact, I went to jesmb to check whether they had the CLE listed on their upcoming MBs section and there is no trace of it.

The W214 E-Class is debuting in two years time according to jesmb, so we probably have a couple of years left to see what happens with the CLE. My guess is at best we will get a 4dr coupe like Audi is planning with the next A5. No more coupes/cabrios from MB besides the SL IMO.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

If they do a CLE coupe and convertible, I hope they do a four door coupe as well to finally give MB a mid range vehicle of this type. But that's wishful thinking I suppose, given they will be concentrating on the 'EQ' range.

 

[klier]

That's what I said - it looking more like an SL. But people are grumpy with me these days.

SLK, maybe. Not SL though as it lacks any elegance. It's pure sporty.

 

[MBRulz]

SLK, maybe. Not SL though as it lacks any elegance. It's pure sporty.

That is absolute non-sense

 

[Evgeny]

 

[Evgeny]

 

[burana800]

190 SL vibes are strong with this one.

 

[Rolf]

Probably is going to be the most dynamic and best allrounder SL in history with the fully variable 4matic+ providing both the extra traction and safety in slippery conditions and RWD sporty dynamics and drifting. SL63 or SL73e will be mega fast.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

Most exciting SL since the R129 methinks.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

Probably is going to be the most dynamic and best allrounder SL in history with the fully variable 4matic+ providing both the extra traction and safety in slippery conditions and RWD sporty dynamics and drifting. SL63 or SL73e will be mega fast.

If it uses the platform of the GT the use of 4 matic+ would be highly unlikely, due to the fact that it has a Getrak transaxle on the rear axle (although Nissan GTR has such an AWD). Most probably it will remain RWD only.

 

[martinbo]

Shaping up nicely. I predict this is the SL's comeback.

 

[martinbo]

If it uses the platform of the GT the use of 4 matic+ would be highly unlikely, due to the fact that it has a Getrak transaxle on the rear axle (although Nissan GTR has such an AWD). Most probably it will remain RWD only.

I agree with you regarding the transaxle being adopted from the AMG GT either precluding AWD altogether or it getting that unusual setup seen in Nissan GTR.
But now, check this out:

And even though a large proportion of the development work on the Roadster, configured as a 2+2-seater, took place in digital form, a certain amount of analogue development driving is still essential. The final tuning of the fully variable all-wheel drive system 4MATIC+, for instance, which is now offered for the first time in the SL as well, is thus being undertaken in wintry regions. The redesigned fabric roof, too, has to prove itself in the harsh conditions that prevail near the Arctic Circle. The handling dynamics of this iconic Roadster, which is set to make its debut later this year, will shortly be undergoing final refinement - on the north loop of the Nürburgring, amongst other places. On the most challenging racing circuit in the world, the specialists from Mercedes-AMG will be ensuring that this latest interpretation of the SL draws even more than ever on its sporting roots.

Mercedes-Benz Media

Exklusive Einblicke und individuelle Angebote: Erleben Sie mit Mercedes-Benz das Maximum aus digitaler Live-PR. Exclusive insights and individual offers: Experience the maximum of digital live PR with Mercedes-Benz.

media.daimler.com

So, likelihood is that they may have dispensed with the transaxle and gone with standard front-engine + 9G-Tronic 4Matic arrangement.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

I agree with you regarding the transaxle being adopted from the AMG GT either precluding AWD altogether or it getting that unusual setup seen in Nissan GTR.
But now, check this out:

Mercedes-Benz Media

Exklusive Einblicke und individuelle Angebote: Erleben Sie mit Mercedes-Benz das Maximum aus digitaler Live-PR. Exclusive insights and individual offers: Experience the maximum of digital live PR with Mercedes-Benz.

media.daimler.com

So, likelihood is that they may have dispensed with the transaxle and gone with standard front-engine + 9G-Tronic 4Matic arrangement.

Or a hybrid with front electromotor.
The platform of the GT does not allow for a transmission behind the engine. Except they use rather the platform of the GT 4 door.

 

[Centurion]

Most exciting SL since the R129 methinks.

I wish I felt the same but I'm hugely pessimistic about the next SL.

The R129 thrived because it existed in a time when there were hardly any alternatively flagship cars in its price range or above.

Over the past 8 year, the SL has been a no-mans-land car. Supreme comfort and latest tech is no longer exclusive to 6 figure luxury cars and supercars have become versatile enough to be daily driven.

The SL is also cannibalised by the AMG GT which could be more favoured if it's comfortable enough while being more entertaining to drive. Last but not least, performance SUVs remain hugely popular as all-rounders.

I consider the SL the Cindy Crawford of flagship car. Undeniably glamorous but time has moved on.

 

[Levi68]

The new SL might sell initially because it will be new and powerful/fast, but it risks the same fate (relative to brand potential) as the LC, nice, but most want performance CUVs.

 

[Grosser]

If it uses the platform of the GT the use of 4 matic+ would be highly unlikely, due to the fact that it has a Getrak transaxle on the rear axle (although Nissan GTR has such an AWD). Most probably it will remain RWD only.

It's getting new platform that has nothing with AMG SLS/GT platform... Really stupid decision

 

[martinbo]

According to Autocar:

The SL is set to be revived as a lighter, faster and more engaging model partly inspired by the brand’s motorsport roots, which is why overall development duties have been assigned to the AMG performance division. It will be the first time AMG has overseen development of any SL across its previous seven generations.

Last year, then-AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed that the SL, which will go on sale by 2021, will be “aligned” with the next AMG GT. The duo's shared aluminium-intensive platform, known as the Modular Sports Architecture (MSA), will increase the economies of scale and overall profitability of two of Mercedes’ most exclusive model lines.

“We’re bringing back the historic DNA of the SL," he said. "It's far sportier [this time round]. It will have a perfect compromise between driving dynamics and comfort, because it’s still kind of a cruiser, too.”

He also confirmed that the eighth-generation SL will be offered only as a roadster, like its predecessor. It is expected to go on sale in the UK towards the end of 2021.

SL and GT sharing

As well as sharing a common platform structure, the two upmarket Mercedes sports cars are expected to share axle assemblies, suspension, steering systems, 48V electric architecture and hybrid drivetrains, among other components, in a move to cut costs and boost production efficiency. The new SL and GT will be built alongside each other at Mercedes’ plant in Sindelfingen, Germany.

Early prototypes of the new SL were spied testing on track with the new platform underneath a shortened S-Class Coupé body. They gave away little about the car’s mechanical set-up, which is rumoured to run a transaxle arrangement with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox integrated within the rear axle assembly, like on the GT. However, the overall dimensions of the engineering mules suggest the production version will be slightly larger than the existing SL, which is 4630mm long, 1870mm wide and 1310mm tall.

SL to get hybrid line-up

Mercedes plans to offer the SL with a limited range of hybridised in-line six-cylinder and V8 petrol engines in a line-up that’s likely to include both standard and AMG models.

The range is understood to start with an SL 450 EQ Boost model running a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder developing around 365bhp, along with an added 22bhp in combination with an integrated starter motor.

Further up will be the SL 53, which will run a more powerful AMG-tuned version of the SL450 EQ Boost’s mild-hybrid drivetrain with around 430bhp and added 22bhp through electric assistance.

Among the V8-powered models will be the SL 500 EQ Boost. It is due to receive a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with a similar power output to the SL 53, but significantly more torque. Topping the range will be the SL 63. It is likely to be offered in two states of tune, with the most powerful model running a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 capable of in excess of 600bhp and more than 30bhp of electric boost. It is unclear if Mercedes will continue with the V12-powered SL, although, given the potential output of the SL 63, it would seem unlikely.

All engines for the new SL will come as standard with Mercedes’ nine-speed automatic gearbox, with the AMG variants set to adopt the Speedshift electronics package for faster shift times. Suggestions are that Mercedes could offer 4Matic four-wheel drive alongside standard rear-wheel drive, although this has yet to be confirmed.

Lots of contradictions in this article. It's poor journalism, frankly.
What is known is that Mercedes themselves have confirmed 4Matic+.
Unquestionably, the new SL has to adopt Mercedes' new hybrid tech.
So, how this is all incorporated into a transaxle arrangement is both as unclear as it is unlikely. I'm anticipating a traditional, front-engine + transmission layout combined with hybrid tech and 4Matic+. All this aligns with what Mercedes AMG is developing in their other cars.