SL-Class [Renders] 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL

[tristatez28lt1]

2021 Mercedes SL

Autobild reports:

- will come 2019 as a 2020 model
- platform will be shared with SLK
- 3L I6 will be main engine choice
- SL 300 with 365hp and SL 400 with 435 hp
- new soft top construction (no more hardtop)

 

[klier]

Render is absolute crap, but I am really liking the news for the rest. Focus on new I6 will mean less weight than the typical V8, and the softtop will make it look better than the current horrible construction that ruins the whole car, and will also make it a bit lighter again.

And the platform sharing with the SLK is a good choice. It won't be visible at all in any way because the car will have it's own dimensions and wheelbase.

Though judging from the news, they are downgrading it a bit compared to the current model to make the gap between AMG GT and SL a bit bigger? Slightly less money for the SL seems like a great idea to gain back market share. The car is crazy expensive for a two seat weekend toy.

 

[Rolf]

Yes that render is garbage and totally out of synch with Mercedes current styling themes. I do like the technical things mentioned especially about the new straight six and soft top and as well as platform sharing with the next SLC. The next model will probably be lighter as well, which I think it needs, so it can be more sportier.

 

[Wolfgang]

Mercedes out testing platform for next SL, SLC

Mercedes-Benz has started testing on public roads a new modular platform for its next-generation SL and SLC sports cars.

Engineers are using the modified body of a Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe to hide the platform whose official title is Modular Sports car Architecture (MSA).

Comparing the tester with a standard S63 Coupe highlights its dramatically smaller size.

Mercedes-Benz Modular Sports car Architecture (MSA) test mule spy shots - Image S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

It was in 2014 that Mercedes confirmed it will streamline its various vehicle platforms to four core designs.

These were confirmed as the MRA for Mercedes’ mainstream sedan models, the MFA for compact cars, the MHA for SUVs and the MSA for sports cars.

The first three of these platforms have already started to make their way into production models. The MSA, though, is still several years off as the current SL and SLC are only midway through their respective life cycles.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The new platforms draw on a system of interchangeable modules and components and are scalable in length, width and height and wheelbase. Crucially, the platforms also employ multi-material construction enabling significant weight savings.

It’s too early to talk specifics but it’s expected the new SL will arrive first, most likely at the end of the decade. The new SLC is expected to trail it by about a year. Interestingly, we’ve heard both cars will ditch their retractable hardtops in favor of more conventional—and much lighter—soft-top roofs.

We’ve also heard the next SLC will evolve into a more focused sports car to better challenge BMW’s Supra-twinned Z4 replacement as well as pave the way for a new SLA sports car based on Mercedes’ MFA platform.

Mercedes out testing platform for next SL, AMG GT

 

[Amat46]

^^ For a moment I thought it was prototype for rumoured AMG GT4 4 door coupe but the wheel base is short for a car of its kind

 

[SKY]

I wonder if anyone at MB has thought about axing the SL and SLC as we know it and have three SL as a portfolio of "supercars". SLR, SL and SLC.

Since now it seems the SLR is comming, I wonder how they would position the new SL when they already have the GT and the S-Coupe. The new SLC, which should come out in 2020 as a 2021 model, seems to be moving into that direction. The current car as it is does not make much sense IMO.

 

[mercpassion]

Although I am very excited for the new SL, can't wait to see it..however I feel there are questionable times ahead in the driving department, I am a bit sceptical about the MSA platform, the idea of an SL and SLC 'sharing' their platforms..not too sure??

 

[WAND]

 

[bombardier01]

It looks stunning! Very beautiful!

 

[Rolf]

Mmmmm not sure I like that render, the grill and front intakes look too much like the current FL model. I hope they make it look more sexier than that.

 

[Wunderkind]

It looks stunning! Very beautiful!

Looks too similar to the current one.

 

[Fido]

Looks too similar to the current one.

If you hope a radical change, no. They will keep the current style and the future model won't change a lot.

 

[Rainer271]

Next-gen Mercedes SL returns disguised as shorter S63 Coupe

The Sport Leicht will live to see a seventh generation.

The current SL (R231) is far from being a performer when it comes to sales, but nevertheless the grand tourer has a very important place in Mercedes’ history. It’s probably one of the reasons it will receive a new generation, even though now there’s an S-Class Cabriolet and next year the lineup will grow to include a Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster as per a roadmap released in July.

If the test vehicle seems familiar, it’s because these new spy images are showing the exact same car caught on camera back in April. It’s based on the S63 Coupe, but it has a considerably shorter wheelbase and it also appears to be sitting a lot lower. While the current model is riding on its own platform, its replacement will make the switch to the Modular Sports Architecture (MSA) that will also underpin the next SLC.

Mercedes-AMG’s biturbo 4.0-liter V8 engine will likely be available and it should be offered alongside the V12 as you would expect from a proper GT. Taking into account Daimler’s upcoming hybrid & electric push, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to expect at least one alternatively-powered version, maybe not from day one, but perhaps later during the model’s life cycle.

Rumor has it the new model will ditch the electrically-retractable hardtop to make room for a fabric roof, but it’s too early to know that for sure. There’s no denying a canvas top occupies less space in the trunk when it’s folded and it’s also lighter, but some people still prefer a metal roof. The last time an SL had a fabric roof was during its fourth generation (R129) sold between 1989 and 2002.

With this being only an early test mule, it means the next-generation SL will not be out in the foreseeable future. Chances are Mercedes has plans to introduce the all-new model (R232) in the second half of 2018 as a 2019MY. The next SLC should arrive about a year later, also with a fabric top.

Source: motor1

 

[Yaz]

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

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

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.

 

[Wunderkind]

I'm still dirty about interior design of the current SL. The next SL must make a 2-generation leap forward in terms of design - both inside and out.

 

[Centurion]

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.

Will the AMG GT still be in production in 2018?

 

[Wunderkind]

Will the AMG GT still be in production in 2018?

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

 

[Merc1]

I really like the short body S Coupe!

M

 

[75KoDe]

One of the many problems of the R231 besides of the styling is the competition within the MB portfolio.
There is no space for the SL to sit along a GTC or an S-Class Cabriolet at the same time. The SL wants to be comfortable and sporty at the same time but in the end, it's neither of those things. On top of that, it's not any longer the open-top flagship anymore. So what to do?
Considering that the GTC is the sporty open-top "racer" and that the next generation GT will most likely also have a GTC model, the only way for the SL is going be more comfortable and luxurious. The soft top is set (welcome back R129) and I wouldn't be surprised to see a 2+2 layout. Then there's the question when the SL will become the open S-Class what will happen to the current S-Coupe / Cabrio.
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.