Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster to finally be revealed this week

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The wait is nearly over for the next generation Mercedes-AMG SL, a roadster which has been developed for the first time by AMG. 

The AMG SL roadster will fill the gap left by the SLC roadster, the newer and more sophisticated version of the SLK which was on sale from 1996 through to 2020. 

The global reveal for the SL roadster will take place on 28 October where a full debut is expected. 

While the SL roadster is a unique car, in SL63 guise it does have several luxury competitors such as the Jaguar F-Type R, Porsche 911 Turbo and even Bentley Continental GT. 

Luckily, we already have a decent amount of information on the car which has been slowly leaked to the public over the last several months. 

Roadster goes all-wheel drive

Mercedes-AMG has revealed the roadster will be all-wheel drive for the very first time in the model’s history but that doesn’t mean its historically rear-driven dynamics will be entirely lost.

The AWD system will likely be a version of Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive that is famous for its ability to send the majority of its power to the rear wheels at the flick of a switch, as we’ve seen in previous AMG models such as the E63 sports sedan.

What will power the SL?

Grunt will likely come from a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six engine in a SL53 specification, whilst the SL63 AMG is expected to receive a twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine common amongst the AMG family.

Both versions are expected to gain 48-volt mild hybrid technology, with a PHEV model potentially on the cards as well.   

Other features of interest

The Mercedes-AMG SL will receive a 2+2 layout, meaning there will be two small seats in the rear – too small for adults but perfect for kids. 

The aluminium chassis has been developed exclusively for the SL roadster and does not share any parts with the AMG GT or the previous SL model. 

The total body shell weighs in at just 270kg excluding the bonnet, doors and boot lid. 

Mercedes has culled the folding hard top, instead going for a soft top roof like SL roadsters of the past. 

Mercedes Benz has hinted that the roadster may go electric in the future, saying that a cabriolet option would definitely be on the radar for AMG’s electric future. Some media outlets have speculated that an all-electric powertrain could top out at 590kW. 

The SL roadster will feature the same Panamerica grille found on the GT, along with trademark square exhaust outlets seen on many of AMG’s products. 

Inside, a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster will feature, along with an 11.9-inch touchscreen to control the infotainment. 

Mercedes-AMG boss Philipp Schiemer said: “The interior of the new Mercedes-AMG SL pampers drivers and passengers with sophisticated luxury. The new SL combines the highest levels of comfort and quality in its interior, coupled with just the right amount of sportiness”.