Mercedes-Benz Is Reversing Course on the SL
Mercedes went in a new direction when it launched the current generation (R232) of the SL-Class in 2021. Far sportier in the way it looks and drives than what came before, all versions of the SL are designated as AMG models. This marked a distinct change in philosophy relative to the new SL's predecessors, which were powerful but typically viewed as plush grand tourers. But Mercedes is working on a facelifted SL that will move closer to the iconic nameplate's GT roots. At the same time, this change will better distinguish it from the fixed-roof AMG GT. Here's everything we know.
Related: Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach SL Roadsters Spied with Fresh New Looks
A Softer SL-Class is Coming
According to Autocar, the facelifted SL-Class will be repositioned as a traditional grand tourer when it arrives next year. A high-ranking insider said the "overwhelmingly positive reaction to the comfort-focused Maybach SL" encouraged this change in direction for the regular SL.
Mercedes-Benz has largely moved away from high-end, two-door GTs in recent years. The gorgeous CL-Class was replaced over a decade ago by the S-Class Coupe, but the latter has not received a successor. That left the SL-Class as the company's last two-door luxury GT. The new R232 emerged as more of a driver-focused 911 rival, though, thanks to its lighter roof and AMG-only engines.
Besides revised chassis tuning, the facelifted R232 will also drop the four-cylinder turbo engine in the SL 43. Instead, a new 3.0-liter six-pot turbo producing around 449 horsepower will find its way into a new SL 53 model; many believe that no SL should have anything less than six cylinders. SL 55 and SL 63 models will continue, but they'll receive a new V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, an engine also used in the 2027 S-Class. Peak power in the SL 63 will rise to as much as 650 hp, and mild hybrid technology will be found in all four variants. As for the SL 63 PHEV, that model may be discontinued.
Design-wise, the refreshed SL will receive newly designed headlights and taillights. The interior will adopt the latest MB.OS operating system, and we may also see a move to the full-width screens equipped to other new Mercs.
What It Means
The R232 is already a superb drop-top, but it may have moved too far away from the original SL ethos of comfort, refinement, and sheer luxury. Merc's decision to reposition it is understandable, based on the existence of the sporty AMG GT-which will still satisfy the keener driver-and the positive response to the new SL Maybach. It's a surprise to see such a big shift for a facelifted model, though.
When it arrives next year, the refreshed SL will likely start at around $120,000, especially after the demise of the base SL 43. That's expensive, but it'll still be far more accessible than the Maybach SL, which kicks off at $224,900. Either way, we expect Mercedes loyalists to appreciate a return to what the SL has always done best: supreme comfort, luxury, and style.
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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 11:30 AM.