AMG Developing 2021 Mercedes SL As A 2+2 Roadster

Mercedes is plotting a radical overhaul for one of its longest-running models: the Mercedes SL roadster. Due in showrooms in the next 18 months, the new model is being developed by Mercedes-AMG, with a focus on injecting a new level of performance.

Last year, sports cars contributed to slightly more than one per cent of the brand’s total sales worldwide; around 28,400 sold in 2019, according to Merc’s own figures. That’s a rise of 48 per cent over 2018, but by the firm’s own admission, the AMG GT line-up accounts for most of that, with the compact SLC roadster and full-size SL dwindling in importance.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 5/29/2020 12:22:35 PM

+1 Boost

Making it a 2+2 with tiny shelf like seats will be a complete waste of time. Either do a classic 2 seater SL or do the S-Class cabriolet with 4 seats.

cidflekken - 5/29/2020 3:37:12 PM

+4 Boost

The 2+2 designation is for marketing vs. function. Even the S-Class Convertible back seats are useless. Today's SL already has a pretty expansive shelf back there so just scooching that back a few inches and adding cushioned seats and you have a place for kiddos or dogs with the top down. It shouldn't have any impact on the aesthetics of the car.

mre30 - 5/29/2020 2:25:06 PM

+1 Boost

The S-Class cabriolet is an awkward turd in the punch bowl convertible with a useless back seat, so a 4-seat (2+2) SL would be an improvement off of that.

While on this topic, I am so surprised that Porsche has never launched a "Panamera Coupe/Cabriolet". The Panamera is not so aesthetrically successful as a hatchback but could make a beautiful gran touring coupe and cabrio with a nice back seat.

MDarringer - 5/29/2020 3:06:19 PM

-1 Boost

Make the SL are real 4 seater and you'll have more cars sold.

MDarringer - 5/29/2020 5:28:06 PM

-1 Boost

It also should be priced a LOT different. Making it larger and then dropping the price down a pay grade to the E level would be the magic ticket. Let the AMGGT be the hard ass.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 5/29/2020 6:06:30 PM

+3 Boost

You can make the suggestion, but this model has a long history just like the Corvette. And you could have done a 2+2 pitch for the C8 before it turned into a mid engined car. But the SL, born from racing Le Mans, is a 2 seater luxury sports car. Making 2 seater AMG's has thrown a spanner in the works an stolen sales from it. Not sure any changes will return customers to this model.

MDarringer - 5/29/2020 6:54:07 PM

-2 Boost

It became a disco barge decades ago. Mercedes has muddied the SL to the point that the vehicle is pointless in much the same way that Ford destroyed the Tbird.

cidflekken - 5/29/2020 9:57:26 PM

+3 Boost

But they already have an E-Class Convertible.

Section_31_JTK - 5/29/2020 5:41:49 PM

0 Boost

Yep, they need to get away from $190k SL's. Make it range from $80-110k. Make it the fast grand tourer it was always meant to be. Make it comfortable with beautiful interior materials. I would love to see a low priced lightweight variant that emphasized handling over outright speed.

mini22 - 5/29/2020 8:22:47 PM

+2 Boost

It just going to cannabalize what they are already offering.

dlin - 5/31/2020 5:15:14 PM

+1 Boost

2+2? That'll be S cabrio, not SL

MDarringer - 5/31/2020 7:05:02 PM

+1 Boost

Stay with the bead here, Cha Cha. Mercedes does not need an S Cabriolet, AND and SL, AND and AMGGT Roadster. The two-seat SL is the one to lose, but "SL" is the name to keep. But go one step further and place the 4 seat SL between the E and S for it base price and taa taa more likely to be a popular (relatively speaking) image car.

dlin - 6/1/2020 10:46:17 PM

+1 Boost

Here comes the Mr. Clueless again!