2021 Mercedes Benz SL Prototype Caught During Testing

The prototype bears a strong resemblance to that which featured in official images released by Mercedes earlier this year, but for the first time the roadster's removable roof can be seen undisguised. The SL shows a clear family resemblance to the AMG GT, while a sporty new exhaust tip design suggests this is the top-rung SL63 variant.

It's not clear what material the roof is made from, but camouflage on previous protoypes seemingly confirmed Autocar’s previous reporting that the SL will arrive with a traditional fabric hood in place of the folding hard-top arrangement that has been used for the past two incarnations.

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mre30 - 10/12/2020 9:50:01 AM

0 Boost

If MB packages the new SL like the Aston DB11, they will have a hit (relatively speaking for the minuscule segment).

Needs to be a 2+2 with a vestigial/unusable back seat (which can be repurposed for golf clubs or luggage or the occasional grandkid or 5 year old from the 4th wife) and a small but usable trunk. Soft top probably best for space utilization reasons.

The prior SL simply had too much 'going on' between the retractable hardtop, the long hood, the wide stance but with virtually zero usable space anywhere.

In contact the S560 Cab was too porky and awkward in appearance to be desirable and its back seat was too small to be usable anyway.

Hopefully MB can resurrect this once iconic model. The Aston DB11 has the the package down right for this segment but doesn't sell because its an Aston.

dlin - 10/12/2020 11:59:52 AM

+2 Boost

Might as well use the Z4/Supra platform if MB wants SL to be a 2-seater with turbo I6, and hell they can also use that for future SLK!

Section_31_JTK - 10/12/2020 12:21:32 PM

+1 Boost

They need to greatly improve the handling and sportiness of this model while retaining it's grand touring ability. It needs to look like a sports car, not something bland. The spy photo looks bland.

xjug1987a - 10/12/2020 3:47:24 PM

+1 Boost

I think this new model needs to return to the roots of the 230/250/280SL of the late 60's -70's. Leave the performance to the AMG line up and its specific models but the base SL should be a lux cruiser that is aspirational and luxurious but not a dragster. I don't think that's going to happen which is why it'll continue to fail and I won't be buying one...

ricks0me - 10/12/2020 6:11:04 PM

+1 Boost

mre30 said: 5 year old from the 4th wife

Laugh My Ass Off !!!

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 10/12/2020 9:55:46 PM

+2 Boost

The data backs it up too. 50% of first marriages fail. 67% of 2nd marriages fail and 73% of 3rd marriages fail. And yet people still fall for it and get married again even though there is little chance of success.

MDarringer - 10/13/2020 6:16:47 PM

+1 Boost

A car buddy friend is on his 3rd husband. First was same age. Second was 20 years younger. Third is 40 years younger. I predict failure.

MDarringer - 10/12/2020 6:32:17 PM

0 Boost

The SL is an anachronism and Mercedes is too dumb to see it.

ricks0me - 10/12/2020 11:02:43 PM

0 Boost

CC >>> Agreed