Mercedes-Benz is preparing a mid-lifecycle update for the SL roadster, with a greater focus on comfort and long-distance driving. The revised model is due to arrive in 2027, and a prototype of the updated 2+2 roadster was recently revealed at an event in Berlin. The model will be positioned more clearly as a luxury grand tourer, separate from the more performance-focused AMG GT coupe.
The company’s CEO, Ola Kallenius, confirmed the change to Autocar UK, saying the updated SL would be “more of a Mercedes-Benz”. The move follows feedback from buyers who felt the current, seventh-generation model placed too much emphasis on performance at the expense of refinement and ride comfort.
Mercedes-AMG SL facelift: What will change?
The updated SL will receive a revised front end, including a return to the Mercedes-Benz grille in place of AMG’s Panamericana design. It will also get new headlights with three-pointed-star daytime running lights and indicators, along with the latest Digital Light technology.
Mercedes-Benz plans to revise the suspension to improve ride comfort and refinement. The SL will also return to wearing the Mercedes-Benz badge, while more powerful AMG versions will continue to be offered.
The SL and AMG GT will share their platform, engines and other key components, but the two models will have different suspension setups. The fixed-roof GT will retain a more sporting character, while the fabric-roof SL will focus more on comfort and grand touring.
The facelifted SL and GT will adopt Mercedes-Benz's MB.OS operating system, along with updated driver assistance systems. Both models will also receive revised interior controls and a redesigned steering wheel with updated physical buttons.
Mercedes-AMG SL and GT to get revised engines
Both models will receive updated engines to meet Euro 7 emissions regulations. The existing 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine used in the SL43 and GT43 has already been discontinued. It will be replaced by an updated 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 449hp in the new SL500 4Matic+.
The V8 models will switch to an updated version of Mercedes-AMG's M177 engine, called the M177 Evo. Its key change is a flat-plane crankshaft in place of the current cross-plane design, helping it meet stricter emissions requirements without a significant drop in power.
Both the six-cylinder and V8 engines will be paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Its integrated starter-generator produces an additional 23hp and 205Nm of torque.
The updated SL63 AMG 4Matic+ is expected to produce around 613hp, while the Mercedes-Maybach SL680 is also expected to receive a similar output. A new SL580 with a 538hp V8 has been considered, but has not yet received production approval.
The 817hp SL63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid, which combines a twin-turbocharged V8 with a rear-mounted electric motor, will be discontinued.
New Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series under development
Mercedes-AMG is also developing a new GT Black Series, which will sit at the top of the GT range. It carries the internal designation X192, rather than the C192 code used by the standard GT coupe, pointing to more extensive engineering changes.
The new model is reported to get a carbon-fibre structure and a layout with the gearbox mounted at the rear. It will use a dry-sump version of AMG's flat-plane-crank V8 engine, with output expected to exceed the 730hp produced by its predecessor.
Other reported changes include exhaust outlets ahead of the rear wheels, adjustable ride height for track use, active vents in the front wheel arches and a large rear wing with a drag-reduction function. The aerodynamic changes are being developed to meet road-homologation requirements.
The new GT Black Series is being developed alongside Mercedes-AMG's next-generation GT3 race car. Both were previewed by the Concept AMG GT Track Sport, revealed in 2025.
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