Newshot Mercedes SL Roadster to Add a New Member Next Year: Emphasizing "Comfort" Alongside AMG and Maybach
IT Home, November 12: Mercedes is preparing to add a third version to the SL roadster. CEO 康林松 confirmed at the Golden Steering Wheel awards ceremony in Berlin that a new comfort-focused SL will launch in 2027, joining the existing AMG and Maybach versions to form the SL lineup rather than replacing either of them.
According to German automotive media Auto Bild, 康林松 spoke about the positioning of the new version: "The new Mercedes-Benz SL will add a new member to the SL family. The SL must combine outstanding performance, comfort and a distinctive driving experience. We will launch the new Mercedes-Benz SL next year."
In terms of product positioning, the standard Mercedes SL will place more emphasis on the comfort and ease of open-top driving, as well as overall ride quality, rather than pursuing sporty performance above all else.
Spy shots of a camouflaged test car that surfaced before the launch also offer clues. It features a cleaner front bumper, paired with the traditional three-pointed star emblem and star-shaped daytime running lights.
By contrast, the AMG version uses the signature Panamericana grille, while the Maybach version has a more substantial front end that emphasizes presence. The three versions will express their respective product positioning through different exterior designs.
According to reports, Mercedes has discontinued the SL 43 version with a four-cylinder engine and is considering introducing an inline-six engine for the new car. However, these adjustments have not yet been officially confirmed.
The AMG SL continues on the performance path, focusing on sharp handling and speed. Mercedes has already made one adjustment to it, refining the chassis and improving comfort so that it no longer overemphasizes pure sportiness.
The Maybach SL 680, which joined the lineup for the 2026 model year, represents another direction: taking luxury to the extreme while fully expressing the Maybach brand identity and visual presence.
According to IT Home, the standard Mercedes SL sits right between the AMG and Maybach versions. 康林松 believes the new version will deliver a distinctive driving experience that neither emphasizes sportiness like the AMG nor adopts Maybach's elaborate decorative style.