Mercedes SL 2022 spied with a little less camouflage

2021 is set to be the year Mercedes-Benz unveils a whole new generation of SL. And by everything new, we mean it literally – new design, new technology, new powertrains. The roadster is still in the development phase and these are the latest spy photos showing the progress made so far.

Fortunately, Mercedes is finally starting to test cars that are slightly less disguised than the previously spied prototypes. This one still features full camouflage foil, but at least some parts of the car are more exposed than before.

At the front, for example, the radiator grille is partly visible and the lower part of the bumper shows its soft diffuser more clearly. At the rear, the faux duck tail spoiler is gone for a cleaner and sleeker look. The quad exhaust layout is also different on this prototype, although we can’t say if it’s the final setup or not at this point.

The new SL will combine a design inspired by the original 300 SL with advanced powertrains and chassis technologies developed directly by AMG. This is the first time that the brand’s performance division has been involved in the development of the SL and the folks at Affalterbach are reportedly working on a number of engine options, including a flagship plug-in hybrid variant.

Tentatively referred to as the SL73e 4MATIC + hybrid, this model would combine a twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor for system power of 800 horsepower (596 kilowatts) and 738 pound-feet (1,000 Newton-meters) of torque. Below, the SL63 will offer a more purist experience thanks to a twin-turbo V8 without electric support and a peak power of 612 hp (453 kW).

Seeing Mercedes testing slightly less camouflaged prototypes of the new SL has us believing that the company is moving forward with development and everything should be on track for a full debut later this year. Sales will not start until early 2022, however.