The Mercedes-AMG SL will undergo a facelift in the autumn of 2026, which will lead to the removal of the 4-cylinder engine as well as a repositioning of this luxury roadster more toward comfort.
Computer picture: Marian Cilibeanu (https://www.instagram.com/marianvalentincilibeanu/)
Almost 3 years ago, during the first test with the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic, I wrote that it is sportier than all its previous generations despite its high weight. The sophisticated chassis masks the increasing mass. However, this very sporty suspension—even in Comfort mode—affects the GT qualities that made the SL famous.
Built on the dedicated sports platform MSA (Modular Sports Architecture), developed specifically by AMG, the new generation Mercedes-AMG SL has moved significantly into the sporty territory.
However, Mercedes discovered that this is not exactly what customers want, and with the planned facelift, it aims to steer the Mercedes-AMG SL more toward comfort, according to information provided by the British magazine Autocar.
According to Autocar, the main reason for this repositioning is the more-than-positive response following the launch of the Maybach SL in 2025. Thus, Mercedes concluded that not only Maybach customers want more comfort, but all Mercedes-AMG SL customers do.
Of course, it is somewhat unusual for a model developed by AMG—known for its pure sportiness—to shift toward comfort. However, as we also concluded in our test three years ago, AMG may have gone too far with the suspension stiffness, because ultimately the Mercedes-AMG SL will never be a pure sports car, but rather a luxury GT with sporty qualities. And on the highway, customers want to enjoy a certain level of comfort.
New engines
The facelift also comes with an update to the engine lineup for two reasons: in November 2026, Euro 7 regulations come into effect, and secondly, customers do not particularly favor the 4-cylinder engine in the AMG SL 43.
In addition, Mercedes has already dropped this engine from the AMG GLC 43 and will also remove it from the AMG C 43 due to low demand and the costs of adapting it to Euro 7 standards. Therefore, it is a logical move for the 4-cylinder engine to disappear from the AMG SL 43 as well.
Thus, the 4-cylinder engine in the AMG SL 43 will be replaced by the new M256 Evo 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, which will produce around 450 HP plus an additional 23 HP from the electric motor of the 48V mild hybrid system, becoming the new base version of the SL.
As in the S-Class, the 4.0-liter V8 engine will be replaced by the new M177 Evo with a flat-plane crankshaft and 48V mild hybrid technology. In the Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4Matic+, the new V8 will produce 537 PS + 23 PS from the electric motor (up from 476 PS), while in the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ it will deliver 650 PS + 23 PS (up from 585 PS).
The Mercedes-AMG SL 680 Maybach will continue to be available with the same V8, producing 612 PS + 23 PS from the electric motor.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 E Performance PHEV version will be discontinued.
New front design and MB.OS operating system
Design updates will include new front and rear bumpers, as well as headlights and taillights with a light signature inspired by the Mercedes logo.
Inside, the infotainment system will receive the new MB.OS operating system, based on Google services and AI from Google and Microsoft.
Mercedes-AMG has not announced an official launch date for the facelifted SL, but it is likely soon, as the current model is no longer configurable.
