After 5 years, the Mercedes-AMG SL (R232) will receive a facelift this autumn, bringing major engine changes. The base four-cylinder engine will be replaced by an inline six-cylinder unit.
Recently, Mercedes-AMG has already dropped the 4-cylinder engine in the AMG GLC 63 (PHEV) and AMG GLC 43 (mild hybrid), and the same will happen in autumn 2026 for the AMG versions of the C-Class.
Then, in autumn 2026, the Mercedes-AMG SL roadster will also give up the four-cylinder engine used in the AMG SL 43.
Launched in autumn 2021 and available from spring 2022, the Mercedes-AMG SL is built on a dedicated AMG platform called MSA (Modular Sports Architecture), also used for the AMG GT coupe.
Inline six instead of four cylinder, new V8
Initially available with a V8 engine in two power versions, the AMG SL received a 4-cylinder version in summer 2024. However, like in the AMG GLC 43 and AMG C 43, it seems this engine was not well received by customers. Additionally, the engine lineup is somewhat inconsistent, as there is no option between the V8 versions and the four-cylinder engine.
Because the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 421 PS and 500 Nm—already discontinued in the AMG GLC 43 and soon to disappear from the AMG C 43—does not meet the new Euro 7 standards, Mercedes will not upgrade it and will remove it from the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 by the end of this year.
It will be replaced by the new M256 Evo inline six-cylinder engine with mild hybrid technology, which debuted in the S-Class and produces 449 PS plus an additional 23 PS from the electric motor. The new model will be called Mercedes-AMG SL 53 4Matic and will feature all-wheel drive, unlike the SL 43 which was rear-wheel drive.
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, just like the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance, due to insufficient demand.
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.
