Mercedes-Benz SL drops 4-cylinder engine for 2027 facelift

Goodbye, 4-cylinder! Mercedes-Benz SL returns to its "origins" with a forceful facelift for 2027

It seems that the radical downsizing experiment under the hood of the legendary Mercedes-Benz SL is coming to a rapid end. After fans of the brand viewed the introduction of a 2.0-liter engine on a car of the size and prestige of the SL model with skepticism, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer is taking a step back (or, rather, forward) to the configurations that made this roadster famous.

The updated version of the Mercedes-AMG SL, expected to officially debut in 2027, will mark the elimination of the 4-cylinder engine, making way for a much more refined inline 6-cylinder unit.

Euro Mission 7: Sacrifice of SL43

The reason behind this decision is not only the desire to please nostalgic customers, but also the constant pressure of regulations. The current M139 engine (the most powerful 2.0-liter engine in the world, found in the AMG SL43) is being defeated by the new Euro 7 pollution standards.

Instead of investing heavily in adapting a small unit to such strict standards, the engineers from Affalterbach chose the path of efficiency through larger displacement and intelligent electrification.

The new AMG SL53: Hybrid power and refinement

The place vacated by the SL43 will be filled by the new AMG SL53. It promises to radically transform the driving experience of the “entry” version of the range:

• Engine: 3.0 liter, 6-cylinder in-line (M256 Evo).
• Technology: 48V mild-hybrid system.
• Performance: * Thermal power: 449 HP. Electric boost: An extra 23 HP via starter-generator.
• Drivetrain: Unlike the current SL43 (which has rear-wheel drive), the new SL53 will come standard with the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.

The V8 doesn't die, it transforms (into more power)

For those who believe that an SL is not complete without a V8 engine under the hood, there is excellent news. The top versions, the SL55 and SL63, will survive the Euro 7 regulations, receiving technical changes that will make them not only "cleaner", but also significantly more aggressive.

Here's what the estimated power jump for the 2027 facelift looks like:

This power boost for the SL63 brings it dangerously close to supercar territory, solidifying the model's position as an extreme performance Grand Tourer.

What does this mean for the future of SL?

Mercedes' decision to ditch the 2.0-liter engine on the SL underscores a reality of the luxury market: character matters. While the M139 is a technological gem, the sound and power delivery of an inline-six fits much more naturally with the aesthetics and heritage of an SL.

With a range that starts from a potent 6-cylinder and goes up to a 650 HP V8, the Mercedes-Benz SL seems ready to defend its crown as "king of convertibles" against rivals like the Porsche 911 or the BMW 8 Series.

It remains to be seen whether this move will also entail an increase in the starting price, given the extra cylinders and the 4MATIC+ technology offered as standard.