The R232-generation Mercedes-AMG SL premiered more than four years ago, so it is about time that it got a facelift. And guess what? The Affalterbach brand is now preparing the roadster’s mid-cycle refresh as we speak. Our spy photographers believe that this prototype that was just spotted undergoing testing in the cold is a Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series. However, we doubt that, as we actually think that we are looking at a Mercedes-AMG SL instead.
2027/2028 Mercedes-AMG SL (facelift) // SPY PHOTOS
The R232-generation Mercedes-AMG SL premiered more than four years ago, so it is about time that it got a facelift. And guess what? The Affalterbach brand is now preparing the roadster’s mid-cycle refresh as we speak.
Our spy photographers believe that this prototype that was just spotted undergoing testing in the cold is a Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series. However, I doubt that, as I actually think that we are looking at a Mercedes-AMG SL instead. What makes me say that? Let me explain.
First and foremost, there is no hood ornament, and those wheels have nothing to do with the luxury sub-brand. Second, the special front fender badges are also nowhere to be seen. And if that hasn’t convinced you that this is a Mercedes-AMG SL and not the Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, then perhaps the fact that it has a four-seat interior should. As you likely know, the open-top Maybach has no rear seats, and the AMG variants are four-seaters.
What is extremely interesting about this tester is that it has a back end that was lifted from the Mercedes-Maybach SL, hence the familiar-looking bumper, diffuser, and tailpipe trim. We have yet to learn whether this is indeed the final piece or just a provisional one meant to trick bystanders into believing that they are looking at the Maybach and not the AMG. The front camouflage tells us that the bumper and grille will be new, and it is evident that the headlights have a star-studded signature.
The dashboard panel was under wraps, thus suggesting that we should expect some significant (for a facelift) changes on the inside, too. It is still unknown whether the infotainment system will give way for a landscape “Hyperscreen,” but I reckon that anything is possible at this point. Elsewhere, I expect the facelifted SL to feature new trim and upholstery, a redesigned center console, and maybe a tweaked steering wheel.
It is likely that all engine options will carry over from the current Mercedes-AMG SL lineup. This means an inline-four in the base version of the series, which adds the 43 suffix, the V8-powered SL 55 and SL 63, and the plug-in hybrid SL 63 S E Performance. I do not know yet whether these powertrains will be updated for the car’s mid-cycle refresh, but at least some tweaks should be a thing. The Maybach SL 680 has 577 hp from its bi-turbo V8 and hits 60 mph in around four seconds.
The official unveiling date of the facelifted Mercedes SL lineup (AMG and Maybach) is unknown, but I wouldn’t expect it to premiere sooner than the 2027 model year, with some outlets reporting that it might be due for the 2028 model year.
