New Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Roadster Is Going Under The Knife

It’s been a little over four years since Mercedes-AMG presented the new generation SL, with its multiple novelties and a 2+2 seating configuration, and now the punchy and pricey roadster is going under the knife as part of its first (and probably only) mid-cycle refresh.
 

Our spy photographers recently encountered a couple of prototypes of the facelifted iteration in the open, and they had their front fascias under wraps. If it weren’t for the vinyl stickers, they would have probably gone under the radar, as they look pretty much the same as the current SL, yet it was these that attracted the attention of our man with the cam, who was ready to immortalize them as they drove by.
 

The tailpipes and the logos on the back end reveal that we are looking at the Mercedes-AMG SL 63. So, is the camouflaged bumper new? In a side-by-side comparison with the current one, we can clearly see that the lower part was completely redesigned and is now home to two wide air intakes. Its predecessor has a central one flanked by a pair of vents to the sides. The Panamericana grille carries over with the same number of vertical slats and the large three-pointed star emblem in the middle.
 
The side skirts and front fender trim are also the same as before, and so are the rear bumper, diffuser, and tailpipes. The front and rear lighting units also soldier on without any tweaks, yet we should keep in mind that these are the initial testers. Knowing how Mercedes recently rolls, we expect the facelifted AMG SL to feature star-studded headlights and taillights. Moreover, the rear bumper and diffuser should also be different on the roadster’s mid-cycle refresh.
 

Should we expect any changes in the cabin? Well, yes, though nothing major, as the portrait-style central screen will probably carry over, along with the digital instrumentation. The displays will probably get revised software, and we also believe that the three-pointed star brand will tweak the center console and perhaps install a new steering wheel. Some of the ADAS gizmos might also be revised, and it is possible that new tech features might be on deck. Still, this is what we believe, and you should take it with a pinch of salt for now.
 
The powertrain family, comprising a four-pot in the base model, a pair of V8s in the SL 55 and SL 63, and an electrified eight-banger in the SL 63 S E Performance, might carry over with modest revisions. The current SL 63 has 577 bhp (430 kW/585 ps) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque from its bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8, hitting 196 mph (315 kph), and completing 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 3.5 seconds. The facelifted iteration is expected for the 2027 model year.