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Under the alpine sun and under the roof, Mercedes-AMG engineers are working on a new version of the SL, now with PHEV technology. Such a tedious and tedious job appears to be the prelude to the model we’ve been waiting for, the SL53 e-Performance, though its name hasn’t been leaked yet. So why do we risk baptizing him so soon? Because at first glance there are already clues as to what this model will offer and the rest is a matter of cuts. Elementary my dear reader.
is white, the hen puts it
If we start by analyzing these photos that our detective sent us, there are no aesthetic changes noticeable at first glance. However, when you look more closely at it, some details emerge. The most obvious is the black tape patch on the back; There is no more camouflage than that simple patch. Then, on a detailed look, we can see that the front bumper is of SL 63, while the rear is of SL 43. You can tell from the round exhaust, so it doesn’t have as much power as its bigger brother.
Although Mercedes-Benz models can sometimes seem a bit labyrinthine, they are predictable and give a hint of what they have to offer. This is the case with this Mercedes-AMG SL, which seems to have PHEV technology, or plug-in hybrid in Spanish. We can assume that thanks to that patch of black tape on the back, a suitable place to put a plug for the battery. The mix of bumpers tells us that it lies somewhere between the high performance of the SL 63 and the micro-hybrid technology of the SL 43. So we can assume that this prototype is SL 53.
what can bring under the hood
Things get interesting under the hood. According to our detective, Mercedes-AMG did a good job of hiding this mysterious SL 53 PHEV. However, following the same logic, we can speculate. The smartest part is that it has the same M139 engine as the SL 43, only with an additional electric motor. It will power more than its smaller brother’s 381 hp and add some autonomy in 100% electric mode.
However, SL is not a logical model, but a sentimental model, so they can give full rein to their imaginations. In that case and following our instincts, the Mercedes-AMG SL53 PHEV could have the same 3-litre inline 6-cylinder engine that the GT53 uses. This would put its power on the order of 435 horses. Apart from being likely to run without using a petrol engine, the figure would be higher with the help of an electric motor. Add to that 4MATIC+ traction and it will be a dream come true. These are just theories for now, but Mercedes-Benz has a habit of giving us pleasant surprises.
