2021 SL - a step forward or backwards?

[Altamar]

Autoexpress have produced some guesstimates of what the next SL will look like based on some spy shots.

What appears to have been confirmed is that it will be a 2+2 and come with a soft top.

So my question is, is this a fitting homage to previous generation SLs or does it lose a key USP i.e. the folding hard top?

If it looks like these images it will, in my opinion, be very easy on the eye but as I chose my R231 at least partly because of the benefits of having the best of both worlds - top down or coupe-like hard top depending on the weather - I am not sure I will be rushing out to buy one.

Which has nothing to do with not being able to afford one of course...

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/sl/106645/new-2021-mercedes-sl-be-developed-amg-22-layout

 

[LostKiwi]

I quite like that.
Not sure losing the hardtop is much of s problem. Soft tops paradoxically seem to leak less.

 

[bertb1]

I’d love one


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[A.J.]

I think that looks really nice, love it. Having had both a rag top and a folding tin top LK is correct, the rag top is far more water tight that a folding tin top

 

[bertb1]

I’d love one


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If I could afford one that is


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[umblecumbuz]

Agree the rag top/tin top argument. Had both, and prefer the rag top over the tin top for other reasons also.
Somehow, on a convertible, it just fits the whole experience.
Unfortunately the rag top wears faster and is not so yob proof.

 

[gramey]

Personally I really like the look of that and love the colour combination.

 

[sl500amgsport]

Rag top makes it a no for me, look nice down but up only half a car. Never had a leak from hard top but know plenty of leaky soft top owners with splits in their roof...

Mercedes SL500 R231

 

[Conor]

I like it.

Whats with the rear doors on the later pictures...? They look half sized.

I don't know why.. but as soon as I saw the second photo I thought of the Maybach convertible. Is it just me or are they not a million miles apart?

..Actually looking at that again, it's most certainly just me!

 

[Altamar]

 

[ajlsl600]

I quite like that.
Not sure losing the hardtop is much of s problem. Soft tops paradoxically seem to leak less.

Nicked easy tho, Stanley n yr in. That's why I bought metal top r230.
See pics. Don't like boat tail look much.

 

[LostKiwi]

Nicked easy tho, Stanley n yr in. That's why I bought metal top r230.
See pics. Don't like boat tail look much.

If it's like the 129 every cubby box locks. Door pockets, glove box, centre console, sunglasses compartment, even the ashtray all lock from the central locking.
If that's the case even if the roof isn't there there's nothing you can get to easily.

 

[Wighty]

I’ll be all over the new SL in 10 years time

 

[s5tuart]

I approve of the look. I do like that Maybach one as well. Both are sadly way out of budget unless my lottery ticket comes up trumps tonight. Fingers crossed!!!

 

[Blobcat]

If it's like the 129 every cubby box locks. Door pockets, glove box, centre console, sunglasses compartment, even the ashtray all lock from the central locking.
If that's the case even if the roof isn't there there's nothing you can get to easily.

Only problem is that the great unwashed don’t know that and knife the top thinking they can help themselves to your stuff.

 

[LostKiwi]

Only problem is that the great unwashed don’t know that and knife the top thinking they can help themselves to your stuff.

Not had it yet on any soft top I've owned.

 

[McDonald]

I love the lines and I imagine boot space is enlarged by the rag-top.

I treasure the tin-top convertible. Mine doesn't leak. It's both quieter and more durable than any rag-top. No contest on security. Tin-top every time.

 

[ajlsl600]

Frankly, I won't be looking another 8,10 yr old Benz, it's fairly clear to me that avoiding megga bills is a matter of great luck,and that quality is a much lower build requirement than it used to be.
Right now I am still OK fixing things myself at 70?? So smaller, simpler will be the way for me Sans Duracell. Similar to Toyota aygo, peogeot 107 or like. As I assume that at 70 or near I will have to pay for repair labour so it needs to be quick and simple to fix. Near zero sensors, simple ecm, prob manual trans.

 

[A.J.]

That looks just incredible, love it

 

[Blobcat]

That looks just incredible, love it

Much betterer