Another day, another testing leak from the arctic circle. This time round, a couple of Mercedes SL prototypes were spotted. So if you want to know what’s new on the 2027 Mercedes-AMG SL and Mercedes-Maybach SL Roadster, then read on.
At the front end, what stands out most is the integration of Mercedes’ three-pointed-star design into the front headlights. The German company loves its badge, and jamming some form of it into the headlights is nothing new. Though its inclusion on the 2027 Mercedes-AMG and Maybach SL Roadster is a little less subtle than it is on some other recent prototypes.
The vertical slats on the grille also carry over from previous models of the AMG. However, the Maybach has a few changes in this department. The front shots show the vehicle has adopted a horizontal crossbar, and its lower intakes look noticeably bigger than on previous models.
Moving to the back, the most eye-catching thing is the red lower fascia on the Maybach. It’s an interesting and bold design choice, to put it politely. So there’s a chance it’s just part of the prototype and not something Mercedes intends to include on a finished model. Still, if the Maybach SL-Roadster Baboon Edition does hit the road in 2027, it’s certainly going to stand out.
The Maybach is also rocking chrome dual exhausts that actually contrast pretty well against the baboon bottom. Maybe they should stick with the red rear bumper after all. The AMG has opted for a quad-exhaust setup which fits the vehicle’s performance focus. As do the oversized, gold brake calipers Mercedes seems to have attached to its prototype vehicle.
One of the biggest mysteries revolves around the side mirrors of both vehicles. Both have a generous amount of tape applied to them, which suggests something is going on there. What it is, we don’t know, that tape’s in the way and the photographer doesn’t have X-Ray vision. But it must be significant if it’s still literally under wraps at this stage.
For a prototype, both the AMG and the Maybach are surprisingly camouflage-free. Which suggests there isn’t a ton to hide on the outside. Aside from the front fascia and general nose area of both vehicles. Which suggests some sculpting has went on, and that’s where the significant cosmetic changes are likely to be.
As for the interior, that remains a mystery. We don’t have any shots of it, so Mercedes could stick with its current interiors or do something different for its 2027 models. Just expect a lot of luxury in the Maybach and executive sportiness from the AMG.
So what’s under the hood of Mercedes’ prototypes
Another mystery we can neither see nor confirm concerns both vehicles’ powertrains. There is considerable speculation that the 4-liter M177 V8 used in previous models will carry over into the 2027 SL lineup. And that would make the most sense, especially if a tweak or two gets an extra 20 or so horsepower from the AMG.
Equally we live in weird times, and Mercedes could throw a total curveball here. But as this year is generally seen as more of a “facelift” than a wholesale redesign of both vehicles, the odds are you’re not getting a new engine in either of them.
We’ll only know for sure when Mercedes officially pulls the covers off both new vehicles later in 2027. Until now, we have speculation, debate, and some photographs of a luxury sports car with an oddly red back end.
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