New 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL officially teased

Mercedes-Benz has released pictures of the next-generation 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL testing in the snow, just weeks ahead of its expected unveiling.

Developed by the German brand's performance division, Mercedes-AMG, the redesigned roadster will have 2+2 seating, a lightweight fabric roof, the option of 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and all-new underpinnings that will be shared with the next Mercedes-AMG GT.

The images of the lightly-camouflaged development car also confirm that the 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL will feature styling cues lifted from the current AMG GT coupe and roadster, including its 'Panamericana' grille.

Featuring a long bonnet and short-tail proportions, the loss of the current folding metal roof should bring significant weight savings and a boost in performance.

Under the bonnet, the new Mercedes-Benz SL will feature a range of AMG powertrains that will begin with the SL 43 twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder that's boosted by Mercedes' latest 48-volt EQ mild-hybrid tech.

At the top of the tree, it's rumoured a 600kW Mercedes-Benz SL 73e will offer the car-maker's latest twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 hybrid powertrain, which combines with a battery and two electric motors.

Set to be priced from around $250,000, it's believed that in some markets the new SL will only be sold as a Mercedes-AMG product, hinting at a harder, sportier character than before.

That said, it will need to leave space for the hard-core next-gen AMG GT to inhabit.

Following its unveiling in the next few weeks, it's thought sales will begin around the third quarter of 2021, with the SL set to land in Australia before the end of the year.