Next Mercedes SL to be inspired by original Gullwing

The seventh-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadster will draw its styling inspiration directly from the original 1954 300 SL Gullwing, its designer has revealed.

In an interview with Autocar, Daimler design chief Gordon Wagoner said that more than any other recent SL convertible, the next model will be the closest to the first than ever before – but it won't be retro.

“For me, the most beautiful SL is the original, the 300,” said Wagener. “And I think we’ve taken some of that DNA, starting with the proportions, the surface treatment, things like that. In that respect, the new SL is probably the closest to the first one ever.”

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL was developed in collaboration with AMG and previous spy shots have revealed that – as well as looking more like the curvaceous original – it will ditch the previous generation's folding metal hardtop in favour of a traditional, lighter fabric roof.

This should ensure the next SL could be as much as 300kg lighter than the current car, helping emphasise its role as a sports car, although it won't stray further into territory occupied by the Mercedes-AMG GT, says Wagoner.

“The GT is more of a race car and the SL is more of a sports car. You will clearly see the differences.”

Inside, the new SL – pictured here in a rendering by Automedia – will be a proper 2+2 rather than effectively a two-seater like the last two generations.

The new Mercedes roadster will have more a snug, driver-focused cabin that will still manage to incorporate much of the tech from next year's new S-Class limo.

Set to be revealed next year, the seventh Mercedes SL could go on sale in late 2021 or early 2022.