New Delhi:Mercedes-Benz are reportedly making a big change to the entry-level of the SL. With its upcoming 2027 facelift, the carmaker could replace the present
car’s four-cylinder engine with a six-cylinder. As per the Auto Motor Und Sport report, Mercedes might discontinue the M139 engine that is in the SL43, as it doesn’t meet Euro 7 emissions standards.
The brand will allegedly replace it with the M256 Evo, a 3.0-litre inline-six mild-hybrid engine and name it the AMG SL53. The new engine will supposedly make 449 bhp and be supplemented with a 23 bhp integrated starter-generator. The SL53 will also come standard as an all-wheel drive, unlike the SL43, which is rear-wheel drive.
The report also says Mercedes will slightly tweak the V8 that currently powers the SL55 and SL63. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre engine will switch from a cross-plane crank to a flat-plane crank, making the performance better whilst also meeting the new emission rules.
How will the new engines perform?
M139 engine that powers (Image via Mercedes)
The engine will make 537bhp in the SL55 and a superb 650 bhp in the SL63. The current 55 gets an output of 469 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. The 63 will see a massive surge, jumping from 577 bhp to 650 bhp. The report mentioned nothing about the SL63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid, which mates the V8 with an electric motor. It makes 805 bhp, but the new V8 could hopefully push that above 880 bhp.
Usually, emission laws have forced enthusiasts to settle for something less, like a V8, twin-turbo 4.4-litre engine from BMW, which had to be detuned to meet regulations. Even Audi said they will be dropping their five-cylinder engine from Europe and Mazda dropped the 2.0-litre engine from Miata. However, this is a rare occasion when emission laws have benefited the enthusiasts. Mercedes needs to update the powertrain portfolio, and because of this, customers have a better engine in the entry-level offering and more power with the top-trims.
