It’s still years away from launching, but as early
as now, talks of the next-generation Mercedes SL-Class have begun to take
shape. The biggest news, other than the fact that it will be an all-new model,
is the advanced new platform the SL stands to receive together with the
next-generation SLK.
According to Auto Express, the 2019 SL-Class will be
significantly different from the one running around the streets of the world
these days. The biggest change, it seems, is Mercedes ’ ratcheting up the
efficiency of its new models. In the case of the SL-Class, that comes with the
adoption of its MFA and MRA common modular architectures for front and
rear-wheel-drive models, allowing a multitude of vehicles to be built on the
same platform.
It’s an easier approach that should cut production
costs for these vehicles. Granted, neither the MFA nor the MRA architectures
will be used on the SL and SLK-Class, but rather a third platform, the modular
sports car architecture (MSA), that will be used on both models.
The adoption of the MSA platform on both the SL and
SLK will be a stark contrast from the current setup, specifically the exclusive
use of a bespoke chassis platform on the SL. But once the modular platform
comes into the picture, the manufacturing process for both models will also
shift and become geared toward sharing elements like the front bulkhead and
parts of the suspension. Also, don’t underestimate the convenience of both
models being built in the same factory.
On the flip side, you can still expect some unique
styling details for both the new SL and SLK-Class. Even with the shared
platform, certain elements, like the dimensions of the both vehicles, will
still be kept different. This allows both cars to still have that unique look
about them that differentiates one from the other. Diversity will still be
there, even though the skeletons for both models are going to be the same.
