The new generation Mercedes-AMG SL unveiled last October, will reportedly get a new “43” variant in 2022 with a four-cylinder engine and more affordable pricing compared to the V8-powered “55” and “63” models, and the upcoming plug-in hybrid flagship. This will not be the first time we see a four-pot SL, since the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (W121) built between 1955 and 1963 came with a naturally-aspirated 1.9-liter four-cylinder petrol producing 104 hp and a design based on the 300 SL’s six-cylinder motor. Of course, things have moved significantly since those days, and having a four-cylinder under the hood doesn’t translate into poor power figures.

The upcoming Mercedes-AMG SL 43 will likely benefit from AMG’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which in the A45 S and CLA 45 S is rated at an impressive 415 hp and 500 Nm of torque making it currently the most powerful four-cylinder in production. According to the German publication Auto Motor Und Sport, the SL 43 will likely use a mild-hybrid version of the 2.0-liter motor featuring E-Turbo technology and producing around 385 hp. The same mill is expected to power the upcoming C 43 sedan and estate. The entire range of the new C-Class will be exclusively offered with four-cylinder engines including the performance flagship 63 variant which is expected to morph into a plug-in hybrid model.

To differentiate the SL 43 from the more potent V8-powered SL 55 and SL 63 variants, Mercedes could give it a more subtle bodykit, although it will likely remain an AMG-branded vehicle and not a regular Benz. This could mean less aggressive intake trim on the front bumper, a slightly different grille cover, smaller-diameter wheels, and two round exhaust pipes at the back distinguishing it as the entry-level SL. The four-cylinder SL will help Mercedes reach a different target group that is left without many options since the demise of the smaller SLC/SLK. The entry-level SL could reach closer to the higher-end variants of smaller roadsters including the BMW Z4, the Porsche Boxster, and the Audi TT Roadster. A few years ago Jaguar did a similar thing with the F-Type with a four-cylinder engine, but that’s now discontinued.