Mercedes-AMG SL plug-in hybrid spied with its charging port visible

The new Mercedes SL-Class has a plug-in hybrid variant on the way. These spy photos offer a glimpse of an example that does not appear to be wearing camouflage.

Stylistically, the SL plug-in is identical to existing versions. The only minor difference is on the back, where the company has to add a panel to access the charging port.

The powertrain would use the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from the SL63, but add electric assist. That could push power up to 800 horsepower (597 kilowatts), up from the existing model’s 577 hp (430 kW).

Since the only change to this model appears to be the powertrain, don’t expect the wait to be very long before a full reveal. A later start in 2022 is quite likely.

Mercedes sells the latest SL exclusively with the AMG brand, meaning they all have the vertically slatted Panamericana grille. Retractable door handles keep the sides smooth. For the first time in generations, the vehicle gets a fabric roof, rather than a folding hardtop. At the rear, there’s an active rear wing that deploys from the slick tail.

The interior is reminiscent of other latest Mercedes models. There is a 12.3-inch digital dashboard. The 11.9-inch infotainment screen tilts between 12 and 32 degrees so drivers of different heights can tailor the position to their preference. Like other Mercedes convertibles, the front seats have the Airscarf function which blows hot air over the occupants’ necks.

For the first time, the SL is available with all-wheel drive. There’s also rear-wheel steering, and customers can get a rear-axle limited-slip differential for even more control.

The price of the new SL for the United States is not yet available. Expect figures to be available closer to when the roadster goes on sale in Q2 2022.