MERCEDES has unveiled the new Mercedes-AMG SL, the latest version of its iconic luxurious roadster which has been independently developed by AMG in Affalterbach.
For 2022, the German luxury performance specialists have taken the SL 'back to its roots' – although not as far as offering gullwing doors, sadly – with a soft top 2+2 seater, which also features all-wheel drive for the first time.
By opting for an electric soft top over the previous SL's metal 'vario roof', Mercedes-AMG say the new car enjoys a 21kg weight reduction and a lower centre of gravity.
Other forward-thinking onboard tech includes AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active anti-roll stabilisation, rear-axle steering, an optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system and the standard-fit Digital Light headlights with projection. Under the bonnet, two versions of the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine are available.
The new SL will be launched with two versions of the hand-assembled AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine: the range-topping SL 63 4MATIC+ engine develops 585hp and provides a maximum torque of 690lb ft, 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 195mph, while the SL 55 4MATIC+ unit develops an output of 476hp with a peak torque of 516lb ft, 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, the top speed of 183 mph.
Six AMG Dynamic Select driving modes can be selected, from the entertaining sounding 'Slippery' through 'Comfort', 'Sport', 'Sport +', 'Individual' and the no doubt all-caps for a reason 'RACE' – the latter standard for the SL 63 4MATIC+ or available via the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package for the SL 55 4MATIC+.
In addition to all-wheel drive, the new SL now comes equipped with active rear-axle steering as standard for the first time. This means that, depending on the speed, the rear wheels steer either in the opposite direction (up to 62mph) or in the same direction as the front wheels to provide agile and stable handling, as well as easier vehicle control at the limits and less steering effort due to the more direct front-wheel steering ratio.
Launched in 1952, the original motorsports-orientated Mercedes Benz 300 SL immediately dominated race tracks around the world, achieving a one-two victory at Le Mans and claiming the first four places in the Nürburgring Grand Jubilee Prize for sports cars.
The road-going 300 SL sports car grabbed attention two years later with its distinctive gullwing doors, while the SL R107 was first introduced in 1971 and immediately became synonymous with luxury motoring, enjoying a record-breaking 18-year production run.
Mercedes say that the new Mercedes-AMG SL combines the sportiness of the original SL with 'the unique luxury and technological excellence that characterise modern Mercedes models'.
"We at Mercedes-AMG consider it a great honour to have had the privilege to develop the new edition of this sports car icon," says Jochen Hermann, chief technical officer of Mercedes-AMG.
"When we were tasked with the overall development of the new SL, we were able to start from scratch without building on an existing structure. We are proud of the result, which once again demonstrates the high level of engineering expertise in Affalterbach.
"The new 2+2 concept combines agile driving dynamics with a high level of comfort and unrestricted suitability for everyday use."
Philipp Schiemer, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes agrees:
"The new SL combines the sporty genes of the original SL with the driving performance typical of AMG. At the same time, it offers luxury and comfort at the absolute top level.
"This combination is unique in the sports car segment and is also reflected in the interior – where the highest levels of comfort and quality meet the right helping of sportiness. The high-quality combination of analogue world and state-of-the-art digital equipment makes it clear that the new SL is the rebirth of an icon for the modern era."
AT A GLANCE: Mercedes-AMG SL
- Engine and drivetrain: AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, AMG Speedshift MCT 9G automatic transmission with wet multi-disc start-off clutch.
- Braking system: Hydraulic dual-circuit brake system; front 390 mm composite brake discs, vented and perforated, 6-piston aluminium fixed calliper; rear 360 mm composite brake discs, vented and perforated, 1-piston aluminium floating calliper; electric parking brake, ABS, Brake Assist, 3-stage ESP
- Max power: 585hp/ 690lb ft (SL 63 4MATIC+) / 476hp/ 516lb ft (SL 55 4MATIC+)
- 0-62mph: 3.6secs (SL 63 4MATIC+) / 3.9secs (SL 55 4MATIC+)
- Top speed: 195mph (SL 63 4MATIC+) / 183mph (SL 55 4MATIC+)
