The seventh-generation SL has arrived to show as soon as and for all that the V8-powered roadster is not useless. Making this level required present process a major transformation: the SL now comes from Affalterbach slightly than Stuttgart and it’ll completely be marketed by Mercedes-AMG. It additionally positive aspects a power-folding material gentle high, a pair of rear seats, and commonplace all-wheel-drive for the primary time in its historical past.
In current a long time, the SL has been extra of a grand tourer than a real sports car. This ends right here, and the mutation begins with design. Its proportions have been fully rejigged. It is now characterised by an extended hood, a brief trunk lid, and quick overhangs on each ends. Its entrance fascia falls completely consistent with Mercedes-Benz’s present design language by adopting angular headlights and the Panamericana grille mounted comparatively low. Out again, horizontal taillights are built-in right into a extra rounded panel, and there is a huge air diffuser.
Ditching the power-folding arduous high has its deserves. We’re instructed the power-operated material unit weighs 46 kilos much less, a discount which lowers the middle of gravity. It may be operated in 15 seconds at speeds of as much as 37 mph, and consumers may have three colors to select from.
From sure angles, the brand new SL appears like a logical evolution of the GT Roadster. AMG is fast to level out that it developed the mannequin in-house from the bottom up and that it doesn’t share a single part with the last-generation SL or with the topless model of the GT.
Whereas the SL was designed for efficiency, AMG could not assist however embody a giant serving of know-how. The driving force faces a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and the middle stack is dominated by an 11.9-inch touchscreen that shows the most recent technology of the Mercedes-Benz Person Expertise (MBUX) infotainment system. Apparently, the display might be electronically tilted from 12 to 32 levels to cut back glare.
Rear seats make a comeback within the SL after an extended hiatus. It is a four-seater, but it surely’s a four-seater in the identical means that the Porsche 911 is a four-seater: we do not advocate placing adults again there. AMG notes the house may also be used as a storage compartment for golf luggage.
At launch, the line-up will embody two fashions referred to as SL 55 and SL 63, respectively. Energy for the 55 mannequin comes from a 4.0-liter V8 that is twin-turbocharged to develop 469 horsepower from 5,500 to six,500 rpm and 516 pound-feet of torque between 2,250 and 4,500 rpm. Step as much as the 63 and you will unlock a extra highly effective model of the eight that develops 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. AMG pegs the 55’s zero-to-60-mph time at 3.8 seconds, whereas the 63 can carry out the identical process in 3.5 seconds. Prime velocity hasn’t been introduced but.
Energy reaches the 4 wheels by means of a nine-speed automated transmission linked to a pair of shift paddles and a performance-tuned 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. The system is totally variable, that means there isn’t any set torque break up between the entrance and rear axles; it distributes energy as wanted. Rear-wheel steering is commonplace on each fashions, and the 63 advantages from a limited-slip rear differential.
AMG introduced {that a} hybrid system — probably the one inaugurated by the four-door GT — shall be made out there at a later date.
Mercedes-Benz dealers throughout the nation will start receiving the 2022 SL throughout the first half of 2022. Pricing data hasn’t been launched, although we anticipate that it’ll price greater than the present mannequin (which began at round $100,000) as a result of it is AMG-only.
The 55’s listing of ordinary options will embody the aforementioned MBUX software program, Mercedes-Benz’s AirScarf neck-level heating know-how, sport seats for the entrance passengers, and a Burmester surround-sound system. Even when it prices six figures, consumers shall be getting rather a lot for his or her cash. Choosing the 63 will deliver an Energetic Experience Management suspension system with a front-axle elevate, lively engine mounts, a head-up show, a driving mode named RACE, and yellow-painted brake calipers. Choices? You need ’em, and the SL has ’em. A lot of the 63’s additional goodies might be added to the 55, together with the front-axle elevate, and 63 consumers can order a carbon fiber bundle, amongst different add-ons.
