Mercedes-Benz on Thursday unveiled a brand new era of its SL, the seventh era within the sports activities automotive’s lineage and the primary to be developed by the Mercedes-Benz AMG efficiency division.
It arrives as a 2022 mannequin in SL 55 and SL 63 grades, and we should always see it at dealerships earlier than subsequent summer season.
Each grades characteristic a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and 9-speed automated transmission, in addition to all-wheel steering and all-wheel drive. The acquainted V-8 has obtained some tweaks for its utility within the SL, like a brand new oil pan, new in consumption and exhaust ducts, and repositioned intercoolers. Energetic engine mounts are additionally obtainable for the SL 55 and customary within the SL 63.
2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL
Peak output is 469 hp and 516 lb-ft within the SL 55 and 577 hp and 590 lb-ft within the SL 63. In each instances you are 0-60 mph acceleration in beneath 4.0 seconds. Whereas it is but to be confirmed, a extra highly effective grade that includes electrification continues to be a chance.
The suspension consists of five-link designs at each ends, with cast aluminum used to assist cut back weight. New to the SL is hydraulic roll stabilization, an obtainable characteristic within the SL 55 and customary within the SL 63. Like in different autos, this method replaces the standard mechanical anti-roll bars and is ready to react to rolling actions in fractions of a second, serving to to enhance stability throughout onerous cornering. The system additionally will increase trip consolation when driving in a straight line or over bumps. An electronically managed limited-slip differential additionally options within the new SL, as customary within the SL 63 and obtainable within the SL 55.
The brand new SL is predicated on a newly developed platform utterly unrelated to the platforms discovered within the outgoing SL, in addition to AMG’s personal GT sports activities automotive. Known as the MSA (Modular Sports activities Structure), the platform options space-frame building counting on a mixture of aluminum, magnesium and composites for the physique shell, with thicker forged aluminum elements used for nodal factors the place forces might be stronger.
2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL physique shell
In comparison with the outgoing SL, AMG boasts elevated torsional stiffness of 18% and a decrease middle of gravity. Transverse and longitudinal rigidity are additionally up 50% and 40%, respectively, over the present GT Roadster, which the brand new SL replaces. The burden of the physique shell minus the doorways, hood and trunk lid is 595 kilos.
You will discover that the automotive has additionally completed away with the retractable hard-top of the outgoing SL and gone with a soft-top as a substitute—a transfer that saves 46 kilos. The totally automated, three-layer roof takes simply 15 seconds to be raised or lowered, a course of that may be completed whereas touring at speeds of as much as 37 mph.
One other key change is a return to 2+2 seating, a configuration we have not seen because the fourth-generation SL of the Nineties. However as is the case with most 2+2 sports activities vehicles, the rear seats are solely appropriate for young children, and even then issues may be tight. Usually, these seats will solely function a properly padded parcel shelf.
2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL
2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL
2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL
There’s additionally much more know-how, although the inside nonetheless completely blends conventional SL themes of efficiency and luxurious, whereas additionally giving a nod to the unique 300SL with its minimalist look. A 12.3-inch digital display serves because the instrument cluster and encompasses a particular visor to forestall reflections brought on by daylight—a should for driving with the highest down.
An 11.9-inch portrait-style touchscreen, which we have already seen in some Mercedes fashions, sits within the middle console as the primary hub for the infotainment. It options electrical adjustment to allow drivers to keep away from reflections brought on by daylight. Underneath the display are a row of bodily buttons used to regulate often used objects. Finishing the sprint is a sports activities steering wheel with a number of controls, in addition to 4 air vents with a jet turbine design.
A head-up show additionally options within the new SL (obtainable within the SL 55 and customary within the SL 63). It makes use of augmented actuality to show related cues and actions three-dimensionally in the actual driving scenario and environment. Different goodies embody neck-level heating, Burmester audio, surround-view digicam monitoring, and AMG sport seats with electrical adjustment and therapeutic massage features. A number of digital driver-assist options are additionally included, together with Mercedes’ superior vehicle-to-infrastructure warning system.
2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL
Manufacturing of the brand new SL is being dealt with at Mercedes’ plant in Bremen, Germany, the place the outgoing automotive was constructed.
Pricing info might be introduced nearer to subsequent yr’s market launch.
For extra on the SL, learn the in-depth opinions at The Car Connection.
