The only thing more convincing than a shining automotive icon is a brilliantly revitalized one, combining the latest technological and performance advancements with a new and striking appearance.
That’s precisely what Mercedes aimed to achieve with the new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL, and our time behind its thick leather-wrapped steering wheel confirms that the masters of Affalterbach succeeded.
Handing over the redesign of the SL to the performance-focused folks at AMG has resulted, as expected, in the most capable SL to date.
Now, even the base SL55 comes standard with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 350 kW, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds. Stepping up to the SL63 adds 80 kW of power and reduces the 0 to 100 km/h sprint to 3.5 seconds.
Additional upgrades include the latest MBUX infotainment interface, the first rear seat in the SL since the 1980s, and its first retractable soft top since the early 2000s. The new soft top is lighter, lowering the SL’s center of gravity compared to the previous retractable hardtop. It also opens or closes in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60 km/h.
Faster, more advanced, and more appealing. The list of advanced high-tech features that come standard in the newest SL has grown substantially.
Highlights include:
- 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generating 350 kW and 700 Nm (SL55)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission with wet start-up clutch
- AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system
- Active rear-wheel steering
- AMG Dynamic Select system with six driving modes
- High-performance AMG flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters
- 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster
- 11.9-inch touchscreen with adjustable angle to prevent glare
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Three-layer soft top that opens or closes in 15 seconds
- AMG sports seats
- Hot air circulation system
- Integrated Airscarf in headrests
- Front and rear multilink aluminum suspension
- AMG Ride Control
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Lightweight composite brake system with brake calipers
- Digital LED headlights
Optional features include:
- 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generating 430 kW and 800 Nm (SL63)
- AMG Active Ride Control hydraulic suspension
- 20 and 21-inch alloy wheels
- High-performance AMG seats
- Head-up display
- Automatic parking
- Remote parking
- Cargo compartment package
- Automatic trunk partition
- Adjustable trunk floor, cargo nets, folding box, 12-volt socket
- AMG Track Pace package
- Built-in telemetry recorder tracking vehicle data during track use
- AMG Chrome exterior package
- Chrome details on front apron
- Chrome details on side sills and rear moldings
- AMG Night package
- Glossy black front splitter
- Glossy black side sill inserts
- Glossy black exterior mirror housings
- Glossy black rear diffuser
- AMG Carbon exterior package
- Carbon fiber front splitter
- Carbon fiber side skirts
- Carbon fiber rear diffuser
- Glossy black exhaust outlets
We’ll have a better idea of local specifications and options in the coming months.
Is the Mercedes-AMG SL Safe?
The Mercedes-AMG SL has not been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, but it comes standard with a comprehensive set of Mercedes-Benz safety technology. The activity of these systems can now be easily monitored in the SL through a new 3D representation on the instrument cluster.
Standard safety systems include: AEB with cross-traffic function, emergency stop assistant, blind-spot monitoring, steering assistant, lane-keeping assistant, lane-change assistant, traffic sign assistant, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, high-beam assistant, and driver distraction/fatigue detection.
What’s Under the Hood?
Mercedes-AMG has equipped the SL with its tried-and-true 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. For this application, the engine benefits from relocated intercoolers and optimized intake and exhaust ducts. This allows the SL55 V8 to produce 350 kW and 700 Nm, while increased boost pressure and improved airflow enable the SL63 to achieve 430 kW and 800 Nm.
Both engines transmit power to all four wheels via a nine-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission featuring a wet start-up clutch instead of a torque converter.
Mercedes says this clutch design reduces weight while increasing throttle response. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel facilitate manual gear changes, although they are hardly necessary given how well the transmission selects gears on its own.
With 0 to 100 km/h times of 3.9 seconds for the SL55 and 3.5 seconds for the SL63, you can rightfully assume that the new SL lacks neither power nor acceleration. At a top speed of 315 km/h, the SL63’s maximum speed further confirms its performance potential.
Rest assured, a higher-performance hybrid version of the SL is in the works and should arrive at Mercedes dealerships in the next 12 to 18 months.
