New Merc SL breaks cover

If you were to look deep into the Mercedes-Benz model portfolio, the SL is probably one of the oldest cars the Stuttgart folks have ever built.‍

It’s been some 70 years and six generations ago since the SL was first built and now the German carmaker has pulled back the covers off its seventh generation codenamed R232 that is available in two derivatives; SL 55 4MATIC+ and SL 63 4MATIC+. 

Boasting a completely new look, the new Mercedes-Benz SL 2+2 seater follows the company’s current design language and borrows heavily on the feature front from other Benz models. The exterior features an AMG-specific radiator grille, lower air intake, a front apron that is characterised by the jet wing and three vertical fins. 

There are side air deflectors finished in high-gloss black, a wide front splitter in silver chrome inlay plus digital light LED headlights. The rear is equipped with an active rear spoiler, narrow LED rear lights, a high-gloss black underbody diffuser that incorporates four vertical fins as well as a newly designed twin tailpipe trim. 

There is also a reverse camera that comes courtesy of what Mercedes-Benz calls a standard-fit Parking Package. Borrowed from the S-Class are pop-out electronic door handles. 

The new Mercedes-AMG SL 55 rides on AMG alloys fitted with 255/45R19 in the front and 285/40R19 at the back while the SL 63 boasts 265/40R20 at the front axle and 295/35/R20 at the rear axle. If you like, you can fit 19 to 21” wheels of different designs as added options. The new Mercedes-AMG SL does away with the previous gen’s metal Vario-roof in favour of an electric soft-top that also sees the car losing 21 kg while also improving its driving dynamics and handling courtesy of the lower centre of gravity. 

Opening and closing the soft-top takes 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. 

Saddling inside, you are met by leather seats, the brand’s latest MBUX infotainment system with a big portrait-oriented display that measures 11.9” and can be tilted forward. There is also a 12.3” fully-digital instrument cluster plus a head-up display. Offered as standard is an Airscarf neck-level heating system that boasts vents built into the front headrests. Mercedes-AMG offers a Performance steering wheel and buyers can choose between the electrically-adjustable AMG sports seats or the AMG Performance seats offered as options. 

As stated in the beginning, the new SL is available in two flavours both powered by an AMG 4.0-litre V8 engine. The SL 55 4MATIC+ with its detuned unit pushes out 350 kW of power and 700 Nm; enough to blast the roadster from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 295 km/h. 

The most powerful SL 63 4MATIC+ develops 430 kW and 800 Nm. It requires 3.6 seconds to blast from a standstill to 100 km/h. Its top speed is limited to 315 km/h.  

All that of power is channelled to all fours via an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission. As standard, the SL 55 4MATIC+ is equipped with a newly developed AMG Ride Control steel suspension while an AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active, hydraulic anti-roll stabilisation makes its debut in the SL 63 4MATIC+.

Stopping power comes from a newly developed AMG high-performance composite braking system. For the first time in an SL, the model is fitted with active rear-axle steering as standard. 

The new Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster is expected to launch in 2022.