Mercedes AMG SL - An Upgraded Icon

A somewhat major departure from many of its predecessors, the 2022 Mercedes AMG SL seeks to carve out a following of its own, dumping many of the features of the old guard and bringing a new set that many will love. Transferred to the German company's AMG division, the AMG SL is the first in the SL series to be exclusively handled by Mercedes' sport and performance division. As such, it is quite different from many before it.

The SL is considered to be an icon by many. From the model's inception close to 70 years ago, the SL has been one of the company's main offerings in the two-seater class, providing noteworthy performance and excitement. The 2022 model will come in two variants, the SL55, and the slightly more powerful SL63.

What's new

So what are the changes? For starters, the new car comes with an additional pair of seats. These, in the company's words, add more practicability to a model that they hope will serve as an everyday car for a broader client base. Additionally, the SL also swaps out the hard retractable roof for a softer fabric. This alteration not only aids in a 46-pound weight loss but also opens and closes faster. AMG's 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system makes its debut in the series while a new suspension and braking system, rear-axle steering, and a total of six driving modes are also available.

Mercedes AMG SL - An Upgraded Icon

Engine and performance

There are no prizes for guessing which engine the 2022 SL has under the hood. AMG's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine powers both the SL55 and SL63 model variants. This works in conjunction with AMG's nine-speed MCT automatic transmission.

In the more powerful SL63, the engine produces an impressive 585hp and 800Nm of torque, giving the car a 0-62 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196mph. Meanwhile, in the SL55, the engine produces a respectable 467hp and torque of 700 Nm. The SL55 completes the 0-62 sprint in 3.9 seconds and maxes out at a top speed of 183mph.

A performance hybrid drivetrain is also in the works for the SL. However, Mercedes didn't reveal when they'll be releasing it to the market.

Mercedes AMG SL - An Upgraded Icon

Design

The upgraded car looks similar to the AMG GT roadster, though Mercedes made it a point to state that just like the first SL in 1952, the new model has been created from "literally a blank sheet of paper." At the front, the new car wears the look of the typical modern Mercedes with a "Panamericana" vertical-bar grille and angular headlights. The story is the same at the back, with angular taillights, an active spoiler, and a quad exhaust setup.

Interior

On the inside, the car mixes digital components with analog switches, offering a cabin that features a slew of modern touches while paying tribute to its famous predecessors. A digital instrument cluster, an MBUX touch screen infotainment system in the center, an AMG performance steering wheel, and a total of four leather seats are some of the additions in a rather luxurious and somewhat clean interior.

Mercedes AMG SL - An Upgraded Icon

Mercedes didn't reveal pricing details for the new car. However, it's not likely to differ much from the price tag of the 2020 SL550.


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