Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the brand new SL. Indeed, Mercedes-AMG and not Mercedes-Benz. The new SL was developed by the men and women in Affalterbach and is always an AMG model. But there are more areas where the new SL breaks with its predecessor.
- Potential triple role
- Always an AMG
- As AMG 55 4Matic and AMG 63 4Matic
- Hybrid AMG E Performance version to follow
- More luxurious and sportier
The Mercedes-AMG SL is a special model in several respects. The car was developed by the AMG department of Mercedes-Benz and that means that it is always sold as Mercedes-AMG. In addition, for the first time since the introduction of the R230 generation in 2001, the SL no longer has a steel folding roof. No, Mercedes-AMG simply gives the new SL a fabric hood that protects its four occupants from the elements. Wait a second. Four? Of course! The Mercedes-AMG SL is a 2+2. Another first: it is the first time that the SL has four-wheel drive.
Although Mercedes-AMG itself does not say so, the new SL seems to play a triple role. The open bon vivant does not only seem to continue the SL line, with its small rear seat, the new SL also somewhat fills the gap that the S-class Cabriolet, which has since been removed from the market, has left behind. In addition, the SL seems to succeed the AMG GT Roadster in the long term.
Mercedes-AMG SL
AMG genes
Isn’t the new SL too soft for that? Well no. Mercedes-AMG has taken care of that. Mercedes-AMG describes the new SL as a Performance Luxury model, a car that combines the luxurious GT content of the SL with the performance of an AMG model. In terms of stiffness, the SL beats the AMG Roadster. The transverse stiffness is in fact 50 percent higher than that of the open AMG crack nose, the stiffness in the longitudinal direction 40 percent. The SL owes this to its completely redesigned base by Mercedes-AMG. The car is built around a new aluminum base reinforced with composites. How new is completely new? Apart from the powertrain, the SL does not share any part with the previous SL or with the AMG GT Roadster, according to Mercedes-AMG.
Mercedes-AMG SL
Dimensions and design
As far as dimensions are concerned, little remains the same. At 4.71 meters long, the new SL is 13 centimeters longer than the previous SL and 16 centimeters longer than the AMG GT Roadster. The 1.36 meter high genius is also 4 centimeters wider than its direct predecessor, but 2 centimeters narrower than the open AMG GT. Seen from the side, the 1,950 kilo heavy SL is a real SL. That means: a long hood, short overhangs and a relatively short buttocks. The wheelbase, which at 2.7 meters is 11 centimeters larger than that of the previous SL and exceeds that of the AMG GT by 7 centimeters, helps optically with that. In terms of luggage space, the SL nestles between the previous model (345-485 litres) and the AMG GT Roadster (165 litres). You can store 213 to 240 liters in it. So an in-between. The convertible roof of the SL is 21 kilograms lighter than the steel folding roof of the previous model. It can be opened or closed in 15 seconds at a speed of up to 60 km/h.
Mercedes-AMG SL
Fans of the 300 SL will undoubtedly see something of this in the hood of this brand new Mercedes-AMG. The new SL also has two of the 300 SL characteristic ‘humps’ on the hood. In the grille we even see a reference to the W194 ‘300 SL’ from ’52, that race car also had fourteen vertical bars in its grille. Handles recessed into the doors – the 300 SL also had them – together with the Digital Light LED headlights and slim taillights provide a modern look. The SL has active flaps in the grille and a rear spoiler that slides out of the convertible’s buttocks from a speed of 80 km/h and then – depending on speed – takes one of five possible positions.
Mercedes-AMG SL
Interior
The fact that Mercedes-AMG cannot let go of the primal SL and its 300 SL Roadster brother is evident from the fact that that car is also included in the description of the interior. In any case, the whole looks chic and somewhat classic, although the 12-inch screen that can be tilted over its horizontal axis together with the 12.3-inch large digital instrumentation can of course not hide the fact that the SL is ultra-modern. The SL is also equipped with the latest version of the MBUX system. The AMG content is reflected, among other things, in the sports seats with integrated headrests, which, under the name Airscarf, blow warm air around as standard to warm your head and neck. Do you think these chairs are too soft? No problem. Mercedes-AMG also supplies AMG Performance seats.
By the way, do not expect too much from the seating space in the back seat, which is suitable for people who are up to 1.5 meters long, according to Mercedes-AMG. The entire interior can be covered with nappa leather and various types of microfibres.
Mercedes-AMG SL
engines
As mentioned, the new SL is always an AMG model and that of course promises a lot for the powertrains. Mercedes-Benz says it will eventually come up with a hybrid E Performance version as we already know from the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé, but we have to wait for that for a while. Until that hybrid variant is available, the SL 63 4Matic+ will be at the top of the food chain. In the long nose of the SL 63 is a 585 hp and 800 Nm strong biturbo 4.0 V8 that distributes that power to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift automatic transmission with nine gears. The SL with this motorization sprints to a speed of 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 315 km/h. This provisional top version has the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active anti-roll stabilization, a system that uses hydraulic parts for the first time.
Is 585 horsepower too much for you? Then you can opt for the 55 AMG 4Matic, a version whose name harks back to that of AMG versions of the past. For example, the AMG flavors of the first CLS and the then current C and E class and of course those of the SL (R230) had the same designation. In the new SL 55 AMG 4Matic, now with four-wheel drive, there is no 5.4 V8, but simply the well-known 4.0 V8 with two turbos. That machine produces 476 hp and 700 Nm, enough to help the SL reach a speed of 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Its top speed: 295 km/h. So nothing to be ashamed of either. The SL 55 AMG gets the AMG Ride Control suspension. Active dampers, but no active roll stabilization. Regardless of the chosen engine version, you get – also for the first time in SL country – a co-steering and counter-steering rear axle. At speeds up to 100 km/h, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction for extra dynamics, at speeds above 100 km/h they steer with the front wheels for greater straight-line stability.
The new SL will come to the Netherlands next year. Prices are not there yet.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl