Mercedes-AMG SL.
Mercedes-AMG has revealed the new SL roadster.
The car is now offered as a 2+2, and is returning to its roots with a revival of a fabric soft top.
MARKS OF ROADSTERS PAST
The Mercedes-AMG SL is also harking to its predecessors with a return of emphasis on weight saving. For a start, that roof alone is said to account for 21kg saved.
Opening and closing this roof takes only about 15 seconds and is possible up to a speed of 60km/h.
Fabric roof takes only 15 seconds to deploy or retract.
And the fabric tent also now sits atop a whole new composite aluminium space frame chassis.
Designed to be as lightweight as possible, it tips the scales at 270kg and also offers 50% higher transverse rigidity compared to the chassis of the AMG GT Roadster.
Mercedes-AMG is very keen to point out here that this SL is underpinned with a whole new architecture. Not one part of the chassis, Mercedes states, is shared with the preceding SL nor any other model in its current lineup for that matter.
Another call back to history is the new SL’s 14-slat vertical grille at the front, a nod to the 300SL racer from 1952.
Mercedes states the rear seats should fit those below 1.5m tall.
Take a few steps away from the car and you’ll note that all the characteristic proportions of SL’s of old have been retained.
This new Mercedes-AMG SL continues to rock that classic long bonnet, cab-backward design. A steeply raked windshield and large alloy wheels that sit flush with the outer body speak of its newfound power and dynamism.
And at the rear, slim LED tail-lights emphasise the low profile of the car.
MERCEDES-AMG SL: POWER AND STABILITY
Two variants are being offered from launch. The first, the SL63 4Matic+, gets 577bhp and 800Nm of torque from a bi-turbo 4-litre V8. Accelerating from zero to 100km/h takes only 3.6 seconds with this variant, while top speed stands at 315km/h.
SL63 4Matic+ gets 577bhp and 800Nm of torque.
The second Mercedes-AMG SL variant revives the use of the hallowed “55” in its badge.
The SL55 4Matic+ also gets a V8, but tuned here to 469bhp and a peak torque of 700Nm. The sprint from standstill to 100km/h for this model takes 3.9 seconds.
Keen readers will already note that both models will come with all-wheel-drive. Power is fed through a 9-speed multi-clutch transmission. All wheels will also be kept busy thanks to active all-wheel-steering, which is standard for this new model.
AVIATION-INSPIRED INTERIOR
The cabin of the Mercedes-AMG SL is said to take inspiration from the world of aviation. The instrument panel is said to take the form of a wing, while the air-conditioning vents take the shape of jet turbines.
Centre console takes after the NACA ducts found on jet aircraft.
Ahead of the driver rests a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, integrated into a high-tech visor to prevent reflections caused by sunlight.
There’s also a nifty 11.9-inch infotainment display on the centre console. This can be adjusted electronically into a more vertical position, likewise to reduce glare from sunlight.
Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats come as standard on the Mercedes-AMG SL, along with the brand’s Airscarf system.
This system channels warm air out from outlets in the head restraints to wrap around the head and neck area of the driver and front passenger like a scarf so you stay warm, even when the sun is no longer that glaring.
The AMG SL is expected to officially arrive in Singapore in 2022.
Read about the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series here!
Or catch or review of the equally evocative Lexus LC500 Convertible here!
