Mercedes AMG SL 2022
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Mercedes AMG SL 2022
© press-inform – the press office
Mercedes has not meant it too well with its icon SL in recent years. The open beau, once the Swabian flagship, only parked on the edge of the bulging model portfolio. Finally there is a new edition – initially without electric power. But a plug-in hybrid is to follow soon.
For the first time, the development of a Mercedes SL was placed in the hands of AMG. This is less due to exaggerated sportiness, but rather to the fact that the Mercedes AMG SL is supposed to replace the now obsolete AMG GT Roadster in the medium term. Years ago it almost became the death knell for the legendary Mercedes SL, which in the past decades transported the rich and beautiful of this world comfortably and sportily over the boulevards of this world. The previous SL generation was repeatedly postponed, came way too late and was not a leader in terms of design or technology.
That should be different with the new Mercedes SL. The optics are strongly based on the current AMG GT Roadster with a distinctive vertical radiator grille and lights in CLS design. Daimler never tires of emphasizing that the car has just as little in common with the current AMG GT as it has with the previous SL, because it is based on a completely newly developed vehicle architecture. The chassis, constructed in a composite aluminum structure, consists of an aluminum space frame with a self-supporting structure. If one or the other customer had expected that the new Mercedes SL with its length of 4.71 meters would only come purely electrically, the all-clear was given more than two years ago. The SL continues to rely on petrol power. Why an image-strong V12 is missing in the model portfolio, which still drives the top models from Maybach or the armored Mercedes S 680 Guard, should remain a secret. At least one can breathe a sigh of relief because one is spared a highly charged four-cylinder with electric assistance.
The engine from the upcoming Mercedes AMG C63 would have fit into the long front end of the SL, but it would have caused a storm of consternation among the financially strong SL fans, who have already had difficult years behind them. But in 2023 a plug-in variant should complement the current double pack. “The new SL combines the sporty genes of the original SL with the typical AMG driving performance. At the same time, it offers luxury and comfort at the absolute top level. This combination is unique in the sports car segment and is also reflected in the interior – this is where maximum comfort meets and quality with the right amount of sportiness, “says AMG CEO Philipp Schiemer.
At the market launch, the Mercedes AMG SL will initially be launched in two V8 engines. The basic model is the well-known four-liter V8 twin-turbo SL 55 4matic with 350 kW / 476 hp / 700 Nm, which accelerates the open 2 + 0 seater from a standing start to 100 km / h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 295 km / h reached. The more powerful version of the SL 63 4matic with the similar V8 has an output of 430 kW / 585 PS / 800 Nm and reaches a maximum of 315 km / h. The standard consumption of the two mandatory all-wheel drive roadsters is 11.8 liters of super per 100 kilometers. Not only are rear-wheel steering, six drive programs, all-wheel drive and nine-speed automatic transmission as standard, but for the first time also an electric fabric roof. This can be opened and closed in 15 seconds up to a speed of 60 km / h. The small V8 is equipped with a steel spring chassis with aluminum shock absorbers and lightweight coil springs. A five-link axle works at the front and rear. The SL 63, on the other hand, has a built-in hydraulic roll stabilization system, in which active hydraulic elements replace the mechanical anti-roll bars and compensate for the body movements. The open SL with the star rolls optionally on 19-, 20- or 21-inch models. The driver assistance systems are on a par with the S and E Class.
The interior of the Mercedes AMG SL, which weighs almost 2,000 kilograms, offers few surprises. Although it is officially offered as a 2 + 2-seater, the seats are likely to remain empty as in the Porsche 911 and therefore only serve as an additional luggage rack. Otherwise, the interior of the open Mercedes offers few surprises. There are comfortable, air-conditioned leather seats that can be adjusted in many ways, animated instruments, a head-up display and a central multimedia screen, the inclination of which can be electrically adjusted between 12 and 32 degrees. The load space holds between 213 and 240 liters.