New Mercedes-AMG SL: the heir to the iconic "gullwing", with V8 engines and a fabric roof

The legend of the Mercedes-Benz SL “gullwing”, the iconic model from the star brand that became a true legend practically from its market launch in 1952, lives on. To this end, the new Mercedes-AMG SL combines the luxury, exclusivity and technology of the brand’s latest models with the tradition and sportiness of the original. And it does so in a convertible body with a fabric roof which, unlike the previous generations, has a 2+2 configuration rather than a strict two-seater.

2+2 convertible with fabric soft top

This is one of the main conceptual differences between the new SL and the model it replaces, although as you can imagine, the rear seats are not very spacious: they can barely be used by children.

Another characteristic feature of the new SL is the fabric roof, which replaces the previous retractable metal roof. This reduces weight and lowers the centre of gravity, benefiting dynamic behaviour. In addition, the Z-shaped folding of the roof means Mercedes does not need a cover for the roof compartment when driving without the roof.

The roof, which opens or closes electrically in 15 seconds even while driving (at speeds of up to 60 km/h), is made of three layers, including a special soundproofing layer. A detachable windblocker that can be fitted behind the front seats (rendering the rear seats unusable) helps reduce turbulence.

On the exterior, the combination of some classic features, such as the grille design, with very high-tech ones, such as the digital LED lights already used on other models from the brand, stands out. There are also several active aerodynamic elements. These include the two-piece Airpanel for the air regulation system, the rear spoiler that deploys automatically and is integrated into the boot lid, and a carbon-fibre element hidden in the underbody in front of the engine which, from 80 km/h, lowers to create a Venturi effect that provides greater downforce to “stick” the car to the road.

V8 engines, four-wheel drive

Mercedes-AMG launches the new SL with the 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 476 CV in the SL 55 4MATIC+, and 575 CV in the SL 63 4MATIC+. The latter reaches a top speed of 315 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, making it one of the fastest convertibles on the market.

In both cases the power is delivered to the road through the 4MATIC+ four-wheel drive system, another major technical innovation in the new generation of the SL. And there will be more, although it is still under development: Mercedes-AMG has already announced that there will be an SL with an electrified powertrain.

The gearbox is always the nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT 9G, now with an oil-bath clutch instead of a torque converter. The all-wheel drive system distributes torque variably between the two axles, depending on driving style and road grip.

The chassis innovations don’t stop there. For the first time, Mercedes-AMG also offers four-wheel steering on the SL, which means that up to 100 km/h the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, and in the same direction above that speed. The most powerful version also comes as standard with the new AMG Active Ride Control suspension, which includes a hydraulic active body roll stabilisation system.

As an alternative to the standard high-performance brakes, Mercedes-AMG offers a carbon-ceramic brake system as an option for both versions. The standard wheels are 19 inches on the SL 55 4MATIC+, and 20 inches on the most powerful version.

The interior of the new Mercedes SL: up to eight screen designs

The new SL also keeps pace with the brand’s most advanced models in terms of connectivity. The second-generation MBUX multimedia system stands out, with a huge touchscreen of almost 12 inches in portrait orientation, as in the new C-Class and S-Class. It can be operated via the Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel or by voice control. As a very interesting novelty, for the first time the screen’s tilt can be adjusted electrically between 12 and 32 degrees.

It is complemented by the digital instrument cluster, with a 12.3-inch display that allows you to choose between different display styles, including the new “Supersport”. A head-up display with different viewing modes can also be optionally fitted.

As an alternative to the sports seats, AMG Performance seats with integrated headrests can be equipped, whose side bolsters adjust to the body when the driver selects the sportier driving modes.

Image gallery: Mercedes SL (2022)