The new Mercedes AMG SL sports a traditional soft top and athletic attitude, the latest version of this timeless icon returning, in this sense, to its origins. At the same time, as a 2+2 seater, the luxury roadster is excellent for daily business and, for the first time, empowers all four wheels with all-wheel drive.

“The new SL combines the sporty genes of the original SL with the driving performance typical of AMG. 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 – where the highest levels of comfort and quality meet the right helping of sportiness. The high-quality combination of the analog world and state-of-the-art digital equipment makes it clear that the new SL is the rebirth of an icon for the modern era”, says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Two levels of performance for the 4.0 liter V8 biturbo, transmission and AWD

The new SL comes with two power levels of the AMG 4.0 liter V8 biturbo engine. According to the “One Man, One Engine” philosophy, the engines are constructed entirely by hand.

The powerplant produces 430 kW (585 horsepower) and gives a maximum torque of 800 Nm across a broad rev range of 2500 to 4500 rpm in the top model SL 63 4MATIC+ – that has a combined fuel consumption of 12.7-11.8 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions of 288-268 g/km. It takes just 3.6 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h, and the peak speed is 315 km/h.

The V8 engine in the SL 55 4MATIC+ produces 350 kW (476 horsepower) and 700 Nm of peak torque – with combined fuel consumption of 12.7-11.8 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions of 288-268 g/km. The sprint from zero to 100 kilometers per hour takes 3.9 seconds, and the peak speed is 295 kilometers per hour.

The engine was given a new oil pan, relocated intercoolers, and active crankcase ventilation for use in the Mercedes AMG SL. The intake and exhaust channels have been improved for better gas exchange, and the exhaust gas routing for the catalytic converter box and the petrol particle filter has been expanded.

The enhanced power of the SL 63 4MATIC+ was accomplished largely via increased boost pressure and airflow, as well as upgraded engine software. To summarize, the eight-cylinder engine impresses with its superb power delivery and forceful acceleration over the whole engine speed range, as well as maximum economy for low consumption and emissions.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G gearbox is precisely fitted to the needs of the new SL, combining an emotionally attractive shifting experience with incredibly quick shift times. The torque converter is replaced with a wet start-off clutch. It saves weight and improves reaction to gas pedal instructions, notably during bursts and load changes, due to its reduced inertia.

The SL is offered with a drive technology that acts on all four wheels for the first time in its almost 70-year existence. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system comes standard on the two V8 versions. The completely variable torque distribution to the front and rear axles guarantees excellent grip. Under any situation, the driver can count on great handling stability and a high degree of safety.

Classically SL on the outside

The long wheelbase, small overhangs, large bonnet, passenger compartment set back with a highly sloped windshield, and muscular rear-end are all distinguishing aspects of the exterior design. As a consequence, the standard Mercedes AMG SL proportions are obtained.

They give the roadster its muscular, dynamic aspect, together with the voluminously sculpted wheel arches and generous alloy wheels flush with the outer skin. The completely integrated soft top, when closed, emphasizes the clean, athletic image.

The AMG-specific radiator grille emphasizes the front’s breadth and, with its 14 vertical slats, pays homage to the renowned 300 SL racing supercar from 1952, which is the progenitor of all SL models.

The small, clearly delineated DIGITAL LIGHT LED headlights and the similarly compact LED rear lamps are two more standout design characteristics.

Performance and luxury on the inside

The inside of the new Mercedes AMG SL brings the original 300 SL Roadster’s legacy into the current day. The new model is a great blend of sports prowess and refinement. The benchmark of the greatest degree of comfort is underscored by fine materials and expert craftsmanship. The driver is at the center of the cockpit design, right down to the customizable central display on the center console.

Simultaneously, the fully redesigned internal space concept with 2+2 seats provides much more space and usefulness than before. The back seats improve everyday convenience by providing room for children or persons up to 1.50 meters tall.

The interior design of the new model was influenced by the minimalist interior of the 300 SL Roadster, which was furnished with high-quality materials: The outcome is a fascinating blend of analog geometry and the digital world.

The entirely digital instrument cluster, which is incorporated into a three-dimensional visor, is an example of this. The basic MBUX infotainment system provides a variety of display layouts and settings to choose from.

The sculptural style of the standard, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats is one of the numerous features of the new SL’s interior. The head restraints are built into the backrest and add to the athletic look.

The AIRSCARF system is included: warm air enters the passenger cabin via air vents in the head restraints and wraps around the driver and front passenger’s heads and necks like a scarf. The synergy of high-tech, performance, and elegance is completed with perfect ergonomics and a variety of progressive seam and quilting designs.

Optional AMG Performance seats are offered.

The soft-top returns on the Mercedes AMG SL

Because of the new SL’s sportier posture, an electric soft top was chosen instead of the old metal roof. The weight savings of 21 kilograms and the accompanying lower center of gravity improve driving dynamics and handling. The Z-fold saves space and weight by eliminating the need for a traditional soft-top compartment cover.

In its ultimate position, the front roof cap guarantees that the open soft top is flat with the surface. At the same time, the designers had to preserve the product’s high appropriateness for daily usage as well as its exceptional noise comfort.

A tightly stretched outer shell, a carefully manufactured roof liner, and an acoustic mat composed of high-quality 450 g/m2 material placed in between make up the three-layer design.

It takes roughly 15 seconds to open and close, and it may be done at speeds of up to 60 km/h. The soft top is controlled by the center console switch panel or the multimedia touchscreen of the Mercedes AMG SL, which displays an animation of the procedure.

Intelligent assistance, Mercedes-style

The new roadster’s driver aid systems monitor traffic and its surroundings with the help of various sensors, cameras, and radar. If required, the intelligent assistants may engage in a flash.

In everyday conditions, for example, assistance for speed adaptation, distance control, steering, and lane changes, as in previous generations of the Mercedes C-Class and S-Class, the driver is supported by numerous new or enhanced systems.  When danger is present, the aid systems are capable of reacting to potential accidents in a timely manner.

A novel display idea in the instrument cluster visualizes the system’s operation.

In a full-screen perspective, the new assistance display in the instrument cluster explains and plainly demonstrates how the driving aid systems function. In an abstracted 3D view, the driver can see their Mercedes AMG SL, lanes, lane markers, and other road users such as cars, lorries, and two-wheelers.

The condition of the system and the functioning of the helpers are shown in this portrayal of the environment. The new animated aid display is built on a real-time 3-D scene. The functioning of the driving assistance systems becomes visible as a tactile augmented reality experience thanks to its dynamic, high-quality portrayal.