Mercedes-AMG has presented the eighth generation of the Mercedes SL. The soft top is now back, and for the first time the roadster comes with all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering as standard.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4Matic+
Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG has completely taken over the development of the new SL of the R 232 series. The basis is an aluminum spaceframe with a self-supporting structure. The new Mercedes-AMG SL is 4705 mm long, 1353 mm high and 1915 mm wide. The Panamericana grille, short overhangs, long hood with powerdomes and rearward offset passenger compartment are meant to recall the early SL from the 1950s.
The Airpanel active air control system behind the vertical louvers of the radiator grille has a two-piece design for the first time. An active carbon profile is optionally available in the underbody, which extends from 80 km/h and creates a Venturi effect. A retractable spoiler is integrated in the trunk lid. The steel folding roof of the predecessor is a thing of the past: the new fabric roof can be opened or closed in around 15 s at speeds of up to 60 km/h. The “Performance Luxury Model,” as the manufacturer calls the vehicle, stands on 19, 20 or 21" alloy wheels.
New SL with V8 biturbo gasoline engines
In the interior, the 2+2 seater naturally integrates Airscarf on the front sports seats, where air outlets in the headrests emit warm air, but the rear seats are only suitable for children. The digital instrument cluster has been integrated into a three-dimensional visor, and a new full-screen display has been designed for the numerous driver assistance systems. The driver also has six driving programs from “Smooth” to “Race” at their disposal. The large central display in the center console is adjustable. The second-generation MBUX infotainment system enables many operating options and digital services from Mercedes me connect.
The roadster will initially be offered with two V8 biturbo gasoline engines with 4.0 l displacement: The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ produces 430 kW (585 PS) and reaches a maximum torque of 800 Nm. The roadster, which weighs at least 1970 kg, sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 s and has a maximum speed of 315 km/h. The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4Matic+ is 350 kW (476 PS) powerful and puts a maximum torque of 700 Nm on the crankshaft. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved here in 3.9 s, the top speed is 295 km/h. AMG E Performance hybrid drives are to follow later.
In both models, power is transmitted via the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G to the AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive. Active rear-axle steering is also installed in an SL for the first time. The SL 55 version features the Ride Control steel-spring suspension, while the AMG Active Ride Control with semi-active roll stabilization and adaptive variable damping is provided for the SL 63. Stopping is by means of an AMG brake system with 390 mm discs at the front and 360 mm discs at the rear.