The AMG logo is not there by chance.
The next generation of the Mercedes SL, descendant of a crowned lineage of many successes, is a pure product of the sports division of Affalterbach.
While it was responsible for the design, this entity will also produce it.
The first copies will leave the chain, where manual operations are still predominant, at the beginning of 2022. Deliveries will begin around May.
To discover
What responsibility at the wheel of an “autonomous car”?
2 + 2 architecture
The new SL convertible returns to the canvas top. Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / http: //media.daimler.com
The lines of the next SL (Sport Leicht) refer to the AMG-GT roadster and refer more to sportiness than grand touring. Same aggressive grille with 14 vertical slats, same look. Yet not a single piece of the aluminum spaceframe and bodywork comes from the AMG roadster. Compared to the Affalterbach two-seater, the shapes have gained some roundness. The SL is especially lengthened by 150 mm to accommodate two recovery places at the rear. Mercedes takes care to specify that they are cut for people not exceeding 1.50 meters. In this size of 4.70 meters, the new SL marks the return of the canvas top. Very compact, it folds in Z in 15 seconds, up to 60 km / h, and helps to lower the center of gravity and the weight (1,950 kg). We will not buy the SL for its trunk:its size is smaller than that of a city car. The volume varies from 213 to 240 liters (hood closed). Sufficient to accommodate two golf bags.
Technology showcase
The new SL is based on a new chassis.
Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / http: //media.daimler.com
The SL is not a Mercedes like the others.
It remains a technological showcase in the field of sportsmanship.
This is how the new model is the first in history to incorporate all-wheel drive as standard on models with V8 engines and rear-wheel steering, for the benefit of agility and maneuverability.
This equipment is combined with multi-link axles and an adaptive AMG Active Ride Control undercarriage with active anti-roll control and AMG composite ceramic brakes to deliver a driving sensation close to a sports car.
At launch, the SL was available in two versions with a 4-liter turbo petrol V8: SL 55 4Matic + and SL 63 4 Matic +.
The first has a power of 476 hp, the second 585 hp.
In the latter case, the performance is close to a super sports car: 0 to 100 km / h in 3.6 seconds, 315 km / h at top speed.
These two versions are mated to a 9-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission.
Secondly, Mercedes plans to market a more accessible version with hybrid technology.
No doubt with a six-cylinder.
A large slab
The inclination of the touchscreen can be adjusted electronically.
Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / http: //media.daimler.com
The interior bends to the new Mercedes design, incorporating the large 11.9-inch central touchscreen of the Mercedes S-Class. But the SL goes further: the touchscreen can be adjusted electrically in its tilt, from 12 degrees to 32 degrees, to avoid sun glare when rolling hair in the wind.
Likewise, the enveloping seats incorporate Airscarf neck heating.
Finally, like all SLs, the latter embeds the best of the brand's technology.
We thus find the latest high-tech equipment in terms of driving assistance and comfort systems.
