Mercedes SL AMG. New way of looking at the well-forgotten old
The Mercedes SL AMG is a two-seater luxury roadster supercar, produced since 1993. In October 2021, the manufacturer introduced the fourth generation, developed from scratch and completely different from its predecessor. The letters ‘SL’ initially stood for Super Leicht (super light), and the character of the first Mercedes 300 SL was tempered on the racetrack. But in more than 60 years of evolution, the SL has gone far from the original idea, turning into a comfortable Gran Turismo. In the 21st century, the manufacturer decided to get the model back to its roots, if not completely, at least partially.
After a 1-year break from the SL family (production of the previous R231 series was discontinued in the summer of 2020), at the end of October 2021, Mercedes unveiled the new Mercedes-AMG SL (model code R232), developed from scratch by AMG. Built on a new platform, the new Mercedes SL has nothing to do with its predecessor, and the body is a spatial aluminum frame with body panels fixed to it. The new platform is lighter (only 270 kg) and 18% stiffer. And the designers have managed to lower the center of gravity. Overall, the new SL’s handling characteristics are even better than those of its predecessor. Among other things, formally it is no longer a roadster, but a 2+2 convertible. At the start of sales, the model will be available with a 4-liter V8 engine with 476 and 585 hp. A plug-in hybrid is also expected.
The convertibles will be produced at the plant in Bremen, and the start of sales is scheduled for early 2022. Official prices for the new Mercedes-AMG SL have not yet been announced, but the German press mentions at least 140 thousand euros for the SL 55. We’d like to share with you the details of what the new 2021/2022 Mercedes SL AMG has become and how it differs from the previous model.
Exterior
Despite looking very compact, the 2021/2022 Mercedes SL AMG has become even larger: its length has increased to 4,704 mm (versus 4,640 mm), while its wheelbase has grown up to 2,700 mm (versus 2,585 mm). In addition to aluminum, the body structure comprises steel and composite materials, and the torsional stiffness has increased by 18%. The new SL is not ‘super light’, as its curb weight is 1,875 kg, which is 155 kg heavier than the previous rear-wheel drive roadster SL 500 with a V8 engine. And considering the coefficient of 0.31, the aerodynamics is not very outstanding.
On the other hand, the hard top has been replaced by a soft top, for the first time in 20 years! It is 21 kg lighter, which lowers the center of gravity. The rooftop can be lifted or removed in 15 seconds at speeds up to 60 km/h. Plus, it takes up less space in the trunk. The standard equipment includes matrix headlights that draw tips right on the road. The new platform has entailed not only new proportions, but also a fresh exterior. However, the style of modern Mercedes cars has been preserved: the Panamericana trapezoidal radiator grille and narrowed lighting equipment. The alloy wheels are up to 21 inches.
A movable front splitter, rear spoiler and closing grille shutters have significantly improve active aerodynamics. The CFRP splitter under the front bumper moves down 40 mm at speeds over 80 km/h and causes air turbulence under the underbody, which reduces the lift draft on the front axle and pushes the car to the road. The rear spoiler travels at the same speed and has five positions. There is a complex system of shutters in front of the radiator: the lower part (behind the bumper) has vertical partitions, the upper part (behind the main grille) has horizontal ones. By default, all the shutters are closed, while the upper ones open at speeds over 180 km/h, and the lower ones are electronically controlled. As a result, balance of elevating force and downforce.
Interior and equipment
Yes, yes! The new Mercedes SL is equipped with the second row seats, which are tiny and suit passengers no more than 1.5 m tall, but still. As a last resort, they can be used as an additional trunk. So technically it’s not a roadster, but a 2+2 convertible.
Instead of the familiar monitors hidden under a single glass, the 2021/2022 Mercedes-AMG SL has received separate screens. Moreover, the infotainment system display is vertically oriented. Mercedes calls the interior ‘hyper-analog’, with the analog instruments being represented by round turbine-ventilation deflectors and a 12.3-inch dashboard, recessed in the old-fashioned way into a niche. The diagonal of the multimedia system is 11.9 inches, the angle of inclination of the screen changes automatically to reduce monitor glares. There are several display modes, AMG-specific menu sections and voice control. The list of equipment includes head-up display, Burmester sound system, contour lighting (64 colors) and front seats with a ‘warm scarf’ that supplies warm air to the passengers’ necks.
Engines and chassis
For the moment, there are two modifications with a V8 gasoline engine. The manufacturer plans to release powerful rechargeable hybrids in the future.
- The SL 55 is equipped with a 4-liter bi-turbo engine equipped with new intercoolers, a modified sump and a crankcase ventilation system. The powertrain produces 476 hp and 700 Nm. Acceleration to the first 100 km/h occurs in 3.9 seconds. The maximum speed is 295 km/h.
- The SL 63 comes with an engine producing 585 hp and 800 Nm and is capable of accelerating the roadster to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 315 km/h.
In fact, the two versions differ only in firmware and maximum boost pressure. Both are equipped with the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G 9-speed wet clutch transmission. But the most important thing is that the new Mercedes SL has become all-wheel drive for the first time in history: both versions have a 4Matic+ transmission with a multi-disc clutch for connecting the front axle. The electronically controlled rear cross-axle differential lock is optional for the SL 55 version and standard for the SL 63 version.
The car features a completely new chassis with front and rear double wishbones, although the company calls the scheme a five-link. The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 has a spring suspension with adaptive shock absorbers and conventional stabilizers. The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 has the AMG Active Ride Control chassis with a hydraulic system that connects the pillars of the left and right sides.
Moreover, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL is also fully controllable. At speeds up to 100 km/h, the rear wheels swing in the opposite direction with the front wheels to improve maneuverability, and after 100 km/h all wheels turn to the same side for increased stability. The standard brakes are 6-piston mechanisms on the front wheels, single-piston mechanisms on the rear and split discs. And for a surcharge, you can order carbon-ceramic brakes.
