The Redesigned 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL: Bringing Back the Magic of the Roadster
Carlos Kirby
· 4 min read
Only a few automakers can boast of having models that have dominated the market for years.
Mercedes-Benz
is one vehicle manufacturer that fits such ranks with the debut of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL. Since the 1950s, the German automaker has graced its GT fans with the luxury, open-top SL roadster series. For those eagerly waiting for the return of the SL roadster, worry not, for the classic model is making a comeback in 2022. Expected to make its market debut early next year, the vehicle promises better performance, comfort, and safety without compromising the exhilarating SL Roadster experience.
The Mercedes-AMG SL: A blast from the past
According to
Top Gear
, the first SL model was built as a race car in 1951 – the 300 SL. The SL stands for "Super Light." The original model featured a frame weighing only 50kg. Three years later, a road-going version of the 300 SL was created and underwent significant modifications, resulting in some old classics, such as the 1954 300 SL, 1971 R107, and 1989 R129. The model's popularity dwindled towards the latter years of the 20th century. The manufacturer's SL and AMG division partnered to create the SL 500 and SL 600, which delivered exceptional engine performance of 470 HP and 500 HP, respectively.
Nonetheless, Mercedes is bringing its classic SL roadster back to the limelight with the newly released AMG SL. The new version will feature a new, attractive look with a lighter retractable roof, improved engine performance, and a range of advanced safety features.
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2022 Mercedes-AMG SL: What you can expect
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The new AMG SL features a new exterior design with smoother and rounder edges. It comes with a larger cabin and a less pronounced hood length. According to the
Car and Driver
review, it has an extended wheelbase that extends 5 inches more. The overall length increases by three inches, while the width increases by an inch and a half. A significant change is a switch from the retractable hard-top to the classic soft top for the new AMG SL.
The new tech-ready AMG SL roadster comes with a touchscreen infotainment system operating the latest MBUX OS. It also packs advanced safety technology, including automated lane-changing, Distonic Plus with stop-and-go, augmented video navigation, and automatic park assist.
Now to the engine performance: Instead of using the twin-turbo V6 engines as its predecessor, the new model packs a V8 engine. It's available in two trims; the SL 55 features an M117 V8 that delivers 469 HP and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. In the SL63, you can expect 577 HP and 590 lb.-ft. of torque.
Each car uses a nine-speed automatic transmission to transfer power to the wheels, enabling the SL 55 and SL63 to reach 60 mph in 3.8 and 3.5 seconds, respectively.
The SL’s comeback might take a while
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Albeit the German automaker has made tremendous enhancements to the SL with the new R232 generation, it will take some time for it to regain its lost stature as Merc's range-topping roadster.
Because the S-Class convertible was discontinued, the AMG SL must now fly below the GT roadster by being more of a grand tourer. Mercedes-Benz is doing that to appeal to S-class fans.
The motor company hasn't yet released the price tags on both SL trims, but judging from the previous models and the new model's performance, the SL55 might cost a little lower than $100,000, while the SL63 might fetch about 20% more. We will have to wait till the model hits the market to speculate whether it restores its dominance as Mercedes's symbol of success.
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