Mercedes-AMG SL – The only top-of-the-range convertible of the Etoile is a perfect mix between its predecessor, the S-Class Cabriolet and the AMG-GT, with an undeniable stylistic mastery.
While convertibles are no longer on the rise in generalist segments, the premium universe is still popular, but streamlines its offer. At Mercedes, theold SL has withdrawn from the tricolor catalog since 2019, after having sold less than 10 copies in France, the previous year, while we attended theextinction of the S-Class convertible of his beautiful death, when the famous limousine was renewed, in 2020. Finally, AMG-GT Coupe and Cabrio production ceases to coincide with the return of the SL icon, without their respective renewals being recorded.
2 adults + 2 children
The newcomer therefore finds himself well alone, at the top of the Mercedes hierarchy but, upon its discovery, it appears as the perfect synthesis of the models abandoned by the manufacturer. In the first place, it honors the AMG-GT’s dream proportions by considerably reducing its overhangs, in favor of the length of the wheelbase which has earned it a return to a 2 + 2 architecture, abandoned by the SL since 2001. At the time, this removal of the rear seats was dictated by the introduction of a hard top, replacing the canvas top. Orchestrating sound come-back in 2022, the compactness of this flexible headgear, once folded up, allows the SL to once again accommodate second-row passengers, provided their height does not exceed 1.50 m. Not enough to compete with the livability enjoyed by the old S Cabriolet, but the approach has the merit of being saluted.
AMG usurped as an entry ticket?
However, this ninth generation avoids being labeled as the queen of compromise. Despite the high level of comfort it promises us, its development has been entirely entrusted to the AMG department. However, we may regret that his V8 4.0 lth base (55 AMG the 476 ch) only bid 41 small horsepower, compared to the previous SL 500 which did not have the Affalterbach coat of arms. His 700 Nm of torque propel her 0 to 100 km / h in 3.9 s.
Magnified agility
More legitimate is the 63 AMG variant, from the same block, which carries its cavalry to 585 hp and 800 Nm of torque, when his grandmother stamped with the same denomination blew 537 ch. She only claims 3.6 s to reach 100 km / h. These two versions rely exclusively on a 4Matic + all-wheel drive, as well as a 9-speed automatic transmission ignoring the torque converter, preferring a wet start clutch, more compact and responsive. On the running gear side, the SL is distinguished by a multi-link front axle, the five arms of which are completely placed in the rim, in order to improve the kinematics. The 63 AMG variant adds active hydraulic components replacing conventional stabilizer bars. Agility is also magnified by the introduction of a active rear axle turning the wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels up to 100 km / h, and in the same direction at more than 100 km / h.
Savalteur classism
On board, We appreciate that the new convertible has not yielded to the austerity of the brand’s recent dashboards, whose design seems to have been dictated by digital technologies. Its cockpit maintains turbine-shaped aerators to heat the atmosphere, between which come the infotainment screens. The immense 11.9 ”central touch screen, tilt adjustable from 12 to 32 °, includes the second generation of the system MBUX capable of understanding up to 28 languages.
Competitor’s hood
To honor this gifted environment, the hood which covers it redoubles its ingenuity. 21 kg lighter than the old retractable roof, its architecture is made of steel and aluminum, while three layers constitute it. Between the taut outer shell and the headliner, an acoustic mat with a density of 450g / ㎡ is inserted to improve sound comfort. To take advantage of outside noise, this umbrella slips away in 15 s, up to 60 km / h, in a compartment separated from the boot by stretch fabric, in order to optimize the load volume. Traveling with hair in the wind, 213 l can be swallowed, which is only 27 l less than in the closed position.
Goodbye V12
If the trunk works wonders at the back, we would have liked that of its engine to be more generous, by adopting a V12 block. A painful subject, it seems, for the boss of the AMG department, interviewed below, who confirmed to us that this type of engine was not programmed, without elaborating on the question. To glean a few more horses, Mercedes will favor hybridization, expected in the coming months.
Prix Mercedes-AMG SL
Launched in spring 2022, the new Mercedes-AMG SL has not yet unveiled its price list. More elitist than its entry-level predecessor, it will be close to probably € 200,000 in the 55 AMG version.
3 questions to Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH:
Will the new SL replace the AMG-GT which will be phased out next year?
The new SL is the successor to the previous SLs. It does not have the DNA of an AMG GT which is a pure sports car. GT drivers like to meet on the tracks, we see them during our events. The SL is, on the other hand, a road car and customers prefer to evolve on the road. It is true that the AMG GT is at the end of its life and we have other ideas for its renewal but you will see that in the future.
What technological advancements prompted engineers to return to the classic soft top?
Pure emotion. The SL has had its day with its hard top and I think it was time to go back to the soft top. For its design, we wanted to take inspiration from the very first SL from 1952. This new generation, with its soft top, is our current interpretation of what a sporty and comfortable convertible should look like.
Is the arrival of a V12 planned, as for the S-Class?
No, we have no plans to introduce a V12 in the range of the new SL.
Interview by Julien Azoura.
Mercedes news:
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63: first info and photos
Mercedes-AMG GT: end of career confirmed
New BMW M3 Touring and Mercedes-AMG C 65 Break: they want the skin of the Audi RS4
Mercedes-AMG SL – The only top-of-the-range convertible of the Etoile is a perfect mix between its predecessor, the S-Class Cabriolet and the AMG-GT, with an undeniable stylistic mastery.
While convertibles are no longer on the rise in generalist segments, the premium universe is still popular, but streamlines its offer. At Mercedes, theold SL has withdrawn from the tricolor catalog since 2019, after having sold less than 10 copies in France, the previous year, while we attended theextinction of the S-Class convertible of his beautiful death, when the famous limousine was renewed, in 2020. Finally, AMG-GT Coupe and Cabrio production ceases to coincide with the return of the SL icon, without their respective renewals being recorded.
2 adults + 2 children
The newcomer therefore finds himself well alone, at the top of the Mercedes hierarchy but, upon its discovery, it appears as the perfect synthesis of the models abandoned by the manufacturer. In the first place, it honors the AMG-GT’s dream proportions by considerably reducing its overhangs, in favor of the length of the wheelbase which has earned it a return to a 2 + 2 architecture, abandoned by the SL since 2001. At the time, this removal of the rear seats was dictated by the introduction of a hard top, replacing the canvas top. Orchestrating sound come-back in 2022, the compactness of this flexible headgear, once folded up, allows the SL to once again accommodate second-row passengers, provided their height does not exceed 1.50 m. Not enough to compete with the livability enjoyed by the old S Cabriolet, but the approach has the merit of being saluted.
AMG usurped as an entry ticket?
However, this ninth generation avoids being labeled as the queen of compromise. Despite the high level of comfort it promises us, its development has been entirely entrusted to the AMG department. However, we may regret that his V8 4.0 lth base (55 AMG the 476 ch) only bid 41 small horsepower, compared to the previous SL 500 which did not have the Affalterbach coat of arms. His 700 Nm of torque propel her 0 to 100 km / h in 3.9 s.
Magnified agility
More legitimate is the 63 AMG variant, from the same block, which carries its cavalry to 585 hp and 800 Nm of torque, when his grandmother stamped with the same denomination blew 537 ch. She only claims 3.6 s to reach 100 km / h. These two versions rely exclusively on a 4Matic + all-wheel drive, as well as a 9-speed automatic transmission ignoring the torque converter, preferring a wet start clutch, more compact and responsive. On the running gear side, the SL is distinguished by a multi-link front axle, the five arms of which are completely placed in the rim, in order to improve the kinematics. The 63 AMG variant adds active hydraulic components replacing conventional stabilizer bars. Agility is also magnified by the introduction of a active rear axle turning the wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels up to 100 km / h, and in the same direction at more than 100 km / h.
Savalteur classism
On board, We appreciate that the new convertible has not yielded to the austerity of the brand’s recent dashboards, whose design seems to have been dictated by digital technologies. Its cockpit maintains turbine-shaped aerators to heat the atmosphere, between which come the infotainment screens. The immense 11.9 ”central touch screen, tilt adjustable from 12 to 32 °, includes the second generation of the system MBUX capable of understanding up to 28 languages.
Competitor’s hood
To honor this gifted environment, the hood which covers it redoubles its ingenuity. 21 kg lighter than the old retractable roof, its architecture is made of steel and aluminum, while three layers constitute it. Between the taut outer shell and the headliner, an acoustic mat with a density of 450g / ㎡ is inserted to improve sound comfort. To take advantage of outside noise, this umbrella slips away in 15 s, up to 60 km / h, in a compartment separated from the boot by stretch fabric, in order to optimize the load volume. Traveling with hair in the wind, 213 l can be swallowed, which is only 27 l less than in the closed position.
Goodbye V12
If the trunk works wonders at the back, we would have liked that of its engine to be more generous, by adopting a V12 block. A painful subject, it seems, for the boss of the AMG department, interviewed below, who confirmed to us that this type of engine was not programmed, without elaborating on the question. To glean a few more horses, Mercedes will favor hybridization, expected in the coming months.
Prix Mercedes-AMG SL
Launched in spring 2022, the new Mercedes-AMG SL has not yet unveiled its price list. More elitist than its entry-level predecessor, it will be close to probably € 200,000 in the 55 AMG version.
3 questions to Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH:
Will the new SL replace the AMG-GT which will be phased out next year?
The new SL is the successor to the previous SLs. It does not have the DNA of an AMG GT which is a pure sports car. GT drivers like to meet on the tracks, we see them during our events. The SL is, on the other hand, a road car and customers prefer to evolve on the road. It is true that the AMG GT is at the end of its life and we have other ideas for its renewal but you will see that in the future.
What technological advancements prompted engineers to return to the classic soft top?
Pure emotion. The SL has had its day with its hard top and I think it was time to go back to the soft top. For its design, we wanted to take inspiration from the very first SL from 1952. This new generation, with its soft top, is our current interpretation of what a sporty and comfortable convertible should look like.
Is the arrival of a V12 planned, as for the S-Class?
No, we have no plans to introduce a V12 in the range of the new SL.
Interview by Julien Azoura.
Mercedes news:
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63: first info and photos
Mercedes-AMG GT: end of career confirmed
New BMW M3 Touring and Mercedes-AMG C 65 Break: they want the skin of the Audi RS4
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