After years of speculation and a long teaser campaign, Mercedes-Benz finally unveiled the seventh-generation SL roadster. The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL has been unveiled, marking a new generation of the German carmaker’s iconic GT sports car. For the first time, the SL will be offered as a standalone 2+2 model from AMG, having been developed from the ground-up by the Mercedes-Benz high-performance division. Two variants of the new roadster will initially debut – the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4Matic+ and the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ – offering two different power outputs from a hand-assembled 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, each mated to AMG’s Speedshift multi-clutch nine-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. In addition to being developed solely by AMG on a completely new platform, the 2022 SL has a cloth roof, a two-plus-two seating layout, genuinely modern tech and a bunch of performance features never before used on an SL.
It’s been almost two decades since the SL last had a cloth roof and the new SL is one of the only modern soft top convertibles that looks genuinely good with the top up. Mercedes says the soft top saves 46 pounds compared to the previous gen’s folding hardtop, and it can be opened in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 37 mph. Best of all, it’ll come in three different colors including a bright red. The wide Panamericana front grille works well with the triangular LED headlights and large lower intakes and the superlong hood has two “power bulges” inspired by the original 300SL. The LED taillights echo the fronts in shape and the rounded rear end features quad exhaust tips and an active spoiler with four different positions that can reduce drag or increase handling performance. Staggered 20-inch wheels are standard, but 21s are optional and some of the wheel designs have aerodynamic styling elements. Also helping with aero are the smooth body sides, flush door handles and active louvers in the front air intakes.
Developed from scratch by AMG, the SL63 tops the new Mercedes SL range with 577 horsepower and 560 lb-ft. With Mercedes deciding to let their performance arm AMG take ownership of the new SL, the package is more than likely set to impress on the road. Using nothing from either the previous generation SL or current GT Roadster, this is a clean slate design set to take on the BMW M8 Competition Cabriolet and Aston Martin Vantage. Equipped as standard with Mercedes 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, the 2+2 seater SL with have a rear-wheel drive bias with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle. There will be no option to select a rear drive only mode like in other AMG’s, with sensors detecting any slip and sending the required torque to the front. A hybrid version will arrive a little later after launch that should combine the SL63’s V8 engine with an electrified rear axle as seen in the GT63 E Performance.
This new SL marks the first time the roadster has been offered with all-wheel drive and it comes standard. Like in other AMG models, the torque split is continuously variable and the front axle can be completely decoupled for legit rear-wheel drive. Also included on every new SL is a rear-wheel-steering setup that can turn the rear wheels by up to 2.5 degrees, which is better for both low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. The 2022 SL’s new aluminum space frame platform doesn’t share anything with the outgoing SL or the GT (though it will underpin future models like the next-gen GT coupe) and the platform uses a mix of aluminum, fiber composites, magnesium and steel. AMG says overall torsional stiffness is up by 18% compared to the old SL and versus the AMG GT roadster transverse rigidity and longitudinal rigidity are increased by 50% and 40%, respectively. Total weight of the body shell without the doors and hood is 595 pounds, and AMG says the new SL has a super low center of gravity.
