The highly anticipated Mercedes‑AMG SL is now available to order with the SL 55 4MATIC+ starting at a base price of 158,240.25 euros and the SL 63 4MATIC+  available from 187,097.75 euros.  For some of you it will break the bank and for some you won’t blink an eye at the price – whichever side you’re on the pleasure of driving her will be the same.  High-tech components such as the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active anti-roll stabilisation, rear-axle steering, the optionally available AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system and the standard-fit DIGITAL LIGHT with projection function sharpen the sporty specification. In combination with the AMG 4.0‑litre V8 biturbo engine, this results in a driving experience of the highest order. Numerous options also offer a broad spectrum of individualisation from sportily dynamic to luxuriously elegant, depending on the customer’s wishes.

The legend of the “SL” celebrates a milestone birthday this year: exactly 70 years ago, a sports car saw the light of day in Stuttgart and immediately became a legend. With the road-going 300 SL racing sports car (internal designation W194), the Mercedes‑Benz brand accumulated one success after another on the world’s racetracks from 1952 onwards, and the SL model name quickly became a legend as a result. The successful racing car was followed in 1954 by the 300 SL production sports car (W198), which became known as the “Gullwing” because of its unusual doors. Other milestones in the model’s history were the “Pagoda” (W113, 1963-1971), the evergreen R107 (1971-1989), which was built for 18 years, and its successor, the R129 (1989-1995).

This tradition is now being continued by the latest generation of the SL, developed completely independently by Mercedes‑AMG. Two output levels of the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine are available at the start of sales. The engines are assembled entirely by hand at the company’s site in Affalterbach according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle. In the top model, the SL 63 4MATIC+, the drivetrain develops 430 kW (585 hp) and

provides a maximum torque of 800 Nm over a wide speed range from 2500 to 4500 rpm. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 3.6 seconds, while the top speed is 315 km/h. In the SL 55 4MATIC+, the V8 unit develops 350 kW (476 hp) of power and 700 Nm of maximum torque. The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h is completed in 3.9 seconds; the top speed is reached at 295 km/h.

Innovative technologies for maximum driving pleasure, comfort and safety

Both models feature the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission as standard, which combines an emotively appealing gearshift experience with extremely short shift times. AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive technology is standard on both V8 models: its fully variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles ensures optimum traction at the physical limit as well as high driving stability and driving safety under all conditions. For the first time, a series-production Mercedes‑AMG vehicle also features a multi-link front suspension with five control arms arranged entirely within the rim. This significantly improves the kinematics. At the rear axle, a 5‑link design likewise controls the wheels.

The SL 55 4MATIC+ drives with a newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL steel suspension equipped with particularly high-performance aluminium shock absorbers and lightweight coil springs. Optional for that model, standard for the SL 63 4MATIC+: the innovative AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active, hydraulic roll stabilisation. The system enables optimal cornering and load-change behaviour, with AMG-typical driving characteristics in terms of dynamics, precision and feedback for the driver. At the same time, it increases ride comfort when driving in a straight line and over bumps.

For the first time in the long history of the SL, the V8 models are equipped with active rear-axle steering (HAL) as standard. Depending on the speed, the rear wheels steer either in the opposite direction (up to 100 km/h) or in the same direction (faster than 100 km/h) as the front wheels. The system thus enables both agile and stable driving behaviour.

The SL equipment range: great variety for an individual look

The equipment details and the numerous options offer a wide range of individualisation for the most diverse customer wishes – from sportily dynamic to luxuriously elegant. This includes twelve paint colours, including the two exclusive SL tones hyper blue metallic and MANUFAKTUR monza grey magno, three roof colour variants and numerous new wheel designs. Five exterior design packages are available to further sharpen the look in the direction of elegance or dynamism: AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG Carbon Package, AMG Chrome Package, AMG Night Package and AMG Night Package II.

The SL 55 4MATIC+ runs on 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels as standard, optionally in silver or matt black. The SL 63 4MATIC+ stands on 20-inch AMG 5‑twin‑spoke light-alloy wheels. The range of wheels comprises a total of nine different variants. They include two aerodynamically optimised 20-inch options in 5‑twin‑spoke or multi-spoke design. The range is rounded off with 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 10‑spoke design and 21-inch AMG forged wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, both in two colour variants.

“Handcrafted in Bremen”: new SL being built at Germany’s northernmost Mercedes‑Benz assembly plant

Like its predecessor, the new SL also comes off the production line at the Mercedes‑Benz assembly plant in Bremen. It is thus the first vehicle developed entirely by Mercedes‑AMG to be built at this location. The use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) ensures the delivery of materials direct to the production lines. State-of-the-art technology is also found at the ‘wedding’ station, the heart of every assembly hall: the V8 engine, supplied “just in time” from Affalterbach, is connected to the body here.

Technical data at a glance

 ¹   MSRP for Germany including 19% VAT.
²  The values stated are the determined “WLTP CO₂ values” in the sense of Article 2 No. 3 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated on the basis of these figures
^[1]  The figures shown are the WLTP CO2 values measured according to Article 2 No. 3 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated on the basis of these figures.
^[2]  Manufacturer’s suggested retail price in Germany, plus 19% VAT.

The original SL was one of the vehicles that cemented the status of Mercedes-Benz. You might think there’s nothing left to prove, but its modern descendant insists otherwise: It’s been outfitted with the latest intelligent drive and safety features for new levels of confidence. Its exterior makes its SL lineage unmistakable, even as its aerodynamic form and AMG-specific grille suggest a thoroughly modern approach to performance. And a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 engine pushes it to new limits of power.

The SL’s basis is a completely new vehicle architecture. Meticulously developed by Mercedes-AMG, it consists of an aluminum space frame with self-supporting structure. The chassis itself features an intelligent material composition with high aluminum content and new fiber composites. This allows for high comfort, precise driving dynamics, optimal packaging and sporty body proportions. Just like the original SL in 1952, as well as icons like the Gullwing and others since, the 2022 model was first conceptualized on a blank sheet of paper. Not a single component was taken from the preceding SL model or a similar model like the GT, making it a completely unique automobile.

Meticulously developed by Mercedes-AMG

Within the vehicle, fine materials and meticulous workmanship help accentuate the minimalist approach. The completely redesigned interior features a 2+2 seating configuration for the first time since 1989. This makes the SL even more spacious and versatile. And if the extra seating isn’t needed, a deflector protects front seat passengers from wind at the back of the neck. As for the seats themselves, the avant-garde design makes them appear lighter and sleeker with fully integrated headrests and ideal ergonomics.

At the center of the space sits the 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen. Positioned vertically, it flows naturally from the lower section of the instrument panel and can be electrically adjusted to reduce glare when driving with the top down. The driver display and available head-up display round out the digital cockpit where the hardware and software have been extensively enhanced. But throughout the SL, you’ll notice a conscious effort to create a seamless blend of analog geometry and digital screens, something the designers refer to as “hyperanalog.” The result is an interior that feels true to the tradition of the classic SL Roadster, but reinvented for the modern era.