For nearly 70 years, the SL nameplate has signified premium open-top motoring. Its journey began in 1952 with the 300 SL (W 194), a road-going car that also performed well on global racetracks, including a famous 1-2 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This racing pedigree is deeply embedded in the DNA of the new SL.
Related: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance pricing revealed
New design
The new SL retains its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and long bonnet that flows into a set-back passenger compartment with a steeply raked windscreen. Up front, slim LED headlights and an AMG-specific grille with 14 vertical slats pay homage to the 1952 300 SL racing car. At the rear, an equally slim set of LED lights is in place.
Interior
Inside the SL, the brand has employed what it calls a "hyper analogue" cockpit, with a digital instrument cluster and a large central display for media, drive modes, and climate control. The SL is marketed as a 2+2 seater. However, the rear seats can only accommodate occupants up to 1.50 metres tall.
Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints are standard. The brand's Airscarf system delivers warm air to the head and neck area. The latest MBUX infotainment system has AMG-specific content and features like "AMG Performance" and "AMG TRACK PACE."
New Architecture
The new SL is built upon a new Mercedes-AMG 2-plus-2-seater vehicle architecture. The composite aluminium structure shares no components with the previous SL or the AMG GT Roadster. The body shell boasts an 18% increase in torsional rigidity compared to the previous SL, with lateral and longitudinal rigidity seeing increases of 50% and 40%, respectively, compared to the AMG GT Roadster. It weighs approximately 270 kilograms and is made of aluminium, magnesium, fibre composites, and steel.
The soft top is back
Returning to an electric soft top, replacing the previous metal vario roof, results in a 21-kilogram weight reduction and a lower centre of gravity, positively impacting driving dynamics. A Z-fold mechanism eliminates the need for a traditional soft-top compartment cover. With its acoustic mat, the three-layer soft top design offers a refined cabin experience. Opening and closing take 15 seconds and can be done at speeds up to 60 km/h.
Drivetrain
The new SL's 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine delivers 430kW and 800Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 315 km/h. This V8 engine features a new oil pan, repositioned intercoolers, active crankcase ventilation, and optimised intake/exhaust ducts. The gearbox is AMG's Speedshift MCT 9G transmission, sending power and torque to all four wheels.
Pricing
The Mercedes-AMG SL 63: R 3 943 156
