Overview
With a legacy that stretches again all the best way to the authentic 300SL Gullwing, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL-class is an automotive icon. Current examples have not been as spectacular as anticipated and a bunch of newer two-door, four-seat grand touring convertibles have rendered it out of date, however the brand new era SL is taking a sportier tack and can be supplied solely with an AMG badge. The entry-level SL55 is powered by a 469-hp twin-turbo V-8 whereas the racier SL63 will get a 577-hp model of that very same motor. All-wheel drive and four-wheel steering are each normal and are supposed to enhance each dealing with and efficiency. Though it’s being reimagined as a extra centered sports activities automobile, the brand new SL additionally sports activities an expensive and tech-heavy cabin. And in a nod to earlier generations, the brand new SL options folding material roof rather than the outgoing fashions’ power-folding hardtop, thereby retaining the its open-air persona whereas additionally saving weight.
What’s New for 2022?
Mercedes-AMG’s iconic SL-class is all new for 2022, following a brief hiatus and it must be on sale in time for convertible season.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
A bunch of luxurious options come normal on all SL fashions, together with massaging seats, a head-up show, and a Burmester stereo system. We might go along with the dearer SL63 to unlock the twin-turbo V-8’s most energy determine. Each the SL55 and SL63 are supplied in both Touring or Efficiency specs, with the latter coming with a entrance axle raise characteristic (to assist it clear velocity bumps) and darkened exterior trim.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
Each SL fashions are powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 borrowed from the GT sports activities automobile. Within the SL55 the engine makes a stout 469 horsepower however upgrading to the SL63 boosts that determine to a thundering 577 ponies. A nine-speed computerized is the one transmission, and an all-wheel drive system and four-wheel steering are normal on all SL fashions. Such powertrains will permit the revived SL-class to tackle convertible variations of the BMW 8-series and the Lexus LC—each of that are supplied with highly effective V-8 engines—in addition to extra sporting rivals, such because the Porsche 911. Throughout our preliminary take a look at drive, we discovered the SL to be simply off from its new, sportier mission. The automobile presents a number of adjustable drive modes, which makes it arduous to dial in simply the correct quantity of agility and luxury, which gives the look that it is not fairly centered sufficient on one or the opposite. Acceleration is immediate, particularly with the extra highly effective model of the V-8 on board and we estimate that the SL63 will attain 60 mph in simply 3.1 seconds.
Gas Financial system and Actual-World MPG
The SL earned an EPA ranking of 14 and 21 mpg for metropolis and freeway driving for each the SL55 and SL63 fashions. Each V-8–powered variations of the 8-series and the LC are rated at 25 mpg freeway, which greatest the SL by just a few mpg. After we get an opportunity to place the brand new SL-class by way of our 75-mph freeway fuel-economy take a look at, which is a part of our intensive testing routine, we will consider its real-world mpg. For extra details about the SL’s gas financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
The SL-class stays solely a two-door convertible. However fairly than final era’s sophisticated folding hardtop, a material roof has been used on the brand new mannequin to save lots of weight and maximize cargo area. Nonetheless, do not anticipate an expansive trunk. A pair of small rear seats supplies a spot to park an occasional passenger, however that space is best suited to cargo than folks. The inside is lots luxurious and Mercedes’ novel Airscarf characteristic, which gently blows heat air on the motive force and entrance passenger’s neck throughout chilly climate drives, is normal.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All SL fashions include Mercedes’s new MBUX infotainment system, full with the system’s “Hey Mercedes” digital assistant, and a big 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment show that may be adjusted for viewing angle relying on a driver’s choice. A 12.3-inch digital gauge show can be normal. Navigation and each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as nicely. All SLs include a Burmester stereo system, however the SL63 might be optioned with an upgraded surround-sound model.
Security and Driver-Help Options
A bunch of driver-assistance options can be supplied, but it surely’s unclear which can be normal and which can be optionally available. For extra details about the SL’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options are prone to embody:
- Customary automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Customary lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
- Obtainable adaptive cruise management with semi-autonomous driving mode
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Mercedes-AMG’s normal guarantee package deal is the least particular factor about its vehicles and covers a fundamental 4 yr/50,000 mile interval with no frills or extras. Each the 8-series and the LC supply important complimentary scheduled upkeep applications, which can make these vehicles extra enticing to those that search to lease.
- Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
Specs
Specs
2022 Mercedes-AMG SL
Automobile Kind: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door convertible
PRICE
Estimated base: SL55, $135,000; SL63, $175,000
ENGINES
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, 469 hp, 516 lb-ft; twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, 577 hp, 590 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION
9-speed computerized
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Size: 185.2 in
Width: 75.4 in
Top: 53.5 in
Trunk Quantity: 8 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4000 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 3.1–3.4 sec
100 mph: 6.8–7.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.1–11.5 sec
Prime Pace: 183–196 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Mixed/Metropolis/Freeway: 17–18/15–16/20–21 mpg