Few sports activities automobiles have such a storied historical past because the Mercedes SL, however for the final a number of generations, the German “Sport-Leicht” (Sport Gentle) has leaned extra in the direction of being a grand touring luxurious automobile than a Porsche 911 rival. With the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 55, the message is evident: Mercedes desires the SL taken severely once more.
The earlier SL was overshadowed by the superb S-Class Cabriolet and AMG GT Roadster. The previous was bigger and grander than the SL, whereas the latter was sharper and extra participating to drive. With these fashions each culled from the lineup, the SL is left to shine because the flagship AMG product… not less than till the subsequent GT arrives.
DrivingOnRoad not too long ago spent per week within the SL 55, the slowest mannequin obtainable within the US market (we do not get the SL 43). Having pushed the SL 63 on the launch occasion, our time within the lesser AMG proved that the bottom mannequin is greater than sufficient, and we might even take into account shopping for one over a Porsche 911 (cue the gasps).
Design: From Forgettable To Fetching
Styling could also be subjective, however we do not recall anybody praising the outgoing R231 SL for being one of many prettier sports activities automobiles on the highway. This new R232 mannequin is a serious enchancment in each manner, together with the material convertible high, which replaces the outgoing SL’s folding steel roof. Not solely does the material high look extra conventional, nevertheless it additionally saves round 46 kilos.
It is apparent the AMG is concentrating on a youthful viewers with this automobile; it explains why the colour palette now consists of bolder hues like Solar Yellow, Hyper Blue Metallic, and our tester’s Patagonia Purple Metallic. It is paired with both a black or purple gentle high. There are numerous wheel choices obtainable relying on whether or not you need a Touring or Efficiency focus on your SL, together with the useful 20-inch AMG aero wheels on our tester that cut back drag.
Inside: A True Benz
Name it attractive or name it gaudy, however the SL’s inside is actually fascinating. It comes with extra customary options than you get in most different sports activities automobiles, together with massaging entrance seats with heating and air flow, a Burmester {surround} sound system, a surround-view digicam, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 11.9-inch central touchscreen show. What we simply described would value an arm and a leg from Porsche’s choices record. Because it stands, the SL 55 has lively multi-contour entrance seats and an AirScarf neck-level heating system to emphasise consolation.
As you’d count on from Mercedes, the know-how is overwhelming, however not all the time in a great way. We might prefer to see a couple of extra bodily buttons for features just like the roof operation and front-end nostril carry, however the MBUX infotainment system learns your habits and can finally populate the display screen with shortcuts for commonly-used menus. Identical to a 911, the again seat is totally ineffective for folks, nevertheless it’s a good space to throw a grocery bag or two in a pinch.
Efficiency: 55 Is Sufficient
Stomp on the throttle, and the SL 55’s launch management can take the automobile to 60 mph in simply 3.8 seconds. With 108 further horses on faucet, the SL 63 cuts that point down to three.5 seconds. That is not the kind of distinction you possibly can really feel until you may have the 2 lined up side-by-side in a drag race. The SL 63’s wider energy and torque band make it really feel faster with extra speedy acceleration, however at no level throughout our week of testing did the SL 55 really feel even remotely sluggish.
What’s extra, the Efficiency trim provides vital options together with AMG Energetic Trip Management hydraulic suspension with entrance axle carry, a limited-slip rear differential, Race mode, and yellow brake calipers. Patrons can add AMG Monitor Tempo for the MBUX system and carbon ceramic brakes for $8,950, although it’s going to value a reasonably penny.
Driving: A Cruiser And A Bruiser
The brand new SL enters the Mercedes lineup with three near-impossible duties: fill the outlet left by the S63 Cabriolet as a cruiser, substitute the AMG GT Roadster as a drop-top sports activities automobile, and battle one of the iconic sports activities automobile nameplates of all time: the Porsche 911. We predict the SL accomplishes all three.
With the hydraulic suspension, the SL gives comparable consolation because the previous S63 (if not a bit firmer) whereas being far more participating to drive. Not solely does it absorb bumps, however the Energetic Trip Management replaces the normal antiroll bar, serving to the automobile stay completely degree by way of corners. It is nearly like a cheat code, because the heavy SL controls its weight rather well, even at ballistic speeds. Customary rear-axle steering additional provides to the automobile’s agile nature.
As an oblique substitute for the AMG GT Roadster, the SL lacks the harshness and brutality of the outgoing GT, however that is not essentially a foul factor. Until your commute is on Angeles Crest, the SL serves as a day by day driver that’s far superior to the previous GT and even the brand new 911. It lacks the 911’s sharp steering, nevertheless it makes up for it with a a lot throatier exhaust notice and a nicer inside. That is nonetheless an opulent automobile, nevertheless it leans extra closely in the direction of being a real sports activities automobile than any trendy SL.
The SL fully transforms from tranquil to outrageous with a flip of the drive mode dial. Race mode awakens the brand new nine-speed Speedshift MCT transmission, which replaces the normal torque converter with a moist clutch. The MCT takes the very best of a dual-clutch and combines it with the smoothness of an automated in site visitors. Is it PDK good? Not fairly; however just like the SL total, it isn’t far off.
Pricing: Gunning For The 911
The SL 55 will be the “entry” degree mannequin, however this does not really feel such as you’re “settling” for a base model of one thing higher. At $137,400 to start out, the bottom SL 55 gives the identical engine because the SL 63 – albeit tuned for much less energy – however that is nonetheless all of the pace you would ever want on a public highway. And even the Efficiency trim, which begins at $144,700, gives an amazing low cost over the 63. The SL 63 begins at a whopping $178,100 ($179,900 for the Efficiency trim), that means it prices $40 grand greater than the SL 55. Take that cash, purchase a track-prepped Miata, and transfer on.
If we have been out there for an automated convertible sports activities automobile, we might fortunately decide the AMG SL 55. The 911 works greatest as a coupe, and we might personally need one with a handbook transmission, which the SL would not supply. A comparable Carrera S Cabriolet begins at $135,800, nevertheless it would not embrace half the options discovered within the Mercedes, and the insane variety of choices can simply push it into SL 63 territory. We nonetheless love the cheaper (and throatier) Lexus LC, nevertheless it would not maintain a candle to the SL by way of efficiency or know-how. As a quick day by day driver luxurious sports activities automobile, it is robust to beat the SL proper now.