Mercedes-AMG SL: An Icon Reborn

Almost 70 years ago, a sports car was launched in Stuttgart; the birth of an icon. At the time, Mercedes-Benz had a vision of expanding the brand’s potential through motor racing, the successes which gave birth to the SL; a road going racing sports car. Some of the spectacular racing successes that made the SL a legend include achieving a one-two victory in the 24 hours of Le Mans and taking the first four places in the Nurburgring Grand Jubilee Prize for sports cars in only its first year. 

In previous years, the SL was seen as a roadster suitable for the routine drive to the country club, and not much else, giving it a certain perception when it came to buyers. Mercedes has greater ambitions for the new SL. They want it to appeal to a wider range of buyers, by not only making it a superb roadster tourer but also injecting dynamism and greater response into the SL’s nature.

The latest iteration of this icon comes in a 2+2 seater configuration rather than the previous models 2 seater only mode. This is to increase practicality in every day to day usage. The vehicle now comes with Mercedes all-wheel drive, AMG active ride control suspension with active roll stabilization, rear axle steering and an optional high performance carbon ceramic brake option. All of this is paired with AMG’s 4.0 liter biturbo V8 engine, resulting in a powerful yet dynamic vehicle giving the driver confidence out of corners and the thrill of speed on long stretches of roads.

 The chassis is designed from a lightweight composite aluminum structure, spaceframe. This design is to ensure maximum rigidity whether the vehicle has a hard top or a soft top. This model being all-new shares nothing with the previous model. The new SL has a low center of gravity, rigid structure, and is made of lightweight material to give it outstanding driving dynamics.

 The all-new SL features a sleek side profile, long bonnet, short overhangs and a strongly raked windscreen resulting in classic SL proportions we’ve all fallen in love with over the years. The front grill is reminiscent of the original SL models with its 14 vertical slats. The lights are distinctively slim and sharply follow the contours of the body both front and back giving it a seamless outlook. At the back the vehicle also features a retractable active rear spoiler integrated seamlessly into the rear.

 The interior is modern Mercedes-Benz with technology being the main theme within the cockpit. The SL is a comfortable roadster and the interior materials and finish underline that fact. The cockpit area is dominated by a 11.9 inch central touchscreen with the latest MBUX system, paired with a powerful Burmester sound system and in front of the driver is a 12.3 inch digital LCD display.

The AMG SL is an iconic Mercedes vehicle that has for decades been the desire of many, offering not only great design but also comfort and power. This new model is a nod to the original SL with the introduction of AMG into the lineup, offering drivers more options of not only comfort, but power and great driving dynamics.

 The SL being new from the ground up, allowed the engineers to make it not only competitive with the luxury oriented roadsters such as the Lexus LC, but also the performance minded GT’s such as the Porsche 911 cabriolet. The Mercedes-AMG SL is not only a vehicle to take on the weekends but a vehicle for everyday use, with versatility in the range for those who want to take it the track and those who would like to take trips in style and utmost comfort.