Mercedes-AMG SL (2022). The roadster partially returns to its roots

To save the SL soldier, Mercedes called AMG to the rescue. For this seventh generation of the famous roadster, the sports department has not only been content to sign the most muscular versions. This time he took charge of the design from the start, as he had done for the SLS and AMG GT. With one objective: to restore the model to the status of an icon that had become somewhat blunt in recent years.

TO READ. Mercedes SL. The saga of the iconic star roadster

The canvas hood is back in favor

Out of fashion, the heavy retractable hardtop has been abandoned. The return of the canvas top would have saved 21 kilos and lower the center of gravity, while reconnecting with a less thick stern. The new 100% original base, which combines aluminum, steel, magnesium and composite fibers, also seeks to eliminate extra pounds. Without its doors, hood and trunk lid, the body would weigh only 270 kg. But the “L” of the appellation has not once again become the synonym of the lightness it was at the start of the line, in 1952. Quite the contrary. 4.71 m long, which is still 8 cm longer than its predecessor, the new SL reaches 1,970 kg in running order (75 kg driver included) in its SL 63 4Matic + version, the only one to be sold in France at launch. Planned in a second phase, the future hybrid version E Performance should therefore happily cross the two-tonne mark!

TO READ. Coupés-convertibles: a look back at an endangered species

The first SL with four-wheel drive

The V8 4.0 biturbo, strong with 585 hp as on a Mercedes-AMG GT R, is not the only explanation for this overweight. No more than the MCT 9-speed automatic transmission which is imposed here, with a multi-plate clutch in place of the torque converter. For the first time, the roadster à l’Étoile also adopts all-wheel drive, which is moreover standard. However, the distribution of the 800 Nm of torque between the two axles may vary continuously. sometimes favoring dynamism and fun, sometimes safety in degraded grip conditions. But unlike what a Mercedes-AMG E 63 offers, it will not be possible here to go completely to rear-wheel drive.

This does not prevent the behavior to announce itself more agile than before, thanks in particular to the arrival of steering rear wheels. As a bonus, the 63 4Matic + variant benefits from active engine mounts, an electronically controlled self-locking rear differential and replaces the conventional anti-roll bars with an active system, which is supposed to compensate for roll movements in a fraction of a second. Not to mention the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, with huge 402mm diameter discs up front. With such a heavy weight, a 0 to 100 km / h completed in just 3.6 s and a top speed of 315 km / h, it will not necessarily be a luxury.

Rear seats for the little ones

In this way, the Mercedes-AMG SL can take without too much blush the succession of the late AMG GT Roadster, which will not be replaced. It even announces a transverse rigidity increased by 50% compared to the latter. However, do not believe that this seventh generation of SL is as cut for the circuits as the very first of the name, which had multiplied the successes in competition. No, even if it offers a “Race” mode, this convertible is still a pure road, keen on luxury and comfort. Disappeared on the last two versions, the rear seats are even making a comeback … for small sizes: the mark warns that it will not be necessary to exceed 1.50 m to accommodate there, even 1.35 m with a child seat.

Open-air limousine luxury

The best seat is therefore at the front, where passengers can enjoy a large 11.9-inch touch screen in portrait format, S-Class style, whose tilt is adjustable between 12 and 32 degrees. The instrumentation is provided by a 12.3-inch slab, and a neck heater will allow you to top down even in winter. An operation that takes just 15 seconds and can be carried out at speeds of up to 60 km / h, at the push of a button. With its many state-of-the-art driving aids and its MBUX multimedia system responding to the call of a “Hey Mercedes!” », This SL type R231 should therefore be able to be used without too much problem on a daily basis. But it will still be necessary to learn to travel light, since the trunk volume oscillates only between 213 l, open top, and 240 l, instead of 364 to 504 l on the previous generation.

A price close to 200,000 € to be feared

As for the price, if it is not yet communicated, do not expect to see it decrease. Especially since Mercedes will not offer in France the 55 4Matic + version, equipped with the same “deflated” V8 at 476 hp. and a little less complete equipment. To get an idea of ​​the bill, know that an AMG-GT C Roadster of “only” 557 hp, without all-wheel drive, was already showing at € 176,050 in September 2021, just before leaving the catalog. Marketed in spring 2022, the new Mercedes-SL AMG 63 4Matic + could therefore flirt dangerously with € 200,000, without even including the ecological penalty of € 40,000 that awaits it at the turn!

Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic + tech.