It comes with a V8 and four-wheel drive
Hoezee, the Mercedes SL is back. This time it comes the same (and exclusively) as AMG and both engines are connected to an automatic four-wheel drive. The letters ‘SL’ traditionally stand for super light, or just Super Light in Dutch. Nowadays, with all the beautiful materials and modern techniques, that is no longer really applicable, although the fabric roof will weigh slightly less than a metal folding roof. There is not (yet) a fully closed version.
The Mercedes-AMG SL is what you call a 2 + 2, which means that there is a back seat, but not one where you want to sit as an adult. He is there for things, children and emergencies. Don’t expect bizarre Nürburgring times from Mercedes either. The SL is a sporty GT. It is also the replacement for the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. The roof can be operated with the push of a button. Up to 60 km/h, the roof raises or lowers in 15 seconds.
engines
The new convertible comes as Mercedes-AMG SL 55 and Mercedes-AMG SL 63. Both models use the same 4.0-liter V8 engine but with different power ratings. The 63 produces 585 hp, which is the same as the Mercedes-AMG GT R. The 0-100 time is 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 315 km/h. The 55 gets 476 horsepower from its V8 with a 0-100 time of 3.9 seconds. The top speed is 295 km/h.
![Mercedes-AMG SL 63 (2021)](https://topgear.static-vds.nl/uploads/2021/10/mercedes-amg-sl-63-2021.jpg)
There will also be a plug-in hybrid
A Mercedes-AMG SL 63 E Performance is also on the way. This will probably get broadly the same powertrain as the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door 63 SE Performance. The 4-Door combines a 4.0 V8 with a 204 hp electric motor. With the four-door, the total power is 843 hp and 1,400 Nm. The power of the SL with plug remains to be seen.
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG SL
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG SL follows the line initiated by the new S-Class. Now that many other brands imitate the continuous screen (where the infotainment screen changes into the digital counters) of Mercedes, the brand chooses to mount two separate screens. In the middle you see a vertically placed display. The screen can be tilted to prevent reflection from the sun. Mercedes calls the interior style ‘hyperanalogue’ and you should be able to recognize the minimalism from the original 300 SL Roadster.
![Interior Mercedes-AMG SL (2021)](https://topgear.static-vds.nl/uploads/2021/10/inteireur-2.jpg)
The screen behind the wheel measures 12.3 inches and is said to be inspired by aviation. Above that is a head-up display. You can choose from 64 colors for the mood lighting and the sound comes from Burmester speakers. The rear seats are suitable for people up to 1.5 meters tall, although you wouldn’t say that in the photos. Think of it mainly as a place to quickly drop your luggage. Furthermore, the headrests would be über-ergonomic.