The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL fits in more passengers, performance, and tech

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When it comes to iconic Mercedes, it’s hard to ignore the SL-Class, which has been a sports-car staple for decades. Now the nameplate enters a whole new generation, with a spicy level of performance provided by the mad scientists of speed at AMG, who handled the entire development of the new Mercedes-AMG SL.

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Known as the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63, this two-door droptop arrives with a few significant changes from the last go-around. It now offers all-wheel-drive, a first for the nameplate and an increasingly important element of sports coupes coming to the market (see the BMW M8 , for example). But all-wheel-drive takes up space and adds weight, so the new SL features a mix of materials to keep it trim, including aluminum, magnesium, and fibre composites.

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Powering this two-door is a handmade turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that adheres to AMG’s philosophy of One Man, One Engine (though they also have female engine builders.) It features 577 hp and 590 lb-ft, powering a zero-to-100-km/h sprint in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h. The sweet spot of that motor occurs between 2,500 to 4,500 rpm, where it delivers that peak torque.

The SL uses a nine-speed transmission to deliver quick gear changes and send that power to the four wheels. While that sounds like all kinds of fun, the automaker is also teasing a high-performance hybrid model .

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Another addition to this new generation of SL are the rear seats, making it a 2+2, where other models have been just two-seaters. Seeing how the SL replaces the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster , the extra seating makes it feel like it’s in a completely different class of vehicle.

Despite the extra interior space required by the extra passenger space, the SL looks sleek and sporty and features many AMG signatures, like the 14-slat grille, the massive intakes and large exhaust tips, and the active rear spoiler (and of course the very important one on the engine cover).

The German automaker offers 12 paint finishes for the new convertible, including two exclusive SL paints: Hyper Blue metallic and Manufaktur Monza Grey Magno. There are also three choices for the roof colour, and a wide range of wheel designs and sizes, including 20- and 21-inch rims.

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Furthermore, unlike the last generation, the SL comes exclusively with a soft-top, which will also help limit weight and prioritize performance. This change also moves the center of gravity lower, ensuring the vehicle feels sporty and responsive.

There’s more magic happening with the suspension. The Mercedes-AMG SL uses active hydraulics to perform anti-roll bar duties. This technology should emphasize the duality of the SL. It can ride soft and comfortable but also respond quickly to inputs as needed.

The SL also features a multi-link front axle with five links arranged entirely within the rim, and like many of these large coupes, the SL will feature active rear-wheel steering. At speeds above 100 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels to improve stability, while they move opposite the front wheels at speeds below 100 km/h.

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So it’s clear that AMG engineered (or over-engineered, depending on who you ask) the nuts and bolts of this new SL-Class, but the high-tech cabin and gadgets will easily woo potential customers. There’s a sizeable digital gauge cluster and a large, portrait-oriented screen with an adjustable angle for improved visibility.

Additionally, the driver assistance features have been amped up. Now when you trigger these systems, there’s a full-screen view to better inform the driver of how the systems are coping with the traffic conditions. The display shows the SL, lanes, lane markings, and other road users including cars, trucks, and two-wheelers in a 3D image.

Without a doubt, the SL is an iconic nameplate , adorning some of the most beloved vehicles from the ‘50s, like the SL 300 Gullwing and the ‘60s-era Pagoda model. Even though we have nonexistent details about pricing and availability, this new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 has a chance to be just as legendary as those older models thanks to its emphasis on performance, technology, and style.