Built to take on the likes of Porsche’s 911 Turbo, this opulent machine combines performance and luxury like few other cars.
The new Mercedes-AMG SL convertible might not be the last Benz to be sold with a V8.
But there’s every chance it could be the last model launched exclusively with V8 power.
Presented at a time when Mercedes is racing to introduce electric and hybrid machines in Europe and abroad, the SL-Class steers away from the trend offering ever more eco-conscious machines.
Developed from the ground up by Benz’ high-performance Mercedes-AMG division, the new SL joins the old “Gullwing” SLS and current AMG GT coupe, convertible and four-door in an exclusive club.
There are no four-cylinder, six-cylinder, electric or fuel-sipping hybrid models in the range.
Just a pair of thumping 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8s.
The entry-level – if you could ever call a $400,000 roadster such a thing – Mercedes-AMG SL 55 bowls up 350kW and 700Nm, enough to reach 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Customers who want more poke can pick the SL 63.
More potent 430kW and 800Nm peaks enable it to reach 100km/h in 3.6 seconds before going on to a 315km/h top speed.
Other engines will follow, including a high-performance hybrid that could pinch the mighty motor from the range-topping Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door, combining a 470kW/900Nm V8 with a further 150kW/300Nm of hybrid thrust.
The decision to offer the SL exclusively with V8 power – at least for now – comes as the fire-breathing C63 trades its V8 for a four-cylinder hybrid motor.
Merc’s drop top is packed with technology fitting what is likely to be an eye-watering price.
All-wheel-drive is standard for the first time, as is rear-wheel-steering to make the car more stable at pace and manoeuvrable in town.
Adaptive air suspension and active anti roll bars feature in the SL 63, as does high-grade leather and clever seats with an integrated “air scarf” neck-warming function.
An enormous central touchscreen joins a high-resolution digital dash in a four-seat cabin that promises usable leg room in the back.
The new machine does away with Mercedes’ recent preference for heavy metal roofs in the SL, adopting a lighter fabric top that should prove faster to fold.
Mercedes says the new SL will reach Australia in the second half of 2022, with local details such as prices to be confirmed at a later date.
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