The new Mercedes-AMG SL, the new edition of an icon, returns to its roots with a classic soft top and sporty character. At the same time, the luxurious roadster as a 2+2 seater is particularly suitable for everyday use and puts its power down on the road with all-wheel drive for the first time. High-tech components such as AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active anti-roll stabilization, rear-axle steering, and optionally available AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system are available. In combination with the Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, this results in a driving experience of the highest order. As a consistent Performance Luxury model, Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach has developed the SL completely independently. Two models with AMG V8 engines will kick off the market launch.
Almost 70 years ago, a sports car launched in Stuttgart immediately became a legend. The vision of expanding the potential of the Mercedes-Benz brand through motor racing successes produced the first SL as a result - a road-going racing sports car. Shortly after its debut in 1952, the 300 SL (internal designation W 194) reaped success after success on the race tracks of the world. In its first year, it achieved, among other things, a spectacular one-two victory in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and even took the first four places in the Nürburgring Grand Jubilee Prize for sports cars. Its successes quickly make the SL a legend.
The successful racing car was followed in 1954 by the 300 SL production sports car (W 198), which is called the "Gullwing" because of its unusual doors. In 1999, a jury of motoring journalists voted it the "Sports Car of the Century." Other highlights of the model history include the "Pagoda" (W 113, 1963-1971), the evergreen R 107 (1971-1989), which was built for 18 years, and its successor, the R 129, which is considered an automotive sculpture because of its striking wedge shape. The abbreviation "SL" to this day thus stands for one of the few genuine automotive icons in the world.
With its exciting design, state-of-the-art technology and outstanding driving characteristics, the new Mercedes-AMG SL sets standards in the luxury sports car segment. The exterior design fascinates with a perfect triad: it combines the modern Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual purity with the sportiness typical of AMG and characteristic details. The two power bulges on the hood are just one of numerous features reminiscent of the first SL generation. The interplay of light and shadow makes the overall appearance visually light and low. It is clear at first glance that the new SL has returned to its sporty roots.
Exterior design: balanced design with sporty genes
Characteristic features of the body design are the long wheelbase, short overhangs, long hood, passenger compartment set back with a strongly raked windscreen and powerful rear end. This results in typical SL proportions. Together with the voluminously sculpted wheel arches and large alloy wheels flush with the outer skin, they give the roadster its powerful, dynamic appearance. When closed, the seamlessly integrated soft top underscores the purist, sporty impression.
The AMG-specific radiator grille emphasizes the effect of width of the front and, with its 14 vertical slats, cites the ancestor of all SL models, the legendary 300 SL racing sports car of 1952. Other distinctive design elements include slim, sharply outlined LED headlamps and equally slim LED rear lamps.
Interior design: Performance Luxury with "hyper analogue" cockpit
The interior of the new Mercedes-AMG SL transforms the tradition of the first 300 SL Roadster into the modern era. The new edition perfectly combines sporting virtues and luxury. Fine materials and meticulous workmanship underline the standard of the highest level of comfort. The cockpit design, right down to the adjustable central display in the center console, is focused on the driver. At the same time, the completely new interior space concept with 2+2 seats offers more room and functionality than before. The rear seats increase the daily practicality and usable space.
The minimalist interior of the 300 SL Roadster, equipped with high-quality materials, inspired the designers in the interior design of the new model: The result is an exciting combination of analogue geometry and digital world - called "hyper analogue." This is exemplified by the fully digital instrument cluster, which is integrated into a three-dimensional visor. The standard MBUX infotainment system offers a choice of several specific display styles and different modes.
One of many highlights in the interior of the new SL is the sculptural seat design of the standard, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats. The head restraints are integrated into the backrest and emphasize the sporty character. The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system is on board as standard: warm air flows into the passenger compartment from air outlets in the head restraints and wraps around the head and neck area of the driver and front passenger like a scarf. Perfect ergonomics and various progressive seam and quilting patterns complete the symbiosis of high-tech, performance and luxury. AMG Performance seats are available as an option.
The latest generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is intuitive to operate and capable of learning. It offers numerous functional contents and the operating structure of the second-generation MBUX system, which debuted in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In the SL, AMG-specific content is added extensively in five display styles. Exclusive menu items such as "AMG Performance" or "AMG TRACK PACE" also emphasize the sporty character.
Body shell: new roadster architecture with composite aluminum structure
The new SL is based on a completely new 2+2-seater vehicle architecture developed by Mercedes-AMG. The chassis is designed as a lightweight composite aluminum structure and consists of an aluminum space frame with a self-supporting structure. The design guarantees maximum rigidity and is thus the perfect basis for precise driving dynamics, high comfort, optimal packaging and sporty body proportions. The new body shell was created - as with the first SL in 1952 - literally on a blank sheet of paper: not a single component comes from the predecessor SL or any other model such as the AMG GT Roadster.
The aim of the body shell architecture is to realize the driving performance typical of AMG with a focus on lateral and longitudinal dynamics, while at the same time meeting the high standards of comfort and safety. In the new SL, the intelligent material mix enables the highest possible rigidity at a low weight. Optimized material cross-sections and sophisticated component shapes create space for the comprehensive comfort and safety features as well as the soft top. The materials used include aluminum, magnesium, fiber composites and steel, from which the windscreen frame, for example, is made. This serves as roll-over protection in conjunction with the roll bar system behind the rear seats, which can be extended at lightning speed when needed.
Compared to the previous model series, the torsional rigidity of the body shell structure increased by 18 percent. The transverse rigidity is 50 percent higher than the already outstanding value of the AMG GT Roadster. The longitudinal rigidity is 40 percent higher. The weight of the plain body shell is around 595 pounds (270 kilograms). Together with the low center of gravity, the targeted lightweight construction ensures outstanding driving dynamics.
Active aerodynamics: for perfect balance and high efficiency
A key development focus of the new SL was high aerodynamic efficiency-specifically a perfect balance between low drag and reduced lift. Here, the luxurious roadster benefits from Mercedes-AMG's wide-ranging motorsport expertise and from extensive active aerodynamic elements at the front and rear. All streamlining elements are seamlessly integrated into the exterior design. Further detailed measures reduce the drag coefficient to Cd 0.31 - an excellent figure for open-top sports cars.
The SL's aerodynamics meet the complex requirements of handling stability, drag, cooling and wind noise. Regardless of whether the top is down or up, the vehicle character and driving characteristics remain unchanged. The even aerobalance helps to defuse critical driving situations, such as a sudden evasive maneuver at high speed.
AIRPANEL air control system: two-piece for the first time
A technical highlight in the aero development: the two-piece, active air control system AIRPANEL. The first piece operates with vertical louvers hidden behind the lower air intake in the front bumper. The second piece is located behind the upper air intake and has horizontal louvers. Normally all louvers are closed. This position reduces drag and allows the air to be directed specifically towards the underbody. This further reduces front lift. Only when certain temperatures on predefined components are reached and the demand for cooling air is particularly high do the louvers open and allow maximum cooling air to flow to the heat exchangers.
Another active component is the retractable rear spoiler seamlessly integrated into the trunk lid. It changes its position depending on the driving status. In doing so, the control software takes into account numerous parameters: it factors the driving speed, the longitudinal and lateral acceleration and the steering speed into the calculation. The spoiler assumes five different angular positions from 50 mph (80 km/h) to either optimize handling stability or reduce drag.
The optional AMG Aerodynamics Package, which includes an active aerodynamic element, is hidden in the underbody in front of the engine, also contributes to the improved handling. This carbon profile, which weighs around 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms), reacts to the setting of the AMG driving modes and automatically extends downwards by around 1.6 inches (40 mm) at a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). The AMG driving modes are then activated. This creates the Venturi effect, which sucks the car additionally to the road surface and reduces front-axle lift. The driver feels this positively in the steering: the SL can be steered even more precisely into bends and tracks even more stably.
A range of aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels with diameters of 20 or 21 inches is available for the SL, reducing drag through less turbulence. Particularly sophisticated are 20-inch wheels with plastic aero rings, which also save weight.
The soft top: less weight and low center of gravity
The sportier positioning of the new SL also suggested the decision for an electric soft top instead of the previous metal vario roof. The 46-lb. (21-kilogram) reduction in weight and the resulting lower center of gravity have a positive effect on driving dynamics and handling. The space- and weight-saving Z-fold makes it possible to dispense with a conventional soft-top compartment cover. The front roof cap ensures that the open soft top is flush with the surface in its final position. At the same time, the developers were faced with the task of maintaining the high suitability for everyday use and the exemplary noise comfort. The three-layer design consists of a tightly stretched outer shell, precisely crafted roof liner and the acoustic mat made of high-quality 450 g/m² material inserted in between.
Opening and closing takes only about 15 seconds and is possible up to a speed of 37 mph (60 km/h). The soft top is operated using the switch panel in the center console or the multimedia touchscreen, on which an animation shows how the process is progressing.
Engine, transmission and all-wheel drive: great variety and more choice than ever before
At market launch, the new SL starts with two output levels of the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. The engines are assembled purely by hand at the company's site in Affalterbach according to the "One Man, One Engine" principle. In the top model SL 63, the engine develops 577 hp and provides a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft over a wide rev range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph takes an estimated 3.5 seconds. In the SL 55, the V8 unit develops an output of 469 hp and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft. The sprint from standstill to 60 mph takes an estimated 3.8 seconds.
For use in the SL, the engine received a new oil pan, repositioned intercoolers and active crankcase ventilation. The intake and exhaust ducts have been optimized for even more effective gas exchange, and the exhaust gas routing for the catalytic converter box and petrol particulate filter has been enlarged. The developers achieved the increased output of the SL 63 primarily through higher boost pressure and greater air flow, as well as modified engine software. To sum up, the eight-cylinder engine thrills with its exceptional power delivery and powerful acceleration in all engine speed ranges combined with maximum efficiency for low consumption and emission values.
The new Mercedes-AMG SL: the connectivity
The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system provides extensive intuitive operating options and many digital services from Mercedes me connect. Its strengths include the intuitive operating concept via touchscreen or touch control buttons on the steering wheel, smartphone integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, hands-free system via Bluetooth connection and HD radio.
In conjunction with MBUX, customers already have access to connectivity services such as Live Traffic Information. With Mercedes me connect, however, the new SL becomes even more intelligent overall: additional functions can be used before and after the journey or while on the road. All that is required is to link the roadster to a Mercedes me account in the Mercedes me Portal and accept the Terms of Use.
The Mercedes me connect offering is extensive and ranges from maintenance management and remote controls to car park information. For example, the SL recognizes when maintenance is required and automatically sends a message to the Mercedes-AMG service partner stored by the customer. The latter can prepare a quotation for the upcoming maintenance work and send it to the customer on request. With the remote vehicle status query, the customer can check important data of their vehicle such as fuel level or tire pressure at any time from the comfort of their home or office.
With remote door locking and unlocking, the vehicle can be locked and unlocked or checked to see if the vehicle is locked via the Mercedes me app. This is also possible from anywhere and at any time. This service includes a password entry when opening the vehicle, which can reduce the risk of third-party access to the vehicle. Furthermore, the customer can be informed by e-mail that their vehicle has been unlocked remotely. Other functions include, for example, vehicle location via GPS and geographic vehicle monitoring (geofencing).
Avoid traffic jams effectively and save time
Thanks to navigation with Live Traffic Information and Car-to-X communication, the customer drives with real- time traffic data. This way, traffic jams can be avoided efficiently and valuable time can be saved. Thanks to Car-to-X communication, connected vehicles exchange information about traffic events. Early information about danger spots - when the hazard warning lights are switched on, for example - increases safety. Regular online updates of the navigation map ensure that it is always up-to-date.
Destinations can also be entered as 3-word addresses based on the what3words system (w3w). what3words is the simplest way of specifying a location. The world is divided into three-by-three meter squares here. Each square has a unique, distinctive address consisting of three words. This gives an address to any location on earth - even where there are no postal addresses. This can be of great help when searching for destinations.
With the "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant, MBUX functions can be used and online question can also be asked, for example, about the weather or restaurants. No predefined phrases have to be used. The system understands simple colloquial language. Examples: "Where can I get a burger nearby?" and "Do I need an umbrella today?" The results of the online search for restaurants or hotels, for example, can be used as a destination in the navigation. In conjunction with the "Internet in the Car" service, a Wifi hotspot can be set up or other services such as Internet radio and music streaming can be used.
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