The SL-Class is a legendary car in the Mercedes lineup, with a legacy that signals back all the way to the original 300SL Gullwing from 1954 (which was voted the “sports car of the century” in 1999 by Auto Motor und Sport). With 2021 fast on the horizon, we’re excited to see what the upcoming SL-Class has to offer consumers, and it definitely looks promising.

Recent generations of the SL-Class haven’t been as impressive as past models. But the new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL-Class looks to change that, with an all-new platform, better performance, and handling than we’ve seen in recent iterations.

While details of the upcoming car are rather scarce right now, there are a few things we do know—mostly having to do with the handling and performance, the expected looks and style of the car, and some other tidbits from under the hood. The car will launch in 2021 as the 2022 model, and we are as excited about the SL as we are about the S-Class.

Will the 2022 Mercedes SL crack the list of one of the best Mercedes-AMG cars ever? It has the potential to.

Improved Platform And Performance

Mercedes-AMG SL-Class Grand edition
via Motor1

As mentioned, the previous version of the SL-Class was rather lackluster. The new one will be a big step up, with both expected six- and eight-cylinder engines available for the ride. We can also expect Mercedes-AMG to release both an SL53 and higher-performance SL63 model, as they’ve done in the past.

The all-new SL-Class will also share a platform with the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car, which is a super-powerful and exciting car capable of taking on a Lambo Huracan. While the last generation had a power hardtop, the new SL should have a folding fabric roof and a tech-heavy cabin, making it more luxurious and making its price point pretty fair.

The 2022 SL-Class is expected to run on a turbocharged inline-six for the SL53, taking the powertrain from the E53 sedan. The SL63 should come with a twin-turbo V8 that is also used on the GT.

According to Car and Driver, The turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that will power the SL53 makes 429 hp, while the SL63 power will run on a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that’s good for 577 ponies. These upgraded powertrains will be able to take on convertible versions of the BMW 8-Series, Lexus LC, and possibly the Porsche 911, all of which are the SL-Class’ competition. The real question is whether the SL-Class will flop like the BMW 8-Series is expected to in the US. 

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Fuel Economy, Interior, And Safety

2022 SL-Class renderings
via Drive

While both Mercedes and the EPA have neglected to give us any insight into the 2022 SL-Class’ fuel economy numbers, we can estimate what it might get based on previous versions, the powertrain it will come equipped with, and the competition's rating. For instance, both the V8-powered 8-Series and LC rated at 25 mpg highway, so that should be pretty close to what the SL63 gets, while the SL53 will probably be more efficient of the two.

Inside the car, we’ve been given very few details of the SL53 and SL63’s cabin and interior. Since it’s a Mercedes, known for its luxury and quality, as well as a high price-point vehicle, it will be decked out in genuine leather, wood, and metal trimmings. The SL-Class will be a two-door convertible, rather than the last gen’s complicated folding hardtop. The fabric roof will save weight and cargo space, but the trunk will still probably be pretty small.

The German automaker will undoubtedly drum up every bit of technology possible, including Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system, as well as the system’s “Hey Mercedes” virtual assistant. A large touchscreen display will come standard with digital gauge displays and a click wheel or touchpad on the center console. Navigation will have Wi-Fi, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

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Price, Warranty, And Maintenance Coverage

2022 SL-Class roadster spy shot
via Motor1

The expected price for the SL53 is $95,000 MSRP, while the more powerful SL63 will likely cost around $115,000. NHTSA and IIHS safety crash tests haven’t happened yet, but we expect the best modern tech and build quality to mean that the Mercedes will be nice and safe, also thanks to its driver-assistance features.

It’s likely to have adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode; a standard lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist; and standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Mercedes-AMG offers a pretty bad standard warranty package: a basic four-year or 50,000-mile period with no extras. The 8-Series and LC offer significant scheduled maintenance programs complimentary, so Mercedes needs to get on board with that one.

Either way, this is an exciting ride that looks sweet, will drive well, and will be a big departure from the previous SL-Class generation, in a good way.

The SL-Class is legendary, with a legacy beginning with the 300SL Gullwing. Recent examples haven’t been as impressive. The new 2022 looks to change that, with an all-new platform, and way better performance and handling.

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