When Mercedes announced the cancellation of several non-SUV models, the list included several convertibles. While the automaker shall no longer produce the two-seater SLC, the venerable four-seat Mercedes SL, aka the SL-Class, will still rule the streets. An update on the roadster has been on the cards for some time now, and Mercedes has finally dropped the bomb. The company has made it official that the 2022 SL shall be a Mercedes-AMG.
The German automobile giant also mentioned the original 300 SL when talking about their newest roadster. While the SL 300 was tested on A81 Autobahn around seven decades ago, the Mercedes-AMG engineers today are testing the new SL in a closed-off snow-covered proving ground. It seems that Mercedes is just tuning the fully variable all-wheel-drive system 4MATIC+, which will then head to the Nürburgring for further honing of its dynamics.
With much buzz going around the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL, here is what the all-wheel drive roadster shall actually pack beneath its skin.
The Car's Embossing First Impression
Mercedes-Benz has dropped the first official images of the next-gen SL roadster undergoing snow weather testing in Sweden. Nothing short of an icon in the Three-Pointed Star's line-up, the new SL is believed to have completed its virtual testing and is now out in the open for final touches before its official debut later this year.
The new roadster will be a fully in-house AMG product, like the GT. It is also rumored that there shall be more than a few different models in the range. According to some sources, there will be six different variants - the SL 43, SL 53 4MATIC+, SL 53 E 4MATIC+, SL 55 S 4MATIC+, SL 63 4MATIC+, and SL 73 E 4MATIC+. Most of the new SL line-up will feature Mercedes's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
The SL will most likely share the same chassis architecture as the next GT, which could be unveiled in the first half of 2022. The new SL would be available with 48-volt and plug-in hybrid powertrains, which would support the 'E' lettering on some of the model designations.
The Power-Packed Engine Variants
The electrification is rumored to be mated with the Mercedes's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and AMG's prolific M176 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The latter of the two engines may also power the SL's range-topping variant, which will reprise the SL 73 name, albeit with an 'E' and '4MATIC+' suffix.
There have been reports that the 73 will have in the region of 600kW of power, thanks to the mighty blown bent-eight under the bonnet, working in conjunction with a rear-mounted 150kW electric motor. The detailed specifications are yet to be known; however, Mercedes-AMG is expected to unveil the soft-top before the end of 2021 globally.
The Car's Semi-Sporty Genes
Although the upcoming SL will be sportier than its predecessors, it will not have the complete sports car gene. Providing further distinction from its platform-mate, it's rumored the SL will adopt a 2+2 seating arrangement. This would make it the first SL designed to seat four from the off - R231 and R230 that only had seating for two, while the R129 and R107 had optional rear benches, which were mostly only suited for children.
As for the prototype, its oval tailpipes look reminiscent of its sibling, the SL53. Another test mule was spotted with trapezoidal exhaust exits and an active rear spoiler, marking it out as an SL63.
The AMG-Developed Chassis
Some modern joining techniques such as MIG welding, laser welding, punch riveting, blind riveting, MIG soldering, glued seams, or flow hole bolts and precise toolmaking raise the level of the bodyshell value appeal to the highest level. This applies equally to gap dimensions and to radii or joint courses. The quality standards were raised here as well in the making of this car. It goes without saying that the new Mercedes-AMG body shell architecture meets all internal crash requirements, which in many areas are significantly stricter than legal requirements.
The development of this vehicle was implemented at a record-breaking pace, with no compromise in any area whatsoever. The pre-development was done in only three months. Likewise, it took less than three years for its creation from the time of the commission. The software used in the digital development made it possible to give the go-ahead for the production of the series tools without an actual prototype of the chassis. Moreover, the structural verification vehicle, which is of utmost importance for passive accident safety, received a top internal rating in the first real crash test itself.
The Production of the new SL will take place at the Bremen plant, where the preceding model has already rolled off the production line. When the all-new roadster icon takes to the stage this year, its basis will be a completely new vehicle architecture developed by Mercedes-AMG. The lightweight composite aluminum chassis shall provide the basis for precise driving dynamics, high comfort, optimal packaging, and sporty body proportions.