If you are on the hunt for a 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL, you are in for a treat. It’s a clean-sheet design, carrying nothing over from the most recent SL that disappeared from showrooms a year ago.
Designed and engineered by AMG, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz, the all-new SL is different than any SL that’s gone before.
Although a soft top on the 2022 SL isn’t new, it does fly in the face of more recent SL generations that have had a retractable hardtop. Returning to a fabric top not only reduces weight but also frees up space for a larger cabin.
With that extra interior room, comes a second-row seat. For the first time, the SL is a 2+2 roadster. Granted, the rear seat won’t accommodate anyone taller than the average 10-year old, but it is there.
The firsts don’t stop in the second row. All-wheel drive (AWD) and 4-wheel steering are standard on both SL trim levels.
Even the roadster’s nomenclature is new. “AMG” follows “Mercedes” on the SL’s nameplate. Mercedes tells us absolutely no parts from the previous SL, or any other Mercedes, for that matter, found their way into the new SL.
We have yet to drive the totally redesigned SL, but on paper, there’s a lot to like. On our list of likes are the well-crafted, high-tech interior, two powerful twin-turbo V8 engines, head-turning styling, and a wide array of driver aids.
At launch, Mercedes is presenting the SL as the SL 55 and the SL 63. Each model sources thrust from a specific hand-built engine.
Mercedes promises a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SL is in the pipeline.
A 476-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 propels the SL 55. Shuttling engine output to all four wheels is a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Retaining the automatic 9-speed, the SL 63 draws its go from the same 4.0L twin-turbo V8, but here it generates 585 hp.
The EPA rates both the SL 55 and SL 63 at 14 mpg city/21 mpg highway/16 mpg combined.
Both of these new SLs will be available in Touring or Performance trim. The Touring is distinguished by active LED headlights and massaging seats, along with a Burmester sound system, an 11.9-inch center display, and a surround-view camera.
The Performance has all the hardware of the Touring, plus a front axle lift system, AMG Active Ride Control, and the AMG Dynamic Plus package (which includes an electronic limited-slip differential and yellow brake calipers). Both of these AMG features are standard on the SL 63.
2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 55
(starting at $137,400)
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 starts at $137,400.
The SL 55 arrives with AWD and 4-wheel steering. Capable of opening in 15 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph, the fabric top is power-operated.
Drivers may select among six driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, and Race.
AMG Ride Control is also included. It is a 3-setting adaptive sport suspension that automatically adjusts for a smooth ride and superior handling.
Inside, a vertical 11.9-inch touchscreen commands the center of the instrument panel. It even provides a 20-degree electric-tilt feature to compensate for screen glare when the top is lowered.
Other standard content includes 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with push-button start, a hands-free power trunk lid, and Nappa leather seating.
Offering multiple power adjustments, the front seats include Airscarf neck heaters for motoring about topless on chilly days.
Also standard is the MBUX voice-controlled infotainment system with its AI component, which is capable of learning. Including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, MBUX can control virtually every comfort and convenience system in the SL.
A Burmester surround-sound audio system is also standard.
Mercedes calls the cabin “hyper analog” because it’s a mixture of digital and analog. Much of the digital is in the form of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
In an effort to return to simpler times, Mercedes took a minimalist approach to the cabin design. The instrument panel is uncluttered.
Mercedes lists several driver aids. Here are a few:
Driver-attention assist, active-distance assist, active-steering assist, traffic-sign assist, lane-keeping assist, lane-changing assist, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring is also standard.
Adding the $1,050 destination fee to the SL 55 base price brings the total to $138,450. If you put no money down and finance for 60 months at 3% interest, your monthly payment would be about $2,613 per month. See 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 models for sale
2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 includes:
- Twin-turbo V8 – This is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 476 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes says it can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 3.9 seconds.
- AWD – This is the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic+ AWD. It can shift up to 100% of its torque to the rear wheels.
- 4-wheel steering – The wheels on the rear axle will turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds and in the same direction at higher speeds.
2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63
(starting at $178,100)
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 starts $178,100.
At the top of the added content list is the higher-performance version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. We also know that the electronic limited-slip rear differential, optional on the SL 55, is standard on the SL63.
Adding the $1,050 destination fee to the SL 63 base price totals $179,150. Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $3,381 per month. See 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 models for sale
