There is a motive this automobile is not referred to as the “Mercedes-Benz” SL. Like most of the different glorious autos in Stuttgart’s efficiency portfolio, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL bears that distinct branding due to its talents. This convertible is quick, agile, and intensely enjoyable to fling round.
Mercedes-AMG threw the kitchen sink on the new SL by way of efficiency know-how, giving it an ordinary twin-turbo V8, a sophisticated adaptive suspension, and options like rear-wheel steering and Energetic Experience Management – each new additions to the SL lineup. The end result is among the most well-rounded convertibles of the aggressive set, and whereas there are some minor complaints, the SL-Class ticks all the correct containers in any other case.
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Professionals
The Mercedes-AMG SL55 is unbelievably fairly. It has these iconic sports activities automobile proportions of a protracted hood, a brief rear deck, and a modern roofline that begins with the aggressively raked windshield. The triangular headlights and the vertical 14-slat grille – a nod to the 1952 300SL – are basic Mercedes-Benz design cues, whereas the again finish borrows most of its modern components from the outgoing AMG GT Coupe ( template to make use of).
The inside feels and appears very very like most trendy Mercedes-Benz cabins with swathes of Alcantara, carbon fiber, ambient lighting, and aluminum. It is nonetheless glorious, even whether it is comparatively just like the S-Class and different high-end Benz fashions. The SL additionally provides a singular 11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen that strikes fore and aft to assist eradicate glare.
Even the “base” SL55 boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that offers it 469 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The SL63 has 577 hp and 590 lb-ft by comparability, however the SL55 is highly effective sufficient. This roadster rips off the road with only a whisper of turbo lag, launching it to 60 miles per hour in as little as 3.8 seconds.
Even on the freeway the SL55 by no means comes near working out of steam. Energy continues to be plentiful greater up within the rev vary; Mercedes says torque peaks at 5,000 RPM, however even at 7,000, there’s nonetheless ample shove to provide. You will should take this automobile to the Autobahn to check its limits.
Not solely did Mercedes actually nail the powertrain, however engineers in Stuttgart have as soon as once more demonstrated their mastery of suspension tuning. The SL55 has a five-link setup normal with adaptive dampers adjustable to both finish of the spectrum (extra on that within the subsequent part). And the now-standard Energetic Experience Management system helps the SL reduce physique roll and hold tidy in tighter turns.
Tick it over to Sport+ or Race mode when you’re feeling spicy and the SL55 is fast, exact, and utterly flat. There isn’t any chassis flex or physique roll; the Energetic Experience Management and newly normal rear-axle steering assist the SL keep that pinpoint accuracy whereas the Michelin Pilot Sport tires present ample grip.
In contrast to another expensive convertibles that go too far within the “sporty” path, the SL – whereas nonetheless extraordinarily dynamic – does precisely what convertible ought to. It is a wonderful cruiser if you modify the adaptive dampers all the way down to the softest setting.
Within the Consolation drive mode, the experience is snug, floaty, and stress-free. The steering is light-weight and the throttle enter is fast however not too jarring. The powertrain is easygoing at low speeds, too, which implies that you are in a position to putter round with out the V8 feeling too overbearing within the metropolis.
Cons
This isn’t completely a Mercedes downside as a lot because it’s a difficulty plaguing the trade. However burying primary performance controls into the touchscreen is annoying – particularly right here if you merely wish to put the material roof up or down. The touchscreen-based slider for the roof management is finicky and infrequently does precisely what you need it to. It’s important to maintain your finger in place on the display for the entire 15 seconds that it takes the roof to retract. Transfer a millimeter within the fallacious path and it interrupts all the course of; it occurred a number of instances in my week with the SL.
The truth that the SL has a second row in any respect is fairly outstanding for the way small a automobile it’s, and contemplating the Lexus LC and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet are the one different two. However like most convertibles on this class, the again seat is barely usable – until you’re a small little one. Entry to the again seat is hard as a result of cumbersome entrance chairs, and as soon as seated, the seats are barely large sufficient to accommodate the typical grownup, the backrest is extraordinarily upright, and naturally, legroom is tight. You wouldn’t wish to sit again there for various minutes.
