Mercedes is set to launch one of their most anticipated cars ever within the next month. The all-new SL, which is completely different from any of its predecessors before it. Why? Because for the first time ever, the new SL will be completely built by AMG only. This means then that the new car will be far sportier and far more exciting than ever before.
The new SL replaces the previous R321 generation, which in all honesty was a bit of a flop. It was a good looker, well built and the engine choices were all very good. The AMG version of that car too was an absolute monster. However, journalists found this car to be disappointing and a far cry from what the SL once was.
SL stands for “Sport-Leicht” which in English means sport light. The previous SL definitely wasn’t a “sport light” at all mainly due to the fact that it drove and felt like a convertible S-Class. Now, that would be perfectly fine if Mercedes didn’t happen to launch a convertible version of their S-Class, but unfortunately, they did. Hence why this car became a tad useless and confusing. It was a great Grand Tourer but it was a poor sports car.
The new S-Class will not have a convertible version at all. The new SL replaces that but don’t for one second think that the new SL is going to be some soft mushy convertible that appeals mainly to old people. Nope, not at all. The new SL also replaces the current GT roadster which means things have gotten a bit more “Sport-Leicht” than before.
The folding metal top seen in the previous two generations has been replaced by a conventional soft top. this is to accommodate the 2+2 four-seat layout within the car (the first SL to have this as standard since the R129 model). In my opinion, the soft-top makes this car look so much more elegant and expensive. I also think that the metal folding hardtop has gone out of fashion massively with most brands nowadays using a traditional soft-top instead.
What are my views on this car? What do I already know about this car? Let’s find out.
picture via: autoevolution.com
Two Models Will Be On Offer (at first).
picture via: carsales.com.au
The new SL will have two AMG models on offer in the beginning. For those who want a softer car then AMG have you covered with the SL55 model. Yep, the 55 nameplate is back but only for the base SL AMG at the moment. That car features a 4 liter Biturbo V8 with 469hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That’s pretty incredible if you ask me.
However, if you want something that is a tad more hardcore, then there will also be an SL63 AMG on offer. Same engine, but it has 577hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. If that’s still not fast enough then an SL63 S will be released soon with an estimated 630hp. I also do suspect an SL63 SE-Performance with the GT63 E-performance running gear will also be released in the future. That’s a car that could have over 800hp.
All V8 SL AMG models have the 4matic+ AWD system on board. That’s to control the amount of torque these monsters produce which is absolutely monumental. If a V8 is just too much for you, then don’t worry, because it is likely that Mercedes will launch V6 43 and 53 models in the future.
The SL55 model will probably be a much softer car. Think of it like the P450 F-Type Jaguar. That’s a car that shares the same engine as the more powerful P575 model but apart from being less powerful, it’s a lot softer and more relaxing. yet it sounds just as good.
The 55 model will probably cost way over $100,000. Official prices have not been launched yet, but the previous GT Roadster started at just over $127,000 and the S-Class cabriolet started at just over $138,000. My guess for the new SL55 would be $130,000 to $135,000.
The 63 model will be a more hardcore car. It’s faster, it will be more aggressive and as a result of all of this, it will be much more expensive. An S63 Cabriolet model in the US started at just over $185,000 which is insane. The AMG GT C roadster started at just over $153,000. My take on it is that the 63 model will be at least $165,000.
Interior Design is amazing. I’m Not Too Sure On The Exterior Though.
Picture via: cnet.com
Inside, the new SL is state-of-the-art. Far better than the 992 911 in my opinion. Interior pictures of this car were launched a while back in July and it did set off the car world by storm. Inside, the first thing you notice is the portrait 11.9-inch touchscreen display. It’s a very classy display that has been seen in the new S-Class, C-Class, EQE, and EQS.
However, unlike any of those other cars the screen in the SL can actually tilt to reduce or completely eliminate glare when the soft-top is down. How smart is that?
Next to the large screen is two air vents which look very high-quality indeed. Underneath the central display is a few buttons that control things like the volume, hazard lights, etc. However, there is also a small button marked “AMG” to show that you are in a serious performance car. The space around the display is very minimalist and bare. No buttons at all, but there is a large leather piece just before where the cupholders are. I believe that is either a touchpad or hand-rest. I’m sure it is the latter but the whole design of that area mimics an air intake.
Then you have the steering wheel and instrument cluster. The new SL will utilize the new stylish 5-spoke AMG steering wheel. It has everything you need on there such as driving modes, volume controls, etc. But despite all of those functions the wheel does not look overcrowded at all. The 12.3 inch LCD screen that acts as the instrument cluster, is hidden behind a unique closed visor. This enlarges the screen and gives a more “cockpit” like feel.
The screen itself looks very nice indeed, plus overall the car will use the all-new world-renowned MBUX entertainment system. That’s quite easily the best in-car entertainment system ever created. Interior details on the car such as buttons, stitching, etc all look very nice and high-end. A world apart from the interior of the previous SL model which looked a little dull.
The front seats themselves look awesome. Pictures show them finished in a diamond-stitched white leather finish. There probably will be a massage, cooling, and heating function available for these seats. The rear seats are also finished in diamond stitch leather, but they’re not the most comfortable-looking things in the world. This car being a 2+2 means that the rear seats are for occasional use only. Nevertheless, they’re there if you need them.
The exterior of this car is very curvy indeed, however, the front of it is very aggressive. Looks like a shark almost. The rear of the car is far less aggressive but it does come with four tips and a pop-up spoiler. For me what kills it is the side profile. In my opinion, it’s just not as muscular as the previous R231 SL-Class. It looks sporty but at the same time, it looks a tad like an elongated GTC roadster. The door handles (as much as it sounds petty) look horrendous.
I think this car will look great in some colors but horrid in other colors. We just have to wait and see what Mercedes has to offer with this thing as I am not 100% sold on the exterior design of this car which is a shame because everything else about it is spectacular.
To Conclude.
picture via: caranddriver.com
The new SL is a great comeback for Mercedes. The previous SL may have looked nicer in my opinion but it was just too flabby and a far cry from what the SL once was. The new SL has seemed to have gotten its mojo back plus more thanks to the fact it’s an AMG-only car now.
Interior design, performance, and engine I am 100% sold on. However, the exterior design is a bit hit or miss for me. This car will be a popular seller for sure, but will it depreciate as badly as before with other SL generations? I’m unsure since right now demand for this car is high and supplies are low due to the fact Mercedes is having manufacturing issues throughout their model lineup. Therefore, these cars will have a premium, at least at the beginning.
Will these cars hold their value well for the next three years? Well, the SL or S-Class convertible never did but the GT Roadster wasn’t too bad. Now that the SL is an AMG-only car, that will make this thing a lot more attractive. It’s the flagship top-dog AMG that rivals the likes of the 911. However, being a big Mercedes I wouldn’t be surprised if this car depreciates a lot faster than its rivals.