Mercedes-Benz’s 2022 SL Sports Car Puts The OMG In AMG®
Here Comes The 2022 Mercedes-AMG® SL!
Good things come to those who wait! The seventh generation of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG® SL is finally here for 2022, and it’s not holding anything back. Going back to the basics, the new SL car takes the place of the AMG® GT Roadster. However, the AMG® GT is set to get refreshed for a new generation and be built-in company with the SL. Gordon Wagener, Design Chief for the company, spoke to Road and Track and stressed that both cars will offer unique experiences of their own. While the SL is constructed with a 2+2 layout and fabric roof, the new AMG® GT will only be offered as a 2-seater coupe with a fixed-roof.
While this is the first time that the SL is available purely as an AMG® model, one can still use it as a fun luxury car, as Wagener said that some buyers may consider the GT too intense to use for daily driving and regular commutes.
The fast and furious SL 63 will bring along the AMG® Active Ride Control air suspension with hydraulic anti-roll stabilization, which is available on the SL’s 55 model. This configuration supersedes the conventional anti-roll bars with hydraulic units to ensure that the ride is smoother and more stable. “The GT of course obviously is more of a race car or sports car,” Wagener explained. “And I mean this new SL is a true sports car, definitely. But also I mean with air suspension and all the possibilities you have, you can turn it from a cruiser to a race car with the click of a button.”
Wagner also said that the new SL will be supported by the same platform and share some elements as the AMG® GT of the next generation. In addition to an AMG® Performance 4MATIC®+ fully variable AWD system, the new cruiser gets its power from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, with an output of 577 hp. It’s likely that this unit will be brought over to the new AMG® GT with even more power.
At the same time, the interior of the AMG® GT will sport a different layout. Then, the SL will be geared with a standard 11.9-inch portrait screen with the newest MBUX infotainment system that can be adjusted electronically from 12 to 32 degrees, along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. While these features should carry over, it’s expected that the layout of the cabin will be more centered on the driver.
Furthermore, Wagener said that the upcoming GT will not include some of driver-aids and electronic technologies of the SL due to it being a “pure driving car” made to set swifty lap time and face off with Porsche’s 911 high-performing car. The design chief hopes that this distinction will make way for the AMG® SL and AMG® GT to live together peacefully, without fear of sales being affected. Mercedes-AMG® has not yet confirmed just when we’ll see the GT, but we’re guessing that there will be a debut in 2022, even more so than the 2021 AMG® GT Black series signifying the end of the lifecycle of the current model.
Mercedes-Benz of Washington
When the time does come to purchase any of these Mercedes-AMG® sport cars, be sure to do it at Mercedes-Benz of Washington. We sell a wide range of vehicles from the brand, ranging in various shapes and sizes.
Those who are interested in any of our models can simply view our online new car inventory and chat with a representative for further assistance.