The AMG division of Mercedes launched the new generation SL-Class for the 2022 model year, and that it is not only about performance but the overall aesthetics that shines with it. The new SL gets all the luxury bits similar to the flagship S-Class which includes a big infotainment screen at the center, a fully digital instrument console, Nappa leather seating, and a whole new design compared to the AMG GT Roadster.

Overview

The SL-Class has been one of the greatest cars from Mercedes since the first 300 SL, also known as Gullwing, which was based on the race car W198. Since then, the brand was very positive about the SL, but the last generation got discontinued in 2020 after serving eight years and not getting the attention as it should. Fast forward to the launch event of the new generation SL and it’s all AMG this time. This also indicates the discontinuation of the AMG GT Roadster which hit the sweet spot in terms of performance and comfort. With the new AMG SL, you will witness the cutting-edge Mercedes tech with absolute luxury flowing through the 2+2 cabin. Compared to the earlier generation, the new SL will come with a soft-top as it saves weight and is easy to manage. Will this SL get to set the benchmark for roadsters?

How does the interior of the new SL look?

By the look of it, it is truly a step above what the earlier generation offered and even the GT Roadster. The dashboard design to the flowing nature of the seats, everything is new, at least for the SL which includes the 3D multi-information display. It simply means that the design is the best of both worlds. Or as the Chairman of Mercedes-AMG, Philipp Schiemer says, “the interior of the new Mercedes-AMG SL pampers driver and passengers with sophisticated luxury. The new SL combines the highest levels of comfort and quality in its interior, coupled with just the right amount of sportiness. The high-quality combination of the analog world and state-of-the-art digital equipment makes one thing clear: the new SL is the rebirth of an icon for the modern era”. I think it is pretty self-explanatory.

The 2022 SL is the first SL to feature 2+2 seating since the 1989 SL or the R129. This not only increases versatility but also practicality. The brand even guarantees that the rear seats can accommodate people up to 1.50 meters tall, meaning it will only be useful for kids. For added convenience, the rear seats can be used as an additional storage space for your gym bag or golf kit.

Dashboard design, quality, and the “hyperanalogue” cockpit explained

We have seen how Mercedes is getting their S-Class-only tech into their budget offerings like the C-Class, but the new AMG-SL is no budget car and will be priced over $130,000. So the quality and technology are just way above your norm. The jet-turbine-inspired air vents with ambient lights around them look as amazing as they can get. The lower part of the dashboard will have either Alcantara or genuine leather and that will continue to the door panels as the stitching and ambient lighting bits do too. The AMG steering wheel is new, is power-adjustable, and has a matt-leather finish on the grips. The control buttons have a different design now, compared to the AMG GT Roadster, and also have the rotating driving-mode selectors just below the horn. The new fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel is a big improvement over the last generation SL and that has contributed to a whole new design and look. Mercedes calls it “aviation-inspired”, but we call it “perfection”. The whole screen is moved slightly backward with a curved visor around it to eliminate maximum reflections of the sun. And of course, the 3D effect is back, making the navigation system look lively.

The infotainment screen is 11.9-inch, portrait-styled, and runs the latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) and the brand has calibrated both the hardware and software for the best experience. This screen has been common for the latest generation Mercedes cars but it is implemented for the first time for the new AMG SL. There is a premium Burmester audio system for blasting beats while going fast. The center console has a carbon-fiber finish around the drive selector and an Alcantara handrest.

How good are the seats of the new 2022 AMG SL?

While the cabin is fully new, there is the same emotion that flows when you sit inside. The seats are arranged in the 2+2 format but by the look of it, the rear two sits are not for adults. The seats are covered with Nappa leather as standard and Mercedes will offer up to two-tone treatments. The diamond-stitching on the standard looks stylish. Mercedes claims that the seats will deliver the comfort needed for a performance car with added sportiness. The seats are all-new if compared to the outgoing GT Roadster is set to offer perfect ergonomics.

Final Thoughts.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL is a breakthrough as a roadster and is set to achieve the benchmark in its category. It is way better than the last generation SL and even the AMG GT Roadster in a lot of aspects, especially the interior. As a flagship convertible, it has staggering performance along with the latest AMG design philosophy. One of our journalists has covered a debut piece on the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL. Don’t forget to take a look at it for all-round coverage.