The current-gen Mercedes SL has been around for almost a decade and it has started to look too long in the tooth. But, not for long, because the automaker has unveiled the latest R232-gen SL. The new model is a whole new model in every sense. It rides on a new platform, new design language, plush interiors, and a whole lot of tech features. The icing on top? It will be sold as an AMG-exclusive model! Sweet, huh?

Overview

The SL moniker has been around for over seven decades and it is a legend in its own right. In fact, Mercedes feels the same about it and that’s the reason why the SL receives a new lease of life when other convertibles in the portfolio are getting axed. The SLC and the S-Class convertibles are now history, and the C- and E-Class Cabriolets are also reportedly going to be butchered for an amalgamated product.

The new SL is a different animal altogether. It not only replaces the outgoing model, but also takes the GT Roadster’s place in the company’s portfolio. The new SL is different on the inside, outside, under the hood, under the skin, and is developed from the ground up by AMG, the automaker’s performance outfit. This reflects in its exterior, interior, and engine options.

It Will Be Offered In Two Trims

The new SL is underpinned on a new 2+2 seater vehicle architecture. In the U.S., the AMG SL will be offered in two guises – SL 55 and SL 63. Both these trims are powered by the same 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 engine.

The estimated 0-60 mph times are 3.8 seconds for the SL 55 and 3.5 seconds for the SL 63.

It comes with six different drive modes to choose from – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, and Race. ‘Race’ is standard on SL 63, but optional on the SL 55 as part of the Dynamics Plus Package.

The engine is mated to a nine-speed AMG SpeedShift automatic gearbox and a fully-variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system in both trims. It also comes with rear-wheel steering for improved handling and maneuvering, and also an optional rear electronically controlled limited-slip differential. As for the suspension setup, the SL 63 comes with AMG Active Ride Control with hydraulic, active anti-roll stabilization.

How Is The New SL On The Outside?

The car follows AMG’s design language. The exterior looks sharp and aggressive. You have the Panamericana grille up front that’s flanked by swept-back LED headlights. The side profile features flush door handles, akin to the new S-Class. The rear looks equally captivating, thanks to the wide LED taillights. AMG has plonked a quad-exhaust setup that’s surrounded by an aggressive diffuser.

The new AMG SL comes with a three-layer soft top that can be closed or opened in about 15 seconds. You can operate it up to the speeds of 37 mph. It is 46 pounds lighter than the hardtop and is available in three shades – Black, Grey, and Red.

As for the footwear, both the trims ride on 20-inch, five-twin-spoke wheels as standard. You get to choose between six different wheel designs, which include a 21-inch set in two different colors. The front wheels are shod in 265/40 section tires, whereas the rear wheels are wrapped in 295/35 section tires as standard.

The car measures 185.2 inches in length, 75.4 inches in width, and 53.5 inches in height. The wheelbase is 106.3 inches long. The front and rear tracks are 65.5- and 64.1 inches wide, respectively. There isn’t a lot of truck space, but you still have around 7.5-8.5 cubic feet of cargo space available.

Dimensions

Mercedes will offer it in 12 exterior shades:

- Sun Yellow (Non-metallic)

- Cirrus Silver

- Obsidian Black

- Selenite Grey

- Starling Blue

- Hyper Blue

- MANUFAKTUR Monza Grey Magno

- MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Bright

- MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Magno

- MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic

- MANUFAKTUR Starling Blue Magno

- MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey (Non-metallic)

All these colors can be combined with either a black, grey, or a red soft top.

The New SL Is Heavy On Aerodynamics Too

Coming to the aerodynamics, Mercedes-AMG has equipped an active spoiler on the tailgate. It assumes five different positions:

- Position 0: -11 degrees – Between 0-50 mph (retracted)- Position 1: 6 degrees – Between 50-87 mph- Position 2: 11 degrees – Between 87-99 mph- Position 3: 17 degrees – Between 99 mph and its top speed- Position 4: 22 degrees (Dynamic Position) – Between 75 mph and its top speed

An optional Aerodynamics Package is also available. It includes:

- Larger flics on the bumpers

- Larger diffuser

- An active aerodynamic profile in the underbody in front of the engine

- The Active rear spoiler extends 6.2 mph earlier in positions 1 and 2. In the Dynamic Position, it is angled at 26.5 degrees

There’s also something known as the two-piece AirPanel air control system. The first piece operates with vertical louvers that are hidden behind the lower air intake in the front bumper. The second piece is located behind the upper air intake and has horizontal louvers. These louvers are electronically controlled and can be opened and closed with actuators to direct the airflow as needed.

The 2023 AMG SL also boasts an impressive drag coefficient of 0.31.

What’s New On The Inside?

Mercedes-AMG gave us a glimpse of the cabin back in July. The Jar Jar Binks-resembling cabin looks quite neat and feels plush. In terms of tech, it comes with an 11.9-inch touchscreen on the center console that runs on the impressive MBUX infotainment system. This screen can be adjusted and has an inclination from 12- to 32 degrees. There’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the chunky steering wheel.

Apart from this, the car also comes with AMG sports seats as standard and AMG Performance seats as optional. The seats can be upholstered in single- or two-tone Nappa leather, Nappa leather with diamond quilting, or Nappa leather with Microfiber and contrasting topstitching in yellow or red. The front seats also feature inflatable air cushions and three massage programs. The car also comes with AIRSCARF – a neck-level heating system.

2023 Mercedes-AMG SL Driver Assistance Features

The new SL comes with a host of driver-assistance features, such as:

- Attention Assist

- Active Distance Assist

- Traffic Sign Assist

- Active Lane Keeping Assist

- Active Lane Change Assist

- Active Emergency Stop Assist

- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function

- Active Blind Spot Assist and Exit Warning Function

Some Packages Will Also Be Available

AMG Exterior Chrome Package

- High-gloss chrome accents on the front bumper, the side sill trim, and the rear

AMG Night Package

- Front splitter, side sill trims, mirror caps, and trim element in the rear diffuser finished in high-gloss black

- Darkened tailpipe trims

AMG Night Package II

- AMG Night Package, plus:

- Radiator trim, typography, and the Mercedes star at the rear finished in high-gloss black

AMG Exterior Carbon Package

- Front splitter, the exterior mirror housings, and the diffuser are composed of carbon fiber

- Tailpipe trims finished in high-gloss black

AMG Dynamic Plus Package

This package is optional on SL 55 (and comes as standard on the SL 63. It includes:

- Dynamic AMG engine mounts- Electronically controlled AMG limited-slip rear differential- ‘Race’ driving mode that’s selectable via the AMG steering wheel buttons - Ride height lowered by 10 mm - Yellow-painted AMG brake calipers

Conclusion

The automaker hasn’t listed the price or when the new SL will arrive. But, we should hear about it soon.

Specifications