2022 Mercedes-AMG SL-Class

Overview

With a legacy that stretches back all the way to the original 300SL Gullwing, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL-class is an automotive icon. Recent examples haven't been as impressive as expected and a host of newer two-door, four-seat grand touring convertibles have rendered it obsolete, but the new generation SL is taking a sportier tack and will be offered only with an AMG badge. The entry-level SL55 is powered by a 469-hp twin-turbo V-8 while the racier SL63 gets a 577-hp version of that same motor. All-wheel drive and four-wheel steering are both standard and are intended to improve both handling and performance. Although it’s being reimagined as a more focused sports car, the new SL also sports a luxurious and tech-heavy cabin. And in a nod to previous generations, the new SL features a folding fabric roof in place of the outgoing models’ power-folding hardtop, thereby retaining its open-air persona while also saving weight.

What's New for 2022?

Mercedes-AMG's iconic SL-class is all new for 2022, following a short hiatus and it should be on sale in time for convertible season.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

A host of luxury features come standard on all SL models, including massaging seats, a head-up display, and a Burmester stereo system. We'd go with the more expensive SL63 to unlock the twin-turbo V-8's maximum power figure. Both the SL55 and SL63 are offered in either Touring or Performance specifications, with the latter coming with a front axle lift feature (to help it clear speed bumps) and darkened exterior trim.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Both SL models are powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 borrowed from the GT sports car. In the SL55 the engine makes a stout 469 horsepower but upgrading to the SL63 boosts that figure to a thundering 577 ponies. A nine-speed automatic is the only transmission, and an all-wheel-drive system and four-wheel steering are standard on all SL models. Such powertrains will allow the revived SL-class to take on convertible versions of the BMW 8-series and the Lexus LC—both of which are offered with powerful V-8 engines—as well as more sporting rivals, such as the Porsche 911. During our initial test drive, we found the SL to be just off from its new, sportier mission. The car offers several adjustable drive modes, which makes it hard to dial in just the right amount of agility and comfort, giving the impression that it's not quite focused enough on one or the other. Acceleration is prompt, especially with the more powerful version of the V-8 onboard, and the SL63 hit 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds in our testing.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The SL earned an EPA rating of 14 and 21 mpg for city and highway driving for both the SL55 and SL63 models. Both V-8–powered versions of the 8-series and the LC are rated at 25 mpg highway, which best the SL by a few mpg. When we get a chance to put the new SL-class through our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the SL's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The SL-class remains solely a two-door convertible. But rather than last generation's complicated folding hardtop, a fabric roof has been used on the new model to save weight and maximize cargo space. Still, don't expect an expansive trunk. A pair of small rear seats provides a place to park an occasional passenger, but that area is better suited to cargo than people. The interior is plenty luxurious and Mercedes's novel Airscarf feature, which gently blows warm air on the driver and front passenger's neck during cold weather drives, is standard.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

All SL models come with Mercedes's new MBUX infotainment system, complete with the system's "Hey Mercedes" virtual assistant, and a large 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display that can be adjusted for viewing angle depending on a driver's preference. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display is also standard. Navigation and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as well. All SLs come with a Burmester stereo system, but the SL63 can be optioned with an upgraded surround-sound version.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A host of driver-assistance features are standard, including automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. But Mercedes-AMG makes you pay extra for others, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. For more information about the SL's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-AMG's standard warranty package is the least special thing about its cars and covers a basic four year/50,000 mile period with no frills or extras. Both the 8-series and the LC offer significant complimentary scheduled maintenance programs, which may make those cars more attractive to those who seek to lease.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Mercedes-AMG SL63
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door convertible

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $180,450/$204,885
Options: Exterior Carbon Fiber package, $5300; Burmester 3-D surround-sound stereo, $4500; AMG cross-spoke black wheels, $3300; Monza Grey Magno paint, $3250; AMG Aerodynamics package, $2850; Driver Assistance package with active safety equipment (distance assist, steering assist, lane-change assist, emergency-stop assist, speed-limit assist, brake assist with cross-traffic function, evasive steering assist, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, route-based speed adaptation), $1950; Performance trim line (front-axle lift system, surround-view camera, active LED headlights, head-up display), $1800; AMG Night package, $1300; microfiber headliner, $1600

ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 243 in³, 3982 cm³
Power: 577 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.4-inch vented, cross-drilled disc; 14.2-inch vented, cross-drilled disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
F: 275/35ZR21 (103Y) M01A
R: 305/30ZR21 (104Y) M02A

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Length: 185.2 in
Width: 75.4 in
Height: 53.5 in
Curb Weight: 4305 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.0 sec
100 mph: 7.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.2 sec @ 125 mph
130 mph: 12.2 sec
150 mph: 17.5 sec
170 mph: 25.6 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.9 sec
Top Speed (mfr's claim): 196 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 150 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 297 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.04 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 18 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 16/14/21 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs