The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL – A Modern Reinvention of an Iconic Roadster

When Mercedes-AMG decided to reinvent the SL, the stakes were high. The SL, which stands for “Sport-Leicht” or “Sport Lightweight,” made its debut in the 1950s, quickly becoming a symbol of power, elegance, and luxurious road-going performance. Now, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL revives this iconic spirit while incorporating cutting-edge technology, exceptional craftsmanship, and AMG’s unmistakable performance DNA.

The design of the 2022 SL exudes a graceful blend of classic allure and modern athleticism. With its long hood, short rear deck, and clean lines, the SL embodies both the spirit of past models and the boldness of modern Mercedes-AMG styling.

This new iteration, however, reintroduces a feature cherished by enthusiasts: the soft top. While recent SL models favored hardtops, the return of the soft top is a nod to the roadster’s origins and enhances the car’s lightweight design. It’s as functional as it is beautiful, taking just 15 seconds to open or close even while driving at speeds of up to 37 mph.

Under the hood, the SL is a true AMG performance machine. For the first time, AMG has taken over the SL’s production, giving the model an unmistakable high-performance edge. Available in the SL 55 and SL 63 variants, the 2022 SL features Mercedes-AMG’s powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. With the SL 55 delivering 469 horsepower and the SL 63 reaching a stunning 577 horsepower, this roadster offers a driving experience that rivals some of the world’s most revered sports cars. The SL 63, in particular, sprints from 0 to 60 mph in a thrilling 3.5 seconds, placing it firmly in supercar territory. Notably, the SL is now offered with AMG’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, a first for the SL line. This, combined with features like active ride control and rear-axle steering, ensures that the SL feels agile on mountain roads and stable at high speeds, making it a joy to drive in virtually any condition.

Inside, the SL is as luxurious as it is performance-focused. The interior is appointed with premium materials and innovative technology, reflecting Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to both luxury and driver satisfaction. Mercedes-AMG’s MBUX infotainment system is central to the SL’s interior experience, offering a sleek, touch-responsive interface that includes an AMG-specific mode for added performance data.

A unique feature is the adjustable 11.9-inch central display, which tilts to reduce glare when the top is down—one of the many thoughtful touches that enhance the SL’s open-air experience. Comfortable, sculpted seats wrapped in supple leather provide heating, cooling, and even massaging options, ensuring that every journey in the SL is both thrilling and relaxing.

Technologically, the 2022 SL doesn’t miss a beat. Equipped with a range of advanced safety and driver-assistance systems, this model includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking, creating an environment of safety without compromising on excitement. Optional augmented reality navigation overlays directions onto a live camera feed, offering a seamless blend of digital information and real-world driving cues.

In many ways, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL is more than just a car; it’s a masterful reinvention of a classic, embodying the elegance and excitement that has always defined the SL while embracing AMG’s powerful modern edge. It’s a car that feels just as at home cruising down an oceanfront highway as it does navigating tight mountain curves, making each drive an experience to remember.

For those who appreciate the artistry of luxury roadsters combined with high-performance engineering, the 2022 SL is a worthy successor to the SL name. It’s a model that not only celebrates the rich heritage of the SL line but also sets a thrilling course for the future of AMG performance and design.