2022 Mercedes-AMG SL63 & SL55 unveiled with V8 and AWD

Mercedes has taken the wraps off its new-generation GT sports car, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL that will launch with two V8 models featuring all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering.

It is the first time the SL will be offered as a standalone 2+2 model from AMG, having been developed from the ground-up by Mercedes-Benz’s performance arm.

Two variants will be available at launch – the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4Matic+ and the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+. Both will be powered by a hand-built 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine in two different states of tune, each paired with AMG’s Speedshift multi-clutch nine-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels.

It produces 350kW and 700Nm in the Mercedes-AMG SL 55 to deliver a 0-100km/h sprint of 3.9 seconds, on route to a top speed of 295km/h.

Output increases to 430kW and 800Nm in the Mercedes-Benz SL 63, dropping the century sprint to 3.6 seconds, while increasing its top speed to 315km/h.

Along with all-whee drive, the new SL comes standard with rear-wheel steering which allows the rear wheels to steer with the front wheels for smoother lane changes on the freeway, or turn in the opposite direction to the fronts at speeds below 100km/h for greater responsiveness.

AMG’s Active Ride Control also makes its debut on the new SL 63. It employs hydraulic anti-roll technology to replace the traditional passive stabilisation bars and is claimed to deliver a comfortable ride while keeping the car flat during cornering.

To keep weight in check, all suspension links, steering knuckles, and hub carriers are made from forged aluminium, while a special technique has been developed to reduce the heft of the car’s springs.

The SL 63 comes standard with an electronically-controlled limited-slip rear differential, which is part of the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package on the SL 55.

Stopping power comes in the form of a set of 390 x 36mm drilled and vented composite disc brakes, clamped by six-piston fixed callipers at the front, and 360 x 26mm rear rotors with single-piston callipers at the rear.

A high-performance ceramic composite brake system increased the disc size to 402 x 39mm and 360 x 32mm, respectively which also brings further weight reduction.

A two-piece Airpanel helps improve the car’s aerodynamics, with two hidden louvres placed behind the front air intakes to help direct airflow to the car’s active undercar profile, unless engine temperature trigger their opening.

Around the rear, an integrated rear spoiler helps lower drag or increase down force, depending on the vehicle’s speed and driver’s input.

Stepping inside, the driver is greeted with a 12.3-inch high-definition digital instrument cluster set inside an aviation-inspired dashboard. A 11.9-inch portrait-style touchscreen featuring the latest generation MBUX infotainment system takes care of most of the car’s functions.

Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation with live traffic and real-time parking capability, Car-to-X communication, Mercedes Me Connect, as well as the brand’s ‘Hey Mercedes’ hands-free voice assistance in 28 languages.

The Mercedes-AMG SL also borrows the latest active safety technology from the S-Class, including attention assist, active cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, lane-change assist, emergency stop, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, and blind-spot alert with safe exit warning.

When night falls, the digital light function allows the car to project warning symbols onto the road to warn the driver of hazards such as pedestrians, roadworks and intersections.

The new SL will be offered in 12 exterior colours, including two exclusive to the model, along with three roof colours to choose from.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL is expected to land in Australia in the second half of 2022.