By Otsile Kadiege

The veils have officially been lifted off the all-new seventh generation Mercedes-AMG SL (Sport Leicht). The 70 year old nameplate gets new looks, a plethora of new technologies, luxurious interior appointments, a new platform and a powerful V8 motor underneath the hood. 

Exterior design

Aggressive, sleek and modern are the words that comes to mind when looking at the design of the all-new SL. Up front, it boasts a large Panamericana grille flanked by aggressive-looking slim headlights. Its side profile is minimalist thanks to the absence of many sharp lines and flush door handles. The rear-end compliments the front-end’s aggressive design with slim tail lights, quad exhaust tips and a rear diffuser.

Mercedes-AMG has done away with the heavy metal top in favour of the light weight fabric top which is operable at speeds up to 50 km/h and takes just 15 seconds to open and close.

Interior design and technology

Inside, the SL features the latest MBUX infotainment system seen on the new S-Class and C-Class sedans, however, the 11.9-inch touch display in the new SL tilts forward from 12 to 32 degrees. It’s flanked by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with head-up display featuring augmented reality. 

Other note worthy interior design features includes the aviation inspired air vents, the optional AMG Performance seats with standard Airscarf and AMG Performance steering wheel. 

The new SL features a 2+2 seating configuration for the first time since 1989 (Mercedes SL model series R 129) making the SL even more versatile.

Driver assistance systems 

The new Mercedes-AMG is equipped with the following driver assistance systems: Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist and Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function to list a few.

Performance

The all-new Mercedes-AMG SL will be available in two flavours, namely SL 55 4Matic+ and SL 63 4Matic+. Both are powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 making 350 kW / 700 Nm in the SL 55 and 430 kW / 800 Nm in the SL 63. Both are paired to a 9-speed auto transmission with launch control and AWD system propelling the SL 55 and SL 63 from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 and 3.6 seconds respectively. 

Customers of the SL 55 can opt for the Limited Slip Differential (LSD), however, it comes standard on the SL 63. The new SL is also equipped with rear-wheel steering for improved handling and better turning circle. 

The new SL replaces the AMG GT Roadster and will only be available in AMG guise. Mercedes-AMG is yet to disclose any information on pricing and availability.