2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 review: convertible V8 theater
Headroom, a thunderous V8 engine and AMG's precision make the SL 55 Roadster a pure open-top theater.
The convertible is the Keanu Reeves of the automotive world. They may not have an Oscar-winning performance, but they make up for their flaws with warmth and charisma. And, if there's one convertible that has changed dramatically over the years and captivated audiences with its aura – just like Mr. Reeves – it has to be the Mercedes-Benz SL.
To write this article, I personally drove the seventh generation of the iconic SL Roadster. Before we dive into its driving experience, though, let's take a look at its illustrious history and uncover the reasons behind the legendary status of the SL nameplate.
Mercedes-AMG SL History: Racing Legacy
The name SL dates back to the early 50s of the 20th century, when Mercedes built the W194, the company's first race car after World War II. The W194 began to dominate sports car racing, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Nürburgring and the Carrera Panamericana in Mexico in 1952. After a successful race in the race, the company took the advice of Max Hoffmann, an American importer of Mercedes, to develop a road/production version of the race car – the iconic 300 SL "Gullwing" and 190 SL sports cars. The 300 SL comes with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, while the 190 SL comes with a smaller 1.9-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. Also, technically, the 190 SL was the first convertible SL model.
In response to the growing popularity of sports cars, Mercedes made a key decision in 1957 to transform the 300 SL coupe into a 300 SL roadster, abandoning the gullwing doors. This model continued to sell well until the advent of the second-generation SL W113, which was known as a pagoda due to its unique hardtop design. In 1971, Mercedes introduced the third generation SL - R107. It became the best-selling version of the roadster, which has been in production for 18 years!
In 1989, the popular wedge-shaped fourth-generation SL, the R129, made its debut. The R129 is the first SL to be equipped with a V12 powertrain – in fact, it comes with not one, but three V12 engine options, including Pagani Zonda's 7.3-litre V12. In India, R129 is probably best known for its cameo in the hit Bollywood film I'm Willing to Pay for You (2001). However, before the release of the film, Mercedes had already shown the world the fifth-generation SL - R230. The model became another icon, distinguished by its peanut-shaped headlights and sleek bodywork. If you're a fan of Top Gear, you probably remember Jeremy Clarkson owning one of them - the SL 55 AMG. The car also appeared in one of the episodes of the first season of the original Top Gear (2002). Clarkson reportedly sold his Ferrari F355 to buy the SL, which speaks volumes about how great the R230 was for its time.
In 2012, Mercedes introduced the R231 – the sixth generation SL. Now, I'm going to admit it. Even though it's powerful and has a V12 twin-turbo engine, for some reason, I never felt like it was anything special. It's like a scene from SL's The Day the Earth Stood Still. This also explains why the seventh-generation version is more charismatic, dramatic, and wild – it makes up for what its predecessors lacked.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55: 7th Heaven
The latest generation of SL is called R232 and features several first-of-its-kind technologies. For example, it was the first SL to be independently developed by AMG, which means that there is no regular Mercedes-Benz version on sale. There is also no hardtop version - you can only opt for the softtop version, which, according to Mercedes, is up to 21 kg lighter compared to the previous model. Another new addition is the 2+2 seat configuration – something that was missing from the SL after 1989.
Under the hood, the SL 55 Roadster we test-drove was also the only model in India, and it was powered by a powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that put out 469 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The drive force is transmitted to the four wheels, which is another innovation for the SL. In addition, it is equipped with rear-axle steering for the first time.
What about the interior, features and comfort? Well, it's luxurious, advanced, special – in short, quintessentially Mercedes style. A grand touring car in the truest sense of the word!
There's no doubt that it's all good. But does driving it feel special or attractive enough? Does it have the sedate advantage of its predecessors? Let's find out.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Engine Performance: V8 Power
Mercedes-AMG is known for its powerful V8 engine, and the engine in the SL 55 is no exception - it's a monster engine. With 469 hp and 700Nm of torque, the SL 55 doesn't just go fast – it roars forward! Eight pistons ignite on all cylinders, and their sheer noise, amazing acceleration and visceral noise can cause a little sensory overload. When the engine reaches its peak, it emits a low, shrill baritone, while the intake noise is a pure treat for gasoline enthusiasts. Lower the roof, lower your feet – that's the ultimate pleasure of driving the SL 55 AMG.
The SL 55 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, thanks to its easy-to-use launch control system. Use the rotation controller on the steering wheel to put the car in Sport+ mode, use the other dial on the steering wheel to turn off traction control, press the brakes with your left foot and the throttle with your right foot to increase the revs to 5,000 rpm, then release the brakes – and you'll immediately rip open a 4.7-meter hole.
SL's performance isn't flawless, though. The 9-speed gearbox is a bit of a fly in the ointment at times – it tends to be a bit hesitant and unstable, especially when downshifting. This is not noticeable in comfort mode, but it becomes very noticeable in Sport or Sport+ mode. Paddle shifters aren't telepathic either—when downshifting, they won't downshift as quickly as you'd like. In manual mode, upshifting can be a bit tricky on the road, as the V8 engine revs in full swing and the rev limiter is reached in the blink of an eye. But it's not a problem with cars – it's more like a problem with (incompetent) drivers.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 handling: sharp and gentle
The SL 55's cornering performance is very good, which is a testament to the expertise of the AMG staff. So, despite being equipped with a mile-long hood, a 2,700mm wheelbase, and a weight of nearly two tons (which contradicts the SL's Super Leicht abbreviation), the SL still breaks the conventions of physics with its body control. With its precise handling and tight body movements, it clings to the road like a force of nature. Of course, the AWD setting helps to reduce power effectively, but you can feel its rear bias when you slam the throttle halfway through the turn. Rear-axle steering is another highlight. It can turn 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction (up to 100 km/h) and in the same direction (over 100 km/h). The latter is especially noticeable when you are cornering at high speeds, as you can feel the system tightening your line/trajectory.
What are the disadvantages? The ride is very strenuous and the ground clearance is very bad. But, would you care? When it looks so stunning, drives like a real sports car, and has a lot of headroom, do you really have anything to complain about?
Well, seriously, there are a couple of things to complain about. Roof operation is cumbersome. You'll need to swipe and long-press the controls on the touchscreen to move the roof up or down, which can be very tedious and distracting while driving – you can turn the roof on or off at speeds of up to 60 km/h in 15 seconds. If it's a hot summer day, the screen will heat up quickly. So, there's a good chance you'll burn your fingers – no kidding! The all-black cabin of our test car didn't help us cool down either.
Still, the 11.9-inch vertical touchscreen derived from the S-Class is excellent and easy to use. It also has this feature that can be motorized tilted from 12 degrees to 32 degrees for better visibility in direct sunlight. In terms of luxury and comfort, this stunning car has it all, no doubt about it.
conclusion
At Rs 244 crore, the SL 55 AMG is not cheap. Not to mention, at such a price, it's different from other more performance-focused convertibles like the Porsche 911 Cabriolet (the new model is coming soon in India!). Very close. However, the SL was never a high-performance convertible with speed as the sole goal. It has always been dedicated to open-air performances that allow you to indulge in complete luxury. If that's what you want to live and have around Rs 3 crore to spare, then the SL 55 AMG is your best bet.
- 梅赛德斯-AMG SL 55
Engine: 3,982cc / V8 / Twin-turbo
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: 9-speed automatic/all-wheel drive
Power: 469 hp @ 5,500 rpm
扭矩： 700Nm @ 2,000rpm