Mercedes' SL sports car has re-invented itself. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Luxury sports car buyers traditionally sold on the charms of a Mercedes SL will certainly be sold on this rejuvenated MK7 model. They'll like the lithe proportions and deft detailing, the powerful engines and the luxurious technology. It's more important though, to consider whether the changes made here will widen this classic model's customer audience. More sophistication when it comes to drive dynamics and the additional rear seats certainly mean it has more to offer. It's a special car. As every SL should be.

Background

Sports cars used to be one of the key pillars in the Mercedes-Benz product range, important as much for brand image as for sales. But despite all the last decade's F1 success, those sales have been falling. To the point where in 2020, less than 1% of the cars sold by the company worldwide were sports cars. And that was when the small SLC roadster was still on sale, a car since axed. But Mercedes couldn't quite bring itself to part with the SL model line of larger luxury coupe and roadster sports car models which have a history going all the way back to 1954. It has however, dramatically re-reinvented the SL for this seventh generation guise. The name for a start, which is now 'Mercedes-AMG', designating a greater sporting intent. And there's much more: the roof switches back from metal folding to a lighter, more traditional fabric design; there are now two occasional rear seats, like a Porsche 911; there's an all-new Modular Sports Architecture platform; and both four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering are now available. This car has even been engineered for plug-in hybrid drive. In short, it's all very different.

Driving Experience

So. No more tame SL-Class; everything is now of the more focused Mercedes-AMG variety. There's a four-way choice of powertrains, with the entry point in the range marked by a 381hp 2.0-litre four cylinder unit of the SL 43 which drives only the rear wheels. The 62mph sprint takes 4.9s en route to 171mph. Next up are a couple of 4.0-litre V8s, which like the SL 43 direct drive via a 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission. The more accessible version is the 476hp SL 55, which gets to 62mph in just 3.9s on the way to 183mph. We can't really see why you'd want to go faster than that, but if you do, there's the SL 63 with 585hp, which features an engine with a larger air manifold and greater boost pressure. In this form, the SL makes 62mph in 3.6s on the way to 196mph. The other option is the SL 63 S E Performance, where the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine on the front axle is combined with an electric drive unit on the rear axle. It integrates a 204hp permanently excited synchronous electric motor with an electrically switched two-speed transmission and a mechanical rear axle limited-slip differential. The lightweight high-performance battery is also located in the rear above the rear axle. Total output is 816hp, with up to 1,420Nm of torque; yes really. 62mph from rest takes just 2.9s. All the various V8 models deliver potent stats, so it's may be just as well that for the first time in its model history, this SL has gone all-wheel drive (in its V8 versions anyway) with a fully variable 4MATIC+ system that can distribute torque between front and rear axles. The SL 55 has AMG Ride Control adaptive damping, while the SL 63 adds to this AMG Active Ride Control with hydraulic anti-roll stabilisation. Optional on the SL 55 (but standard on the SL 63) are active engine mounts and a limited-slip differential. Four-wheel steering is offered on all V8 variants; up to 62mph, this sees the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to those at the front by 2.5-degrees to aid manoeuvring and corner turn-in. Above 62mph, the rears turn in the same direction as the fronts to aid cornering stability. Across the range, there are five standard driving modes - 'Slippery', 'Comfort', 'Sport', 'Sport+' and 'Individual'. An additional 'Race' mode can be added to models fitted with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package.

Design and Build

Styling chief Gordon Wagener is adamant that his brand will never do 'retro' design, which would have been an easy thing to drift into given that this MK 7 SL returns this model line to the fabric roof and 2+2 seating layout of earlier generation SL models. Instead, pretty much everything here is unique for this car, though the Panamerica-style grille is recognisable from other Mercedes-AMG models and the Modular Sports Architecture platform is shared with the new generation Mercedes-AMG GT. The passenger cell is now more in the centre of the car, so as to make room for the extra rear seats, behind which is a longer boot lid with an integrated spoiler and quad exhausts down below. The triangular shape of the large LED tail lamps echoes the shape of the powerful headlamps up front. And this is a larger car than the previous 'R231'-series model, 88mm longer, 38mm wider and 48mm taller. More significant though, for most customers will be the move away from folding metal panels for the roof mechanism. Which means that for the first time since the fourth generation SL, this car features a fabric roof, a triple-layer top which folds in 15 seconds. Inside, the cabin adopts the 11.9-inch MBUX portrait centre infotainment screen from the S-Class, but with AMG visuals and graphics. Some of which also feature on the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. AMG sports seats are of course standard, complete with the Airscarf neck heating system for when you're driving roof-down on chilly days. Behind, as we said, there are now 911-style occasional-use rear seats, though Mercedes admits these are only suitable for people shorter than 1.5m tall. Out back, there's a 213-litre boot, supposed to be able to take a couple of golf bags. An optional Load Compartment package gives you a sliding partition that increases boot size to 240-litres when the roof is raised.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £108,000 for the four cylinder SL 43 variant - offered in 'Premium', 'Touring' and 'Premium Plus' forms. The two 4MATIC+ V8 models comes in 'Premium Plus' and 'Touring Plus' forms at prices starting from around £148,000 for the SL 55 and around £172,000 for the SL 63 (which is also available in even pricier 'Performance' form for around £180,000). You'll need nearest £200,000 for the SL 63 S E Performance hybrid model. Across the range, you'll want to order the optional Load Compartment package; and possibly also the front active spoiler, a carbon fibre feature hidden in the underbody ahead of the engine which automatically extends downwards by 40mm at 50mph to create a venturi effect. There's also a large active spoiler incorporated into the edge of the boot lid, which activates at five different angles from 50mph upwards, enhancing downforce. As you'd expect, a wide range of individualisation is offered to suit the most diverse customer wishes - from sporty-dynamic to luxurious-elegant. Twelve paint colours are offered (including the two exclusive SL paints 'Hyper Blue metallic' and 'MANUFAKTUR Monza Grey magno'), plus three roof colour variants and numerous new wheel designs. Three exterior design packages are available to further sharpen the look and make it either more elegant or more dynamic. The SL 55 4MATIC+ runs on 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels as standard, optionally in silver or matt black. The SL 63 4MATIC+ sits on 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels. The range of wheels includes a total of nine different variants. They include two aerodynamically optimised 20-inch options in 5-twin-spoke or multi-spoke design. The range is rounded off with 21-inch AMG alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design and 21-inch AMG forged wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, both in two colour variants.

Cost of Ownership

Particularly with the V8 variants, you will of course need deep pockets for the running costs. The SL 43 delivers 31.0mpg, the SL 55 is 21.4mpg and the SL 63 is up to 21.6mpg. As for the CO2 figures, well the SL 43 is rated at 206g/km, the SL 55 is 298g/km and the SL 63 is 299g/km. Thanks to its hybrid system, the SL 63 S E Performance is rated at 175g/km. At least across the range you can buy with confidence. There's a thirty year warranty against corrosion (yes, you heard that right). And we'll tell you that the comprehensive three year unlimited mileage warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer. And it's worth knowing that your maintenance outlay can be kept a little in check by going for the optional Service Care package that takes care of routine maintenance, spreading the cost of regular servicing, guaranteeing the price of parts and labour for up to four services and covering the cost of all recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash. There's also a 'Service' segment of the instrument screen with an 'ASSYST PLUS' dashboard service indicator that monitors engine use and tells you exactly when a garage visit is due. It's also worth mentioning that the 'Mercedes me' remote online services package includes remote self-diagnostic capability, enabling your SL to monitor wear and tear items and alert your local dealer to let you know if something needs seeing to. As for the question of residual values, independent experts reckon they will be a strong as they was have been with an SL.

Summary

This is a very special car. Like its predecessors, the seventh generation SL offers a unique, fascinating and in some ways contradictory interpretation of sports car motoring. It's not really tailored for a track, yet it's more than just a very grand GT, a combination that won't suit if your preferences lie at either of these extremes. For many though, this will be the perfect way to reward themselves for a lifetime's endeavour, a car that feels genuinely coupe-like with the roof up and roadster-ready, top-down. As for the changes that have created this revitalised MK7 model, well they're very welcome - and not only because of aesthetic updates that have given this car so much more streetside presence than it had before. Four-wheel drive, four wheel steering and the stiffer chassis will make a big difference to the driving experience, aided by the lighter weight of the new fabric roof, which compensates for the larger body shell needed to accommodate the welcome addition of extra rear seats. In summary, what we have here is an enduring but very modern take on luxury sports car motoring. And a model that's every inch a classic Mercedes-Benz.

Body Glass

2 Electric windows

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Magic vision control

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electronic Stability Program with Anti Skid Control

Electronic parking brake

Hill hold function

AMG high performance compound brake system

19" silver painted brake calipers

Chassis/Suspension

Sport suspension

Communication

Wireless charging system for mobile devices in the front

USB adapter cable

Bluetooth interface for hands free telephone

Smartphone integration including Apple car play and Android auto

Driver Aids

Remote Services Premium

Lane keeping assistant (LKA)

Attention assist

Child presence detection

Cruise control

Power assisted steering

Driver Convenience

Automatic boot separator

Driver Information

Head up Display

AMG track pace

Traffic sign assist

MBUX augmented reality for navigation

Outside temperature gauge

Driver display

MBUX navigation premium

Fingerprint scanner

Central display

Trip computer

Service indicator (Active Service System)

Mercedes-Benz emergency call system

Engine

EQ Boost starter alternator

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Burmester surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Rear boot

AMG illuminated door sills with AMG lettering and with exchangeable cover

Radiator fins painted black

AMG Real Performance Sound

AMG body styling

AMG spoiler lip

AMG boot lid spoiler in body colour

Model badge on boot lid and wings in high-gloss black

Exterior Lights

Adaptive high beam assist plus

LED daytime running lights

Automatic headlights

AMG Light Display - The projector fitted in the side skirts casts AMG lettering onto the asphalt

Darkened headlamps and tail lights

Digital light headlamps

3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Airscarf - neck level heating

THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control

Interior Features

AMG steering wheel buttons

Front gesture control

Socket in boot

2 cup holders in front

Steering wheel heating

AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather

Packs

Parking package - SL Class

Load compartment pack - SL Class

USB pack plus - SL Class

AMG Night pack - SL Class

Mirror pack - SL Class

Energizing pack plus - SL Class

Memory package - SL Class

AMG Night pack II - SL Class

Safety

Dual stage driver/passenger airbags

Automatic roll over protection

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Passenger airbag deactivation system

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Active pedestrian safety system

Driver and passenger head and side airbags

Pedestrian protection

Seats

Rear headrests

Climatised front seats

Multicontour front seats

Single front passenger seat

2 individual rear seats

Heated front seats

Neck-pro front headrests

Security

Urban guard vehicle protection plus

Keyless Go with seamless door handles

Guard 360 degree vehicle protection plus

Remote central locking

Dashcam

KEYLESS-GO starting function

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed automatic sports transmission

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealant kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 71

CO: 0.057

HC: 0.009

NOx: 0.009

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 215

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 215

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 206

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92

CC: 1991

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 9 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 19.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 29.4

WLTP - MPG - High: 35.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 32.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 30.1

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 19.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 19.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 30.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 29.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 36.7

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 35.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 34.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 32.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 31.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 29.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 14.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 9.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 9.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 14.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 14.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 9.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 9.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 7.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 8.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 8.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 9.5

General

Coin Series: Premium Plus

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 15500

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 421

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 7

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.7

Top Speed: 173

Engine Power - BHP: 421

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 310

Engine Power - RPM: 6750

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 369

Engine Torque - NM: 500

Engine Torque - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - MKG: 51

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 275/35 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 305/30 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AMG MULTI-SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4700

Width: 1915

Wheelbase: 2700

Width (including mirrors): 2100

Height: 1359

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1810

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2185

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 375

No. of Seats: 4

Max. Roof Load: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 213

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 13

Embellishment Trims

AMG Aluminium trim

Exterior Body Features

Manufaktur paint

Manufaktur magno paint

Manufaktur exclusive paint

Hoods

Fabric soft top - Red

Fabric soft top - Grey

Interior Features

Exclusive Nappa leather

Roof liner in neva grey DINAMICA microfibre

Manufaktur nappa leather upholstery

MANUFAKTUR roof liner in macchiato beige DINAMICA microfibre

Packs

AMG exterior chrome pack - SL Class

AMG Dynamic plus pack - SL Class

V8 exterior styling pack - SL Class

Driving assistance pack - SL Class

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Hyper blue

Metallic - Obsidian black

Metallic - High tech silver

Metallic - Selenite Grey

Metallic - Spectral blue

Metallic - Sun yellow

Paint - Special

Manufaktur exclusive - Custom

Manufaktur magno - Spectral Blue

Manufaktur - Opalite white bright

Manufaktur - Alpine grey solid

Manufaktur - Patagonia red bright

Manufaktur magno - AMG Monza grey

Manufaktur magno - Opalite white

Trim - Leather

Manufaktur nappa leather - Crystal white/black

Nappa leather - Black

Manufaktur nappa leather - Truffle brown/black

Exclusive nappa leather - Sage grey/black

Exclusive nappa leather - Sienna brown/Black

Exclusive nappa leather - Red pepper/black

Wheels - Alloy

19" AMG multi spoke light alloy wheels painted himalayas grey with high sheen finish

19" AMG multi-spoke matt black painted light alloy wheels with high sheen finish

21" AMG 10 twin spoke forged wheels in himalayas grey

21" AMG 10 twin spoke forged wheels in matt black

21" AMG multi twin spoke forged wheels in himalayas grey