Mercedes-Benz AMG SL
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL roadster has passionate performance, exclusive comfort and irresistible design. ‘SL’ standing for sporty and light. The design of the car incorporates the history of the SL. With an exciting E-Performance Hybrid model to follow. The AMG SL release date has not yet been confirmed. But the AMG SL price has had some rumours lurking about in the industry. People have expected the sportscar to be from around £85,000.00-£100,000.00. The range depends on configurations, optional extras, models, etc.
Performance
As the SL is an AMG, it has rear-axle steering. Depending on the vehicle’s speed, you can enjoy particularly agile and spontaneous steering characteristics. Up to 62mph, the rear wheels steer either in the opposite direction of the front wheels, over 62mph then the wheels spin in the same direction. Alongside this, we have an electrically extendable rear spoiler. This feature automatically extends at higher speeds and increases the downforce on the rear axle. Which enhances the driving stability. It also influences aerodynamics in accordance with the situation. The SL uses optimum traction at all times through being an all-wheel drive. It combines traction with lateral and longitudinal dynamics for maximum motoring enjoyment. The lighter than conventional brakes is due to the ceramic high-performance compound braking system. Helping with the lower unsprung mass for higher driving dynamics. Another feature that results in higher driving dynamics is the 4.0 Litre V8 petrol engine, with a nine-speed automatic gearbox. The easy flowing from gear to gear enables the driver to enjoy the drive as there’s not too much pressure on having to actually drive the vehicle. Enhancing the driving experience even further is the speed specifications. Mercedes-Benz has created effortless and breathtaking acceleration in this sports car and accompanied it with an open-wide throttle. The SL can go from 0-62mph in an impressive 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 183mph, with excellent cruise control abilities. Showing the raw history of this car.
The car is a 2+2 with a folding fabric hood. The soft top has been introduced for a lower centre of gravity. It also reduces the weight of the vehicle by 21kg, in comparison to a hardtop. The soft-top roof takes 15 seconds to open or close and you can activate this by a panel on the centre console or on the menu of the infotainment screen. The SL can do this up to 37mph, any faster and it would be a hazard. Mercedes-Benz has also incorporated 2 extra seats in the back that they think will make the SL easier to live with as an everyday car in contemporary society. However, these seats are only made for small children or extra storage space to keep the small racer look of the car still intact.
Exterior
The exterior is in key with the Mercedes design language and this is obvious at first glance at the car. The large LED triangular taillights and digital light matrix LED headlights with projector functions to come as standard in the SL. Helping to add this Panamericana front, shapely boot line and hunkered-down stance. This hints at the original structure of the car. The whole structure is claimed to weigh 270kg. With options and extras, the car can increase by a further 125kg. This scales it up to a maximum of 1895kg.
Interior
The AMG SL features a hyperanalog interior. This means it combines classic automotive elements with innovative digital instrumentation. I’ll begin with the standard feature that Mercedes like to include in their interior. These are the electrically adjustable seats. However, the SL has separate heating systems for both cushions and backrest, similar to the S 500. There’s also seat cooling available as an add-on element. As stated before there’s enough room in the back for a little extra storage, but the question remains… How much actual storage does the SL have? Well, the boot can hold up to two golf bags. Being 213-litre boot but can increase to 240-litres when the roof is up.
The portrait-orientated infotainment screen features the 11.9inch MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) in the centre of the car, very similar to the new S 500’s setup. The interior is intended to be luxurious but versatile. The angle it sits at can be altered to suit the lighting conditions and not disrupt the ambiance. Another impressive feature that the AMG SL has that’s been influenced by the S 500 is the voice control multimedia system. Based on artificial intelligence, if you state ‘Hey Mercedes’ then the AI will recognise this and can inform, update, set reminders, navigate, etc. All very similar to the home AI systems we currently have such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Driving Modes
There is a range of driving modes included to enhance the driver experience in the AMG SL. Each one is tailored to support the car in a variety of conditions. These include Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, and Race. The Race driving mode comes as standard on the SL 63 but an optional extra on the SL 55.
Another variety of modes worth mentioning is the AMG dynamics. There are four modes, these include: Basic, Advanced, Pro, and Master. These are used in a system that controls the electronic stability of the vehicle.
Driver Assistance Systems (DAS)
The AMG SL has active distance assist distronic. This is an adaptive cruise control system that is able to automatically adjust your set speed for traffic ahead. With route-based speed adaptation that is based on map data ahead of curves, junctions, roundabouts, toll booths, and exit roads. Another DAS included is the active stop-and-go assist, this is able to keep the vehicle within the lane and maintain a safe distance with a high-level availability of up to 35mph.
Active steering assist generates steering torque which helps the driver to stay in the centre of the lane on straight roads and slight bends, similar to the stop-and-go assist. It uses guidance from the vehicles ahead and lane markings. Along the same lines as this, there is an active emergency stop assist. Which stops the vehicle in a controlled manner when the system recognises that the driver is distracted for a long period or cannot intervene. In addition to this, there has been an active lane change assist included. This feature sends vibrations on the steering wheel when the vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane. If the vehicle passes over a solid line or dashed line when opposing traffic is detected, the system can pull back into its lane by applying the brakes on one side.
Mercedes-Benz has included an active brake assist with cross-traffic function. This means that the vehicle is able to help the driver avoid impending collisions with vehicles ahead or when turning across the oncoming lane. It also assists the driver when the vehicle is stationary or there are vehicles or pedestrians crossing if the driver fails to take action quickly enough. Similarly to this, there is an active blind-spot assist embedded into the system. This provides the driver with a visual alert and audible alarm when a turn indicator is activated. This warns the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. It helps to avoid collision by single-sided braking if the lane change is still attempted with an obstacle in the blind spot area. This mode also offers exit warnings, with enhanced protection when getting out of the car. A visual warning for passengers is displayed in the exterior mirror if a car or bicycle is driving past the vehicle.
Finally, the last two assistance systems that are worth mentioning are the active speed limit assist with traffic sign assist. This utilises map data and information from traffic signs assist to automatically adapt the vehicle’s speed. Lastly, there is the active parking assistant. This uses the surround view system to make it possible to enter and leave parallel and end-on parking spaces automatically.
AMG SL, Yes or No?
Overall, we are really excited about the end product of the Mercedes-Benz AMG SL. We cannot wait to try and get our hands on one in the unit. The fundamental structure and accessories that Mercedes has included in the car have made it stand out from other cars. The sleek and streamlined look even with the added extra space in the back is stunning and compliments the sporty but luxurious look of the SL. AutoExport is definitely saying a big YES to the AMG SL. If you enjoyed this blog post be sure to check out our latest other blog post review on the BMW iX. Or similarly, if this post has made you desperate for a new and exciting car, be sure to check out our recent exports page here or our contact us page here.
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