Mercedes-Benz has got its new year off to a bright start with the introduction here of its new Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster – the first of what will be a series of new model arrivals planned for 2023.
Virtually unique within the world of motoring, the SL has endured as a symbol of elegance and style ever since it first arrived on the scene as the 300SL Roadster almost 70 years ago – a model then inspired by a Grand Prix racing car that had been built two years earlier.
Reborn, according to Mercedes-AMG, as “an icon for the modern era”, the new SL offers what Mercedes-AMG calls “performance luxury” with a 2+2 seats configuration (the first since 1989) and a “revolutionary interior experience” that combines analogue geometry with the digital world – a combination reflected in a fully digital instrument cluster.
Described by Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales manager, Ciaran Allen as a “true legend for the future”, the new SL comes in a soft-top version which Allen says “can be opened and closed at speeds up to 60 kilometres per hour”.
Said by Mercedes-AMG to combine “the highest levels of comfort and quality in its interior, with just the right amount of sportiness”, its notable features include an “aviation-inspired” instrument panel, a centre console with adjustable touchscreen, sculptured seats with integrated headrests, and heated “air scarf” feature that wards-off chills when driving with the top open.
Initially, the Mercedes-AMG 43 381hp, and two 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engines are available with 476hp or 585hp, top speeds from 295 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h times of under four seconds in each case.
A Formula 1 inspired E-Performance hybrid with an electric power unit at the rear axle will follow. Fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive is standard.
Prices begin from a mere €238,395 for the Mercedes-AMG 43.
