2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL class will be available in two trim levels, namely SL55 and SL63. This new generation SL switches to a 2+2 seating layout for the first time, so is the standard AMG’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive (AWD). The new SL will arrive at dealerships in early 2022. Though Mercedes is yet to announce the official pricing, we expect the 2022 SL roadster to see a major bump from the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL class which starts at $91,995. Here is a list of the key features that we expect to see in the trims of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

Mercedes has fully redesigned the new SL which debuts with a new AMG architecture, and this new R232 generation car does not carry over anything from its predecessor. For those looking for exclusive luxuries and styling, the SL55 can be equipped with a chrome package or an AMG Night package while the SL63 is available with an AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package and an AMG Aerodynamics package.

For 2022, Mercedes also ramps up the standard technology quotient, bringing all the modern and latest driver-assistance features to the SL convertible. Some of the key safety technology includes augmented video navigation, Distonic Plus with stop-and-go, and active steering assist including automated lane changing, and automated parking. A new exit warning system alarms the passengers exiting the car about the vehicles approaching from behind.

"Under the hood, the SL skips the previously available twin-turbo V-6 in favor of two V-8s." - CarAndDriver.com

The 2022 SL replaces the previously standard twin-turbo V-6 with the two V-8s. The SL55 comes equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, code-named M117, makes 469 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The SL63 model uses an upgraded V-8 that makes 577 hp and 590 pound-feet. In both roadster models, this AMG engineered hand-built engine is paired with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT automatic transmission with a Race Start launch-control function. Pitching just below the AMG-GT roadster, Mercedes- claims a factory-estimated 0-to-60-mph time of 3.8 seconds for the SL55 and 3.5 seconds for the SL63.

Ditching the earlier rear-wheel-drive setup, the SL features standard all-wheel drive, and four-wheel steering for the first time. This benefits the roadster with a shorter turning radius, reducing it by approximately two and a half feet, to 40.4 feet. The SL63 comes with an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, which is optional equipment on the SL55 and optional on the SL55. Mercedes has not only stiffened the structure for more aggressive cornering but has improved the ride quality at the same time.

*2021 Figures used for reference

The new SL now includes adaptive dampers, with the suspension adding hydraulic roll stabilization replacing anti-roll bars on the SL63. However, with the addition of an all-wheel-drive system and the new two-plus-two seating, SL's curb weight increases approximately by 220 pounds. You can opt for the available ceramic-composite brake rotors on both models. With the extra added ponies, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL would be the most powerful convertible in this comparison. Both the Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic and the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet offer a similar power output of 380 hp and 379 hp respectively.

While there is no official EPA estimated fuel economy rating for the new twin-turbo V8 powered Mercedes-AMG SL. With the bump in power ratings, the MPG ratings are expected to go down from the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL convertible, rated at 20/28 mpg for SL 450 and 17/25 mpg for SL 550. 

*2021 Figures used for reference

The competitors of the SL return a decent gas mileage. The Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet returns a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg while the Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic Convertible is slightly behind it with a combined mileage of 18 mpg. Further, Mercedes-AMG has confirmed the arrival of the new SL with AMG's E Performance plug-in-hybrid system. This system clubs the standard 4.0-liter V-8 with an electric motor powering the rear wheels and is expected to be the most powerful model in the lineup, estimated at 804 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.

"The 2022 SL shares a tremendous amount of its interior design with the S-Class sedan redesigned last year. " - Edmunds.com

The 2022 SL interior shows a glimpse of the S-Class sedan redesigned for the 2021 model year. The point of attention is a large tablet-like 11.9-inch touchscreen display with the Mercedes's latest MBUX infotainment system. The ultra-luxury is highlighted by its neat touches like illuminated turbine-style air vents. You will get a standard four-spoke steering wheel and completely digital controls for drive mode settings. The occupants will enjoy the standard sports seats with massage functionality and neck heaters.

The SL comes with a larger cabin, thanks to its 5 inches longer wheelbase, rated at 106.3 inches. The width is up by an inch and a half. The cargo space in the convertible is the same as the previous generation model, at 8.5 cubic feet. 

The seats are well-bolstered and provide enough grip and support to the passengers. With the improved performance, we expect performance upgrades to the interior of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. The interior is adorned with high-quality materials and spacious to accommodate up to 4 passengers as Mercedes switches to a 2+2 seating layout for the first time in the SL roadster.

*2021 Figures used for reference

The Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic Convertible can carry up to 2 passengers, while the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet can carry a maximum of 4 passengers. But the rear seats are not suitable for adults in the Porsche and also eat up the cargo capacity of the vehicle. Here are a few of the interior features from the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class that we expect to see in the 2022 model as well:

• Heated seats 
• Leather upholstery
• Dual-Zone automatic climate control
• Ventilated seats
• Airscarf neck heating system seats

Here are a few of the infotainment features that we expect to see in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

• Virtual assistant
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wifi 
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Navigation system

"The design lineage is clearly the same, but it looks more poised to strike" - Kbb.com

Building up the excitement was a lot of camouflage spy shots of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, and the SL's new look just suffice the hype. This redesigned SL roadster is smoother and rounder, with larger dimensions and a stubbier tail. We get to see a lot of changes to the exterior design starting from the front grille to the tail lamps. The changes to the exterior styling start with its "Panamericana" vertical-bar front grille and long but less exaggerated hood. 

At the rear, we see an active spoiler which would help keep the vehicle grounded at higher speeds. The conventional hard rooftop is now replaced with the soft top. The use of more lightweight materials would reduce the curb weight of the vehicle for better handling overall performance. Both SL55 and SL63 models come equipped with 20-x-9-inch front and 20-x-11.5-inch rear wheels, with 21-inches available as an option.

*2021 Figures used for reference

It may look smaller, but it’s actually longer and wider than the previous generation SL model. The aggressive stance is accentuated by sharply angled headlights and pinched taillights. The new SL rides over a 5 inches longer wheelbase, growing from 101.7 to 106.3 inches. Though the overall length only gains under three inches, to 185.2. while the width is up by an inch and a half, to 75.4 inches. The Porsche Carrera convertible would surely be the longest in length, while the Jaguar F-Type would have the longest wheelbase. Here is a list of the exterior features that we expect to see on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:

• Soft roof top
• Sleet headlamps
• Redesigned front grille
• Rear active spoiler
• Keyless entry

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL comes equipped with the best driver-assistance technology from the Mercedes stable. Some of the key safety and driver-assistance technology include augmented video navigation, Distonic Plus with stop-and-go, active steering assist, automated lane changing, along automated parking for perpendicular or parallel spaces. Once the convertible is revealed in late 2021, we shall see its fate in the crash tests conducted by NHTSA and IHS. Here is a list of a few of the safety and driver-assistive features we look forward to seeing in the 2022 SL-Class:

• Lane keep assist 
• Brake assist
• Parking Assistance system
• Pop-Up Roll Bars
• Driver Attention Assist

There have been a lot of changes in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class that makes it a more capable vehicle. With a more powerful engine and better powertrain, the SL-Class is expected to be more sporty and better to handle on corners. The redesign of the exterior has been a pleasant surprise and thus we look to the official release of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class to get out hand-on.