Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster

Released 2022

The seventh-generation SL (R232), a 2+2 soft-top roadster developed by Mercedes-AMG and sold in the UK as the four-cylinder SL 43, the V8 SL 55 and SL 63, and the SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE plug-in hybrid, suited to buyers who want a fast open-top grand tourer.

Body: Convertible
Powertrain: Mild hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Power: 416–805 bhp
Range: 7 mi
Boot: 213 l

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the latest SL is fast and sharper to drive than before, with strong engines and a high-tech cabin, though still more grand tourer than sports car. The common criticisms are disappointing interior quality for the price, tiny rear seats and boot, and fiddly touch controls; Autocar felt its cruising comfort had suffered.

From autocar.co.uk, autoexpress.co.uk, whatcar.com and parkers.co.uk

Specifications

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Performance

Powertrain: Mild hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Power: 416–805 bhp
0–62 mph: 2.9–4.7 s
Top speed: 173–197 mph
Engine or motors: SL 43: 1,991 cc four-cylinder turbo petrol, 310 kW (421 hp) plus 10 kW mild-hybrid drive; SL 55 and SL 63: 3,982 cc V8, 350 or 430 kW (476 or 585 hp); SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE: 450 kW V8 plus 150 kW electric motor, 600 kW (816 hp) system output; bhp converted from Mercedes' kW figures
Torque: 500 Nm (SL 43), 700 Nm (SL 55), 800 Nm (SL 63), 850 Nm plus 320 Nm electric (SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE)
Gearbox: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed
Drive: Rear-wheel drive (SL 43); 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive (SL 55, SL 63 and SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE)

Range and charging

Zero-emission range (WLTP): 7 miles
Battery: 4.84 kWh
Economy (WLTP): 21.7–31.4 mpg
Range detail: SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE WLTP electric range 7 miles
Charging: SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE: 4.84 kWh lithium-ion battery; 3.7 kW AC, 25–100% in 1 hour 30 minutes
Efficiency: WLTP combined: 31.4 mpg (SL 43, Mercedes UK technical data; 29.7–31.4 mpg in the brochure), 21.1–21.7 mpg (SL 55, SL 63), 28.3 mpg and 336 Wh/km (SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE)
CO2 emissions: 206 g/km (SL 43), 305 g/km (SL 55, SL 63), 228 g/km (SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE)

Practicality

Body: Convertible
Seats: 4
Boot: 213 litres
Length: 4,700 mm
Width: 1,915 mm
Weight: From 1,837 kg
Boot: 213 litres; 110 litres (SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE)
Size: 4,700 mm long, 1,915 mm wide without mirrors (2,100 mm with), 1,359 mm high; 13.05 m turning circle (12.35 m V8 models); kerb weight 1,837 kg (SL 43, Mercedes UK technical data) to 2,199–2,215 kg (SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE, brochure, including a 75 kg driver); 70-litre fuel tank

Pros and cons

Pros

SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE reaches 62 mph in 2.9 seconds
2+2 seating with a fabric roof
SL 43 returns 31.4 mpg WLTP combined

Cons

Boot of 213 litres, or 110 litres in the plug-in hybrid
Plug-in hybrid has 7 miles of electric range
13.05 m turning circle on the SL 43

Closest rivals

Model	Body	Powertrain	Power	Range	Boot	Released
BMWM4 Convertible	Convertible	Petrol	523 bhp	–	385 l	Jul 2021
BMW4 Series Convertible	Convertible	Petrol, Mild hybrid	181–386 bhp	–	385 l	Mar 2021
BMWM3 Touring	Estate	Petrol	523–543 bhp	–	500 l	Jun 2022

Sources

Photo: media.oneweb.mercedes-benz.com

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