Mercedes-Benz SL (R232)

Mercedes-AMG SL /
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Mercedes-AMG SL 43
Overview
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz
Model codeR232
ProductionMarch 2022[1][2]–present
AssemblyGermany: Bremen
DesignerMark Fetherston,[3] Slavche Tanevski[4]
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer (S)
Body style2-door 2+2 roadster
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (4Matic+)
PlatformMSA
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor
Transmission9-speed Mercedes-AMG Speedshift MCT 9G-Tronic automatic
Hybrid drivetrainPlug-in (63 S E-Performance)
BatteryAMG 400-volt High Performance Battery, 4.8 kWh
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,705 mm (185.2 in)
Width1,915 mm (75.4 in)
Height1,359 mm (53.5 in)
Curb weight1,735–2,195 kg (3,825–4,839 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz R231
Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster (R190)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet (A217)[5]

The Mercedes-AMG SL and Mercedes-Maybach SL (model code R232) are the seventh generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadster, succeeding the R231 model. Introduced on October 28, 2021, the R232 serves as a direct replacement for the GT Roadster. It was exclusively marketed under the Mercedes-AMG brand until the introduction of the Mercedes-Maybach SL in August 2024.

Design

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Rear
Mercedes-AMG SL 63
Interior

Roof system

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The R232 has several departures from its previous SL-Class predecessors, one of which is the design of the convertible roof. AMG switched from a folding metal roof to a fabric-lined roof that utilizes electric motors compared to hydraulics which reduces the weight of the car by 21 kg (46 lb). This was done to lower the center of gravity for improved handling.[6] The R232 is also fitted with the fourth generation of Mercedes all-wheel-drive system, 4Matic, and rear-axle steering.[7]

Seating and dashboard

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The R232 reintroduced the 2+2 seating as standard, since the C107 and R129, which had the optional 2+2 seating. The dashboard is symmetrical, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen panel in the center. The instrument cluster is placed within a binnacle which Mercedes claims to reduce the reflections from the sunlight and improve visibility when the roof is folded down. The touchscreen panel in the center is electronically tiltable to the vertical position for the same reason.[8]

Frame

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The car's platform is an aluminum space frame self-supporting body structure developed by AMG to provide more rigidity. Transverse rigidity and longitudinal rigidity are said to be 50% and 40% higher, respectively compared to the GT roadster platform.[7] AMG's chief technical officer, Jochen Hermann, reported that the SL shell weighs 270 kg (595 lb).[7]

Technical data

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At the launch, the sole engine option was a biturbo 4.0-litre V8 with two different levels of output: SL 55 4MATIC+ and SL 63 4MATIC+.[9] The lesser SL 55 is rated at 350 kW (476 PS; 469 bhp) & 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) while the SL 63 has 430 kW (585 PS; 577 bhp) & 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft).[10] The base six-cylinder inline engine and a more powerful hybrid version of the V8 engine are to be introduced at later date.[11] The 4-cylinder model is added with the SL 43. The SL 43 is rated at 280 kW (381 PS; 375 bhp) & 480 N⋅m (354 lb⋅ft)[12] which adds an extra 10 kW (14 PS; 13 bhp) for mild hybrid. This marks the first time the SL-Class is powered by an inline-4 engine since Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.[13]

Model Years Drivetrain Configuration Displacement Power Torque 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) Top Speed Fuel Consumption/Efficiency (WLTP)
Petrol engines
SL 43 2022– RWD M139 I4 turbo (electrified) 1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) 280 kW (381 PS; 375 bhp) at 5,500–6,500 rpm 480 N⋅m (354 lb⋅ft) at 2,250-4,500 rpm 4.9 seconds 275 km/h (171 mph)
SL 55 4MATIC+ 2022– AWD M177 DE40 LA V8 biturbo 3,982 cc (243.0 cu in) 350 kW (476 PS; 469 bhp) at 5,500–6,500 rpm 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) at 2,250-4,500 rpm 3.9 seconds 295 km/h (183 mph) 12.7–11.8 L/100 km (18.5–19.9 mpg‑US)
Mercedes-Maybach SL 580 2025– ? seconds
SL 63 4MATIC+ 2022– 430 kW (585 PS; 577 bhp) at 5,500–6,500 rpm 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) at 2,500-5,000 rpm 3.6 seconds 315 km/h (196 mph)
Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 2025– ? seconds
Hybrid engines
SL 63 S E-Performance 2024– AWD M177 DE40 LA V8 biturbo PHEV 3,982 cc (243.0 cu in) 450 kW (612 PS; 603 bhp) at 5,500–6,500 rpm 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) at 2,500-5,000 rpm 2.9 seconds 317 km/h (197 mph)

References

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  1. ^ "Dynamische start van het cabrioseizoen: Verkoopstart voor de Mercedes-AMG SL".
  2. ^ "Mercedes-AMG GMBH on LinkedIn: #mercedesamg #amg #worldsfastestfamily #amgnews #amgspirit #sl55 #sl63 | 16 comments".
  3. ^ "Design sketch of the Mercedes-AMG SL". Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  4. ^ "Design sketch of the Mercedes-AMG SL". Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  5. ^ "2022 Mercedes-Benz SL is an S-Class Cabriolet with AMG DNA". 28 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Der neue Mercedes-AMG SL: das Verdeck". Daimler AG Global Media Site (in German). 28 October 2021.
  7. ^ a b c Greg Kable (28 October 2021). "2022 Mercedes-AMG SL gets four seats, 4WD and 577bhp V8". Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  8. ^ Robertson-Marriott, Francis (29 October 2021). "The SL Legacy Continues - R232 Revealed". The SLSHOP. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  9. ^ "Der neue Mercedes-AMG SL: Motor, Getriebe und Allradantrieb". Daimler AG Global Media Site (in German). 28 October 2021.
  10. ^ "2022 Mercedes-AMG SL revealed – R232 developed by Affalterbach, 476 PS SL55, 585 PS SL63, PHEV later - paultan.org". 1 November 2021. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  11. ^ Lang, Patrick (28 October 2021). "Der SL ist (fast) kein Mercedes mehr". auto motor und sport (in German).
  12. ^ "2022 Mercedes-AMG SL43 debuts with 381 PS, 480 Nm - 2.0L four-cylinder with F1-derived electric turbo - paultan.org". 6 April 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  13. ^ Chudzinski, Matthew (31 October 2023). "2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43 First Test: Is the Entry-Level Roadster the Best One?". Motor Trend.
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Media related to Mercedes-AMG R232 at Wikimedia Commons