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The all-new soft-top roadster will arrive in Australia next year, with new tech, improved suspension, and a 4.0-litre V8 powertrain.
Two variants of the soft-top sports car will initially be on offer when the model arrives in Australian showrooms during the second half of next year; an entry level SL 55 4MATIC, and a flagship SL 63 4MATIC+.
According to Mercedes-AMG, an all-new composite architecture – made from aluminium, magnesium, and carbon-fibre – shreds weight, and increases rigidity by an estimated 18 per cent (over the outgoing model).
This – in conjunction with the brand’s ‘Active Ride Control’ suspension set up, and standard rear-wheel steering – “significantly improves” handling and ride comfort.
A Mercedes-AMG 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 petrol engine will initially be the only engine on offer, paired exclusively to a nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission.
In the lower-grade SL 55 4MATIC+, this sends 350kW/700Nm to all four wheels, allowing the 0-100km/h to be completed in a claimed 3.9 seconds. Top speed comes at 295km/h.
In range-topping SL 63 4MATIC+ guise, the same engine produces 430kW/800Nm. This allows the 0-100km/h sprint to be completed in 3.6 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 315km/h.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is reportedly also in development, but will not launch before the car goes on sale next year.
New “high performance” composite steel disc brakes comes standard, however Mercedes-AMG is yet to confirm if a carbon-ceramic option will be available locally.
Inside the cabin, electronic ‘AMG’ sports seats in the front are trimmed in leather. Mercedes-AMG claims the second row is comfortable for people shorter than 150cm (i.e. children).
The dashboard, steering wheel, centre console, and door cards are finished in Alcantara (a synthetic suede-like fibre).
The ‘Mercedes-Benz User Experience’ (MBUX) infotainment system – accessed via an 11.9-inch dashboard-mounted ‘floating’ portrait touchscreen – is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital cluster sits behind the steering wheel.
Six selectable driving modes are available, accessed via a steering wheel-mounted toggle switch: “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport +”, “Individual” and “Race.”
Mercedes-Benz’s full spate of autonomous safety technology comes standard, and do eight airbags.
A range of 12 standard paint colours will also be offered, alongside a selection of 19-, 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels.
The all-new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 2+2 will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half on 2022 (July to December inclusive), with pricing set to be announced closer to local launch. Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest updates.
He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy.
As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic.
Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.
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