I feel very privileged that my job allows me to drive dozens of wonderful cars every year, but by the same token, it takes a lot to impress me, let alone make want to chain myself to the car when it’s time to return it after my testing period; but that is exactly what happened with the new iteration of the Mercedes-AMG SL.
For starters, it looks like a menacing panther, ready to pounce and roar, both of which it does the moment you start the engine and put your foot down on the throttle (0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 183mph), courtesy of its four-litre V8 biturbo engine and the 476hp of power output. Its feline aesthetics are accentuated by its clean lines and soft edges, which play with light, shadows and volume, in a way that remind me of the muscles of a big cat. Not to mention the rear, solid, strong, powerful. The body is built on an all-new
aluminium platform even lighter than before. Details like the AMG special radiator grille, 21-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels and automatic flush door handles, all add touches of luxury that contribute to the overall desire factor of this reimagined SL.
Details like the AMG special radiator grille and 21-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels contribute to the feline look of this new SL 55.
All the driving functions are easy to control from the steering-wheel, which adds to the sporty atmosphere. Add a nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive system, four-wheel steering, Race driving mode and performance seats that completely envelop you and help on the handling of the car, and like me, you’ll find yourself feeling a bit like Lewis Hamilton. If you have the chance to take this panther on wheels to the track, you’ll be able to test the AMG Track Pace, which is like your virtual race engineer, analysing our performance to help you improve your lap times and your skills.
But don’t be intimidated by its fierce looks. The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4MATIC+ doesn’t just roar, it can purr too. At heart, this roadster is made to take you in full comfort to the four corners of the earth and back. Cold weather issues are a thing of the past. Mercedes’s new Airscarf feature blows warm air on the driver and front passenger’s neck, so all you need on a winter day is a hat or headscarf to avoid a Bridget Jones look and a pair of fashionable gloves to protect your hands from drying too much while driving with the roof down, which I think you should always do except when it rains.
The clean lines and soft edges of the exterior design play with light, shadows and volume to accentuate the powerful look of the new SL 55.
The interior is conceived to offer driver and co-pilot ultimate comfort and maximum tech, down to the central 11.9-inch touchscreen, which adjusts towards the driver, head-up display and 12.3-inch digital gauge display. The multi-contour seats are just one of the many features that contribute to the luxurious feeling of the cabin, as it does the detailed stitching in the upholstery, the quality of the leather, the Burmester surround sound system, the air-vents reminiscent of jet turbines and the ambience lighting, which covers all colours of the rainbow.
The cabin of the new SL is equipped with the latest technology to provide the ultimate driving experience.
Other interesting engineer techie bits include AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active anti-roll stabilisation, rear-axle steering, the optionally available AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system and the standard-fit DIGITAL LIGHT with projection function. The safety conscious would be happy to read that among the multiple features to protect the physical integrity of driver and passenger, the AMG SL 55 comes with automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Change Assist.
While the two people at the front are in for a treat, anyone taller than a smurf may struggle to be comfortable on the back seats. Not that it really matters. Two are company, three is a crowd. Use the space for your handbag, shopping bags and heels (I always carry driving shoes in my car). Luggage is not really a problem. As the roof is made of fabric, it takes much less space than in previous models, so even with it down you can comfortably fit two cabin suitcases and if it is up, there is room to add a couple of rucksacks or smaller bags. The roof opens and closes in just 15 seconds, and with the car going up to a speed of 37mph.
Our editor Julia Pasarón had the time of her life driving the new Mercedes-AMG SL 55 on the winding roads of the English countryside.
The SL 55 drives well in any mode, but in the most dynamic ones is when you really feel how it grips to the road. The handling has that subtle touch of heaviness that connects the driver to the car and makes it feel real – if you know what I mean – despite all the comforts, assists and tech. It is just you and the car, eating up the miles. I loved it.
The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4MATIC+ is offered in either Premium Plus or Touring Plus specifications. OTR from £145,053.
Find more details about the Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4MATIC+ HERE and secure yours today HERE.
Words: Julia Pasarón
Opening picture: © Henri Lart.
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