The expected new SL born as “Mercedes AMG”, how does it feel to drive? |octane.jp| Fuel the Passion

The new SL was born as “Mercedes AMG” instead of the “Mercedes-Benz” brand. The intention is to improve performance. This is because further performance is needed to compete with rivals in the SL area (power, vehicle class, price range). The idea is to respond to the market that doesn’t need a supercar, but wants some power. Of course, a lot of it will come from owning a supercar.

Developed by the Mercedes AMG team against this background, the new model was created according to their standards. Body rigidity, suspension settings, and vehicle weight are all within that range. So, the front suspension is a 5-link type. I was a bit surprised by this. It must be a lot of money at the same time as the obsession with running.

So is the shell of the body. It is a completely new design made from a composite of aluminium, magnesium, carbon and steel. The high rigidity of the body shows a streak that you cannot think of as an open body. I actually ran a winding road for a long time, but the body following the steering action is firm and has a strong sense of unity. It’s rigid enough to make you forget you don’t have a roof. Even more surprising was the run after closing. It looks like a race car with a tight motion like a roll bar. The running becomes sharper and the absolute speed increases.

I forgot to mention that the new model has a back seat for two people. Like the Porsche 911, it’s for kids or short distances. However, it is convenient to have this. Like the 911, it has great advantages as a place to store luggage and coats. However, it cannot be denied that this will cause the wind to be trapped when exposed. It is said that there is a cover for it, but it is troublesome to put it on one by one. So that might be the only negative point.

By the way, the hood used for the peak is completely different from the sound of the word. When you close it and look up at the ceiling, it’s a solid roof. Airtightness and high rigidity are evident at first glance. In that sense, the change from the metal top contributes greatly to the appearance atmosphere, as well as the weight reduction. The opening and closing time is about 15 seconds. It can be operated when driving at a speed of 60 km/h or less. To operate, press the switch on the center console, then slide your finger to trace the image on the monitor.

Now let’s move on to the powertrain. The SL43 I test driver is a 2-liter inline 4 turbo + mild hybrid (with BSG). Maximum output is 381ps. However, if you look at the home country site, there are two other models apart from this. SL55 4MATIC+ and SL63 4MATIC+. Both engines are 4-litre V8 twin turbos, the former producing 476hp and the latter producing 585hp. It seems to be the only favorite for an AMG-handled V8. Since the SL43 is so good, I’m looking forward to test driving it soon.

Apart from that, it goes without saying that the actual run should not be underestimated even if it is a 4-cylinder. From start to mid acceleration, the response to the accelerator, and the sound of the engine, it’s a finish that will convince car enthusiasts. It’s an unimaginable solid feeling from this spec. The second generation mild hybrid mechanism is natural and supports the engine at the right time.

A particularly good impression was when the drive mode was set to “Sport+”, and the slight turbo lag felt in “Comfort” was completely eliminated. So, as a sense, it looks like I’m moving a large displacement vehicle. If you make the exhaust sound system “powerful”, you won’t be able to recognize that this is a 2-litre engine from the passenger seat. AMG for sure. I felt strongly that their heat was generated by being responsible for the traditional SL model.

Text: Tatsuya Kushima Photo: Takaaki Miura
Words: Tatsuya KUSHIMA Photography: Takaaki MIURA