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The new Mercedes-AMG SL: the exterior design
The exterior design of the new SL combines the best of two worlds: the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual clarity, combined with the sporty genes of AMG. Characteristic details such as the power domes on the bonnet cite the long SL tradition. The balanced design offers more function and space in the interior than before. The interplay of light and shadow makes the overall view optically easy. Every detail conveys value and exclusivity. The muscular proportions indicate at first glance that the new SL has returned to its sporty roots.
"SL" - the letter combination as an abbreviation for "Super "and"Leicht ”quickly became a legend thanks to the motorsport success of the Mercedes-Benz 1952 SL presented in 300. Its charisma was once again increased significantly from 1954 onwards by the 300 SL series sports car (W 198) with its distinctive gullwing doors, which was derived from the racing car. Other highlights of the model's history: the “Pagoda” (W 113, 1963-1971), the evergreen R 18 (107-1971), which was built for 1989 years, or its successor R 129, which with its distinctive wedge shape is considered an automobile sculpture. In the decades of development from a thoroughbred racing car to an open luxury sports car, the new Mercedes-AMG SL is now setting another milestone. It combines the sportiness of the original SL with the unique luxury and technological excellence that characterize modern Mercedes models.
The expanded dimensional concept with 2 + 2 seats gave the designers more freedom in designing. The long wheelbase, the short overhangs and the steeply sloping windshield with its black painted frame give the SL a compact and low appearance. Typical SL proportions such as the long bonnet and the passenger compartment set back signal the appearance of a luxurious, but also very everyday sports car. Flowingly modeled surfaces without beading and edges up to the recessed door handles transport the unique spirit of the iconic SL into the future. When closed, the high-quality fabric hood underlines the light, puristic impression. The voluminously modeled wheel arches and the light alloy wheels that are flush with the outer skin emphasize power and dynamism.
Front view: unmistakably SL, unmistakably Mercedes-AMG
The AMG-specific radiator grille characterizes the powerful, wide front. With its contour that is becoming wider at the bottom and the 14 vertical slats, it cites the ancestor of all SL models, the globally successful 300 SL racing car from 1952. In recent years, this radiator cover has become the most striking distinguishing feature of all new AMG models. In the new SL, it has an emphatically three-dimensional design and is positioned particularly low. This reinforces the dynamic impression.
The lower air inlet gives the front section additional optical width. The front apron is characterized by the so-called jet wing: the large outer air inlets extend far towards the center of the car and channel the air flow to the radiators with three vertical fins. Lateral air control elements in high-gloss black allow the air to flow around the vehicle in a targeted manner. The far extended front splitter in silver chrome is mounted just above the road as an additional aero element. The long, flat bonnet underscores the distinctive AMG sports car genes. The two power domes are further, unmistakable quotes from the SL history.
Extremely flat, sharply cut DIGITAL LIGHT LED headlights give the new SL additional presence. Precise graphics in the darkened interior of the headlights emphasize the depth. The daytime running lights signet with two bright points of light makes the SL unmistakable from afar.
Side view: seamless, clear and solid surfaces
When viewed from the side, the pronounced shoulder of the vehicle in combination with the AMG light-alloy wheels creates a perfect balance of elegance and sportiness. The tapered side sloping also emphasizes the power of the vehicle - especially through the strongly flared rear wheel arches. The precise detail design of the fender trim sets an accentuating contrast to the clear and full surfaces, which remain seamless thanks to the recessed door handles.
The SL 55 4MATIC + Roadster comes as standard with light-alloy wheels measuring 9,5 J x 19 (front) and 11,0 J x 19 (rear) with tires in size 255/45 R 19 (front) or 285/40 R 19 ( rear). For the SL 63 4MATIC + the values are 9,5 J x 20 (front) and 11,0 J x 20 (rear) with tires 265/40 R 20 (front) and 295/35 R 20 (rear). Numerous other designs from 19 to 21 inches in diameter are optionally available. The 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels also have aero elements. These favor the cwValues of the roadster and thus also improve fuel consumption.
Rear view: low and powerful with an integrated, active spoiler
The so-called Z-fold fabric top enables the design of a low and powerful rear end. The active rear spoiler is almost seamlessly integrated into the trunk lid. In combination with the large track width, the strong curve at the rear emphasizes the width of the roadster. The narrow LED rear lights define the rear view even more accentuated. The design of the rear lights takes up the shape of the headlights. A bar signet and luminous dots unmistakably stage the light by day and night.
Further characteristic design elements at the rear are the black glossy offset underbody diffuser with four vertical fins and integrated, newly designed double tailpipe trims. The suitability for everyday use is not neglected: thanks to the standard parking package with reversing camera, the driver maintains an overview even in confusing situations.
