Last Purebred Star: Mercedes-Benz SL
SL, the world’s longest-running automobile with the same name, is now before us with its 7th generation. The iconic Mercedes-Benz SL family, which has become iconic in each generation, has followed the same philosophy: a stylish, elegant, simple yet muscular design, and a vehicle imbued with athleticism. Although it has skipped the ‘Sport and Light’ part in its name, the SL remains a machine to be admired. Actually, this beautiful cabrio model, a Grand-Tourer or long-distance touring car, doesn’t it look stunning to you? Let’s take a closer look at the 7th generation of the SL family, the most technologically advanced one to date.
Now produced exclusively under the Mercedes-AMG name, the SL boasts an impressively beautiful design. Yes, it carries the Star’s design language, but which Mercedes model looks this handsome? The stern-looking headlights, muscular hood lines, aggressive yet simple bumper, the front grille divided into vertical sections indicating its affiliation with the AMG family, low and wide structure, large and multi-spoke wheels, and a front hood of average human length—all contribute to its impressive appearance. In order not to disrupt the rear design in the side silhouette of the vehicle, German engineers designed the SL with a soft top. Looking at the rear of the car, it has a beautiful design from every angle. The massive quad exhaust outlets, a clean bumper, Mercedes’ signature LED lights, slim and elongated taillight design, electronically controlled rear wing, and the enticing wide hips when viewed from the side mirrors all encourage you to constantly step on the gas in the SL.
The SL, in its 7th generation, is produced with only 3 engines. In the entry-level SL43 AMG, it features a 2.0-liter engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 381 horsepower. The SL accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 4.9 seconds. With a 9-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, the SL can reach a maximum speed of 275 kilometers per hour with this engine, providing an impressive performance. The purebred petrol engines include the 476-horsepower SL 55 AMG and the 585-horsepower SL 63 AMG, boasting 0-100 kilometers per hour accelerations of 3.9 seconds and 3.6 seconds, respectively. The SL63 AMG version can reach a top speed of 315 kilometers per hour.
An automobile’s ability to reach high speeds is challenging, but equally challenging is manufacturing the car to be stable and safe at those speeds. German engineers have enhanced high-speed stability with features such as forged alloy wheels, large brake discs, and sizable brake calipers, as well as a rear axle steering system that can guide the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees, and a suspension system called AMG Active Ride Control. These features contribute to high-speed stability. In the SL, which lacks a sway bar, the suspension is electronically adjusted to optimize the car’s handling and comfort.
The SL features a touchscreen in the interior with an adjustable angle, setting it apart from other Mercedes models. Otherwise, it carries the design language of the Mercedes-Benz family. The three-layered soft top enhances comfort in the interior. Regarding the negative impact of the soft top on the car’s sound and thermal insulation, Mercedes-Benz officials have stated that there is none. In the second-row seats, only seats of a size suitable for small children are provided. Describing all of SL’s technologies in writing may be challenging, so I’ll leave you alone with the beautiful photos of the SL.
