The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL (R232) is a rebirth. For the first time in 70 years, the SL was developed entirely by AMG. It replaces both the old SL and the AMG GT Roadster. Origin: Germany (Bremen). It ditches the heavy folding metal roof for a classic soft top and gains rear seats (2+2 layout) and All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC+) for the first time ever. It is no longer just a cruiser; it is a supercar killer.

Under the hood lies the legendary hand-built V8:

• SL 55 4MATIC+ STANDARD
  476 HP / 700 Nm. Uses the 4.0L V8 Biturbo (M177). It features active engine mounts and AMG Active Ride Control hydraulics (no anti-roll bars) for flat cornering.
• SL 63 4MATIC+
  585 HP / 800 Nm. The monster. Same V8, higher boost. It hits 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.

• Hyperanalog Cockpit: The 11.9-inch touchscreen tilts electrically from 12 to 32 degrees to prevent glare when the roof is down. The air vents look like jet turbines.
• Rear Seats: Strictly for people under 1.5 meters tall. In reality, they are leather-wrapped shelves for your designer bags.

The Airscarf system blows warm air onto your neck, allowing you to drive top-down even on a chilly Nairobi night. The Burmester 3D Surround system uses the chassis rails as resonance chambers for bass.

• Consumption: 5–7 km/l. If you are asking, you bought the wrong car.
• Maintenance: This is a hand-built AMG. Brake discs alone cost more than a Toyota Vitz. Rear-axle steering and complex hydraulics require specialist care.

• Front Lift: Crucial option. The nose lift raises the front by 30mm to clear speed bumps. Without it, you are grounded.
• 4MATIC+: Finally, an SL you can drive in the rain without fear of spinning out. The system constantly varies torque distribution for maximum grip.

It features pop-up roll bars that deploy in a split second if a rollover is detected. As a brand new platform, long-term reliability is unproven, but the M177 engine is a known quantity in the G63 and C63.

Who is this for? The connoisseur who wants the ultimate open-top grand tourer. Who is it NOT for? Anyone expecting the plush ride of the old SL—this is an AMG, it is stiff.