2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

　　

2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　After taking a leave of absence last year, the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL is back and completely redesigned for 2022. This luxury convertible isn't quite as soft and luxurious as past SL generations, but as Mercedes attempts to attract a younger audience, perhaps that's not a bad thing. Besides being the new SL, this model also fills the void created by the discontinuation of Mercedes' AMG GT and larger S-Class convertibles.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 55 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$276/mo  for SL-Class AMG SL 55

　　SL-Class AMG SL 55

　　AMG SL 55 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $137,400 MSRPAMG SL 63 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $178,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The new 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL is offered in two flavors. The AMG SL 55 has an abundance of power from its turbocharged V8 engine, and the AMG SL 63 further emphasizes performance with more power and a few sporty enhancements. Mercedes has replaced the previous retractable hardtop roof design with a more traditional fabric top. This might seem like a step backward, but the new soft top does an excellent job of keeping the cabin calm and quiet when it's deployed. And when stowed, it takes up less space than the old hardtop.

　　The 2022 AMG SL is more of a sporty grand-touring convertible than its performance-focused rivals. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and BMW 8 Series convertibles are more engaging and capable on a fun road, but that athleticism comes at the expense of comfort, refinement and practicality. The Audi R8 Spyder takes performance and the ensuing reduction in refinement even further. That leaves the SL in its historically appropriate setting as a more elegant roadster, though this time around it has more muscle. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full scoring and analysis of this year's new SL.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the SL-Class drive? We tested the SL AMG 63. At our test track, it blasted from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Mercedes says the less powerful SL 55 is only a few tenths behind that. While that means the SL is not as quick as a top-end Porsche 911 or BMW M8, the SL never feels sluggish or slow. The turbo V8 makes plenty of torque, and the standard all-wheel-drive system means you should have no issue with traction. The car simply blasts out of corners.

　　The steering is quick but lacks feedback, and the SL exhibits more body roll around corners than the 911 and M8. But the SL's handling capability is appropriate for a luxury-oriented convertible. This platform is plenty rigid, so the lack of a roof doesn't really affect handling.  Adjustable drive modes can stiffen or relax the suspension to improve handling or comfort. The SL is plenty quick and lots of fun on a twisty road.

　　And it's even better around town. The SL has always been a relaxed car, and the new one doesn't lose that comfortable, easy-to-drive demeanor. The transmission shifts are lightning quick when you want, but it shifts unobtrusively when you just want to cruise through traffic. The steering lightens up at low speeds, so maneuvering through tight parking lots isn't a problem. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, too, are smooth and provide plenty of stopping power.

　　

Comfort

9.0/10

　　How comfortable is the SL-Class? If the SL gets anything right (and it gets quite a few things right), it's striking a great balance between sporty handling and a comfortable day-to-day demeanor. The active suspension can be adjusted based on drive mode, relaxing in the Comfort setting and firming up in the sporty modes. It's never too soft or overly harsh, even on broken pavement. Don't expect S-Class levels of comfort, but few convertibles have such a well-tuned suspension.

　　The SL's seats are excellent, with adjustability for lumbar and both side and thigh bolstering. Our test car had heating, cooling and massaging functions, plus a small vent on the headrest that will blow warm air on your neck when the top is down should you need it on a chilly day. The climate control system isn't quite as good as the rest of the car. The fans blow hard and the air conditioning is cold, but the touchscreen controls can be slow and somewhat cumbersome to use.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below