Mercedes-AMG has revealed the interior of the first SL it’s developed in-house, which has more than a hint of S-Class plus a massive, adjustable touchscreen.
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL features a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch touchscreen for its infotainment system, which can be adjusted electrically for either a more slanted or upright orientation.
While much of the SL’s MBUX system is similar to the S-Class, Mercedes-AMG has included some of its own specific content like Performance and Track Pace menus.
Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that’s been integrated into the dash, instead of being a free-standing unit, to help prevent reflections caused by sunlight. You’ll be able to toggle between multiple different layouts.
There’s an available head-up display, as well as ambient interior lighting with up to 64 selectable colours and a Burmester sound system.
The dashboard has a two-tier look, with the tiers separated by ambient lighting accents and the upper tier punctuated by four large, turbine-style air-conditioning vents.
The centre console rises sharply to meet the large central touchscreen.
Moving to the rear, there’s a second row of seats for the first time in several generations. The company says they’ll accommodate people up to 1.5m tall.
If you’re not using them, there’s a draught-stop to help reduce draughts for front-seat occupants. The SL has also ditched its retractable hardtop for a conventional soft-top.
The seats can be finished in either single- or two-tone Nappa leather. The leather is also available in conjunction with Dinamica Race microfibre.
Mercedes-AMG describes the overall look of the cabin as “hyperanalogue”, with its mix of analogue geometry but modern technology.
“[The SL is] a great opportunity and challenge for design, because every designer wants to create icons,” says Daimler Group chief design officer Gorden Wagener.
“The result is a revolutionary interior experience caught between digital and analogue luxury. We created the most iconic SL ever since, the luxury icon of the 20s.”
With development of the SL being undertaken by Mercedes-AMG, the droptop will share its Modular Sports Architecture underpinnings with the next GT.
The two models are expected to share components such as their suspension, steering systems, hybrid drivetrains and 48V electric architecture.
Mercedes states the torsional stiffness of the bodyshell structure has increased by 18 per cent over the previous SL.
Transverse rigidity is up 50 per cent from the current AMG GT Roadster and longitudinal rigidity, too, is up 40 per cent from the Roadster.
Power will reportedly come from a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six or twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8. Both will be fitted with a 48V electrical system and a mild-hybrid setup.
The company revealed the bare body shell of the SL in June 2021 as it edges closer to showing us the full car.
