The reveal for the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL convertible has been delayed by just over a week.
Originally planned for a debut on October 20, 2021, the automaker has pushed back the reveal event to October 28.
At this stage there’s been no official word why this reveal of the eighth-generation SL convertible has been held back, but seeing it’s only a few days the reason mustn’t be too serious.
As we already know, this next-generation Mercedes convertible has been developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG and will exclusively wear that brand nameplate for the first time.
Once it goes on sale it’ll replace the outgoing AMG GT C Roadster, which is now dealer stock only in Australia, as the German automaker’s flagship convertible model.
It’ll also rival the likes of the Bentley Continental GT Convertible and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet.
The new SL will reintroduce a 2+2 seating configuration, last seen in the second- and third-generation models.
The rear seats are claimed to accommodate passengers up to 1.5m tall, so it sounds best for small children or large grocery bags.
It will also scrap a retractable hardtop convertible roof for a fabric soft top, the first time in 20 years it’s used one.
Forming the basis of the eighth-generation SL convertible is an aluminium platform known as Modular Sports Architecture (MSA) that’ll also underpin the next AMG GT coupe.
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.
Inside the SL, we are once again reminded of the luxury and opulence that Mercedes can offer.
Up front there’s a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch touchscreen 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.
There’s an available head-up display, as well as ambient interior lighting with up to 64 selectable colours and a Burmester sound system.
Photo Credit: Cochespias
This eighth-generation SL convertible has received a steady flow of leaks, spy shots and teaser images over the last year to keep us hyped for the upcoming luxury convertible.
The original rumoured reveal date of October 20 was shared by Instagram leaker Cochespias who also posted a low-resolution image of a red SL at a Mercedes-AMG internal presentation.
There’s no official word yet on what powertrains will be offered but reportedly there’ll be a choice of a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six or a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, both with 48V mild-hybrid systems.
