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Updated: Thursday, June 22, 2023, 14:22 [IST]
German carmaker Mercedes has launched the SL55 roadster in India. The Mercedes-AMG SL55 is priced at Rs 2.35 crore (ex-showroom).
This will be the first time that the SL will be seen in India after over a decade. The all-new 7th gen SL arrives in India around 11 years after the fifth-generation roadster was launched in the country.
The all-new 7th gen SL is the most revolutionary in the marque's 69-year history. Merc's in-house power aficionados from Affalterbach - AMG - were heavily involved in the development of the new SL.
The roadster is based on the new scalable Modular Sports Architecture (MSA) platform which it will share with the next-gen AMG GT sports car. The new Mercedes-AMG SL measures 4,705mm long, 1,915mm wide, 1,359mm tall and sports a 2,700mm long.
Mercedes India is bringing only a single version of the 2+2 seater SL luxury convertible to India. The variant in question is the Mercedes-AMG SL55 which sports Affalterbach's famed 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 M177 engine.
The Mercedes-AMG SL55's engine produces 469bhp at 5,500-6,500rpm and 700Nm at 2,250-4,500rpm. The SL55's engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels with the help of Merc's 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system.
The 1950kg Mercedes-AMG SL55's V8 powerplant and all-wheel-drive system allow it to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The top speed of the Mercedes-AMG SL55 roadster is limited to 295km/h.
The all-new Mercedes-AMG SL55 is quite the looker with the convertible sporting Merc's Panamaerica style grille with its vertical slats. The grille is flanked on either side by triangular headlights that give the new SL a rather aggressive look as do the vents lower on the bumper that feed cool air to the V8.
The sides of the SL feature flared wheelarches which play host to the 20-inch alloy wheels shod with 275/35 (front) and 305/30 (rear) tyres. The fabric roof is offered in three colour options - black, red and grey - and can be opened in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60km/h.
The rear section of the new Mercedes-AMG SL slopes downwards towards the triangular taillights. Also seen at the rear are the integrated spoiler and the quad exhaust pipes that flank the diffuser.
The cabin of the new Mercedes SL features a 2+2 seating layout with the seats at the rear best utilized by children and those shorter than 1.5 metres in height. The cabin comes draped in leather and there is carbon fibre trim all around.
The SL sports a dual display setup with the latest MBUX software. The driver's display is a 12.3-inch unit that sits in front of the AMG flat-bottomed steering wheel. The infotainment touchscreen is an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented unit whose angle can be adjusted to suit lighting conditions.
The Mercedes-AMG SL features electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with heating for the backrest and cushioning. Also seen is Merc's Airscarf system that blows hot air onto the necks of the occupants.
The SL's boot can hold 213 litres of luggage which is raised to 240 litres thanks to the optional load compartment package. Other features include a Burmester sound system, automatic climate control and ambient lighting.
The Mercedes-AMG SL also gets a host of driving aids (ADAS) with the Driving Assistance package that adds features like Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist among others.
Thoughts About The Mercedes-AMG SL55
The Mercedes-AMG SL55 sees the German luxury marque's drop-top roadster return to the Indian sub-continent after quite a hiatus. The new Mercedes-AMG SL55 comes to India with Affalterbach brilliance pouring through its veins. The SL55 roadster will make quite the statement car for the discerning Indian Mercedes fan looking to tap into a lineage that started with the 300SL Roadster.
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