Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Review: The new Mercedes-AMG SL 55 isn’t just a luxury convertible—it’s a high-performance statement. With a bold new direction, AMG has taken over the development of the SL range entirely, infusing the new generation with motorsport DNA. Positioned as the entry point to the V8-powered SL line-up, the SL 55 emerges as a serious contender in the luxury performance roadster segment, directly targeting the iconic Porsche 911 Cabriolet. With its handcrafted twin-turbocharged V8 engine, new architecture, and aggressive AMG styling, this isn’t just a soft-top cruiser—it’s a precision weapon dressed in luxury.
Gone are the days when the Mercedes SL was considered an elegant but slightly reserved grand tourer. The new R232-generation SL redefines that legacy, turning the luxury cruiser into a true sports car with ferocious capabilities. Developed entirely by Mercedes-AMG, this is a car meant for those who love to drive—fast. Built on a new aluminum-intensive platform, the SL 55 sheds unnecessary weight and gains torsional rigidity, allowing it to deliver thrills in corners while offering the top-down freedom of a roadster. Whether you’re pushing through mountain switchbacks or enjoying a high-speed autobahn cruise, the SL 55 delivers a performance experience that’s both visceral and refined.
Priced from £150,000, the SL 55 positions itself in rarefied company. Rivals include the Porsche 911, Maserati GranCabrio, and even Aston Martin Vantage Roadster. But Mercedes has packed the SL 55 with enough features, tech, and road presence to make its case compelling. With optional 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, adaptive suspension, and a cabin that’s both opulent and digital-first, the SL 55 strikes a remarkable balance between comfort and cornering prowess.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Power Output | 469 hp (350 kW) |
| Torque | 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 183 mph (295 km/h) |
| Transmission | 9-speed AMG Speedshift automatic |
| Drive Type | AMG Performance 4MATIC+ (All-Wheel Drive) |
| Chassis | All-new aluminum space frame |
| Suspension | AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension with Active Roll Stabilization |
| Rear-Wheel Steering | Standard |
| Roof | Electric soft-top (opens in 15 seconds) |
| Infotainment | MBUX with 11.9-inch central touchscreen |
| Interior | Nappa leather, AMG sports seats, customizable lighting |
| Price (Starting) | ~£150,000 (approx. $190,000 USD) |
| Launch Date (UK/Global) | Late 2024 (UK), Early 2025 (Global markets) |
AMG Powertrain and Performance
Twin-Turbo V8 Muscle
The SL 55 is powered by a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, producing 469 horsepower and a thunderous 700 Nm of torque. It’s mated to a 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission, sending power through AMG’s 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel-drive system, which gives it impressive off-the-line grip and cornering ability.
Launch Control and Handling
Thanks to its smart drivetrain and active suspension, the SL 55 hits 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The car also features rear-axle steering, reducing turning radius at low speeds while improving stability at high speeds—essentially making the car feel shorter and more agile than it is.
Also read: Yamaha FZ-X: Retro Charm Meets Urban Power
Design and Exterior Styling
Muscular and Purposeful
The SL 55 is wider, lower, and more aggressive than its predecessor. A bold Panamericana grille, muscular rear haunches, and quad exhaust pipes leave no doubt this is an AMG through and through. Slim LED headlights, aerodynamic sculpting, and large alloy wheels (up to 21 inches) complete the package.
Convertible Soft Top
Unlike previous SLs that used a metal roof, the SL 55 adopts a fabric soft top that opens or closes in just 15 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h. It also helps reduce overall weight and center of gravity—important for a sports car that takes its performance seriously.
Interior and Features
AMG Luxury and Tech
Inside, you’ll find a high-tech, luxurious cabin. A large 11.9-inch portrait-style touchscreen dominates the center console, running the latest MBUX infotainment system. The screen tilts electronically to avoid sun glare, a smart touch for a convertible.
Sports Seats and Ambient Lighting
Standard AMG Performance seats are wrapped in fine Nappa leather, with optional massage functions, seat heating, and ventilation. The cabin is drenched in 64-color ambient lighting, customizable to your mood. Premium materials and sculpted surfaces give the interior a futuristic yet warm feel.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Mercedes hasn’t skimped on safety. The SL 55 includes:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Lane keep assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Automatic emergency braking
- Surround-view camera
- Night view assist (optional)
These features combine luxury cruising comfort with cutting-edge safety.
Price and Market Positioning
With a starting price of £150,000, the Mercedes-AMG SL 55 enters a high-end segment filled with serious players. While the Porsche 911 Cabriolet remains the benchmark, the SL 55 brings more luxury, AWD capability, and a distinctive personality.
Optional extras like ceramic brakes, carbon fiber interior trim, Burmester 3D sound system, and AMG exterior packages can push the price well beyond £180,000.
Additional Highlights
- The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system offers variable torque distribution and can send 100% of power to the rear wheels when needed.
- The SL 55 is part of a broader SL strategy, with other models including the four-cylinder SL 43 and the powerful PHEV SL 63 E Performance.
- Built in Affalterbach, this car is designed by and for driving enthusiasts.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Review Conclusion
The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 is not just a successor in name to the iconic SL lineage—it’s a bold statement of intent from Mercedes-AMG. With its radical redesign, twin-turbocharged V8, and performance-focused engineering, the SL 55 proves it’s no longer just a luxurious cruiser but a serious contender in the high-performance roadster segment. It redefines the SL experience, merging top-down grand touring with track-capable dynamics.
The decision to move development fully under AMG’s wing has worked wonders. The handling characteristics are sharper, the body structure is more rigid, and the response from the steering and suspension is significantly more engaging. While it still retains a hint of Mercedes-Benz luxury and cruising capability, it’s now far more aligned with performance-first rivals like the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Maserati GranCabrio, and Aston Martin Vantage Roadster.
Despite the £150,000+ starting price, the SL 55 offers a compelling value proposition when viewed through the lens of its engineering pedigree, bespoke interior, and everyday usability. It slots into a niche where it’s sporty enough to entertain purists but luxurious enough to satisfy those who crave refinement. The optional features, 4MATIC+ AWD, and a fabric roof only enhance its uniqueness.
However, it’s not without competitors—and it faces stiff ones at that. The Porsche 911 still dominates this performance-luxury open-top category with its razor-sharp dynamics, and buyers loyal to the British badge may still look toward Aston Martin. That said, the SL 55 brings a distinctive flavor with its German muscle and AMG soul, making it a worthy alternative.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-AMG SL 55 stands as a triumphant reinvention of a legendary nameplate. It delivers a punchy performance with a sophisticated design, proving that modern roadsters can be both thrilling and luxurious. Whether you’re blasting down an alpine pass or cruising the city skyline, the SL 55 delivers on all fronts, with AMG’s unmistakable character roaring beneath its bonnet.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Review FAQs
1. Is the Mercedes-AMG SL 55 suitable for daily driving, or is it more of a weekend sports car?
Yes, the Mercedes-AMG SL 55 can absolutely be used as a daily driver. Despite its performance-oriented DNA and aggressive styling, it retains much of Mercedes’ trademark comfort and usability. Features like the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, adaptive suspension, intuitive infotainment, and optional driver-assist tech make it versatile enough for both city commutes and long-distance road trips. While the firm suspension might feel sporty, it’s still comfortable in comfort mode, making daily usage practical.
2. How does the SL 55 compare to the Porsche 911 Cabriolet in terms of driving dynamics
The Porsche 911 Cabriolet remains the benchmark for sharp, rear-engined sports car handling, with its precise steering and engaging feedback. However, the SL 55 holds its own impressively well. Thanks to its AMG-tuned chassis, rear-wheel steering, and active suspension setup, it offers a composed yet thrilling driving experience. It’s more powerful than many 911 variants and feels more muscular, especially in straight-line acceleration. While the 911 might edge it out on pure track agility, the SL 55 wins on power delivery and comfort balance.
3. What are the standout luxury features inside the cabin of the SL 55?
The cabin of the SL 55 is loaded with high-end features. Highlights include AMG-specific Nappa leather upholstery, active multicontour seats with massage, ambient lighting, a 3D Burmester surround sound system, and a vertically adjustable 11.9-inch touchscreen with the latest MBUX system. The AIRSCARF system, which blows warm air on your neck, ensures comfortable open-top driving even in colder weather. Overall, it blends AMG sportiness with Mercedes-Benz luxury in a seamless package.
4. Is the SL 55 equipped for all-weather performance driving?
Yes, thanks to the standard 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, the SL 55 provides excellent traction in various weather conditions including rain, light snow, or cold climates. Unlike older SL models which were rear-wheel drive, the inclusion of AWD significantly improves stability and grip. Combined with the performance tires, stability control systems, and multiple drive modes, the SL 55 can perform admirably in challenging weather, making it more usable year-round.
5. What is the fuel efficiency of the SL 55, and how does it affect ownership costs?
The SL 55 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, and as expected, its fuel economy isn’t its strongest suit. It returns approximately 22–24 mpg combined, depending on driving style. However, for buyers in this segment, fuel efficiency is rarely the top concern. Ownership costs will also include premium servicing, high insurance premiums, and potentially high tire and brake wear if driven enthusiastically. That said, AMG models tend to hold their value well, which can offset some long-term ownership expenses.
