Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Makes A Comeback In India

The iconic SL nameplate is back for some top down motoring in style that too in a performance-spec AMG avatar

The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Roadster has been launched at a price of Rs 2.35 crore (ex-showroom pan India). The iconic SL nameplate was on sale till 2012, after which the sixth-generation model did not come to India. The carmaker has also opened its order books for the two-door SL cabriolet in India, after almost 11 years.

Mercedes’ Only Two-Door Cabriolet

The AMG SL 55 Roadster is only the second convertible in India from Affalterbach, after the E-Class cabriolet. The latest SL 55 is all about smooth and curvaceous lines, in accordance with Mercedes’ current design language. Up front, you get the slatted AMG-exclusive grille with sharp LED taillights, giving it a ‘focussed’ look, and showing its performance intent. 

The roadster runs on 21-inch AMG-spec alloy wheels with high-performance tyres. It’s available in a soft-top avatar which, just like other cabriolets, can be electrically stored away in just 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60kmph. While the front sports an elongated profile, the derriere is stubby. The sleek tail lamp design and the quad exhausts give it an aggressive look. 

A Posh Cabin

Just like any other Mercedes-AMG offering, the SL 55 blends opulence with a sporty touch. There’s the chunky three-spoke AMG steering wheel with heating function, sporty aluminium pedals, turbine-inspired AC vents, carbon fibre inserts on the centre console, and optional Nappa leather seat upholstery. As is typical of such luxury sports coupes, the SL sports a 2+2 seating configuration.

No Dearth Of Features

The affluent SL 55 Roadster features a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, powered front seats with heated, ventilated, and massage functions, dual-zone climate control, and 64-colour ambient lighting. The centre stage is taken by a portrait-styled 11.9-inch touchscreen MBUX-powered infotainment with 1220W 17-speaker Burmester sound system and wireless charging. 

Safety duties are handled by blind spot assist, surround view system, parking assist, eight airbags, ESP, and optional radar-based ADAS. There’s also a usable boot with 240 litres of storage which isn’t the same as a conventional car, but can still fit a couple of travel bags or even a golf bag.

A Handcrafted V8 Under The Hood! 

Powering the Mercedes-AMG SL 55 is the brand’s signature hand-built 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. The engine churns out a whopping 476PS and 700Nm, and has the capability to dash from a nought to 100kmph in just 3.9 seconds. Transmission duties are handled by a 9-speed MCT automatic unit. 

Mercedes’ 4MATIC+ (AWD) drivetrain with rear-wheel steering and rear limited slip differential is standard, which will ensure enough grip and stability during high-speed cornering. It also has an active suspension system with dynamic abilities to offer a choice of driving experiences, from comfort to dynamic. It can also raise the car’s clearance by 30mm to deal with unsuitable terrain, like the roads in India.

Rivalry 

At this price, the AMG SL 55 is a direct competitor to the lower variants of Porsche 911 Cabriolet, which are priced similarly. Open-top motoring is still not widely practised in India, but the likes of the SL are surely to encourage more cabriolets for the country.