Mercedes SL-Class (R232) specifications and photos
The 2022 Mercedes SL-Class marks the seventh generation of the iconic roadster, developed under the R232 internal designation. Now engineered entirely by Mercedes-AMG, this iteration brings a sharper focus on driving dynamics and performance, introducing significant structural and mechanical changes compared to its predecessors.
Mercedes SL-Class (R232) at a glance
Quick model context before comparing photos and trim-level specifications.
Introduced in late 2021 for the 2022 model year, the seventh-generation Mercedes SL-Class represents a major shift for the historic nameplate. For the first time, the underlying platform was developed by the engineers at AMG, resulting in a chassis that is both lighter and stiffer than before. The styling leans heavily into its newfound sporty character, drawing visual parallels to the discontinued AMG GT line. A major historical shift for the R232 generation is the return to a traditional soft-top roof after two decades of folding metal hardtops, a change made primarily to reduce overall vehicle weight. Additionally, this generation marks the introduction of all-wheel drive to the SL lineup.
- Power: 381-585 hp
- Engine displacement: 1991-3982 cc
- Transmissions: 9G-AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT, 9G-AMG SPEEDSHIFT MC
- Seating: 2 seats
Photos, trims and specifications for Mercedes SL-Class (R232)
This model page brings gallery images, trim comparison, and detailed technical data together for the 2022 generation.
Estimate fuel cost
Use trim-level fuel consumption data to estimate monthly and yearly fuel spending.
Fuel costs are estimates. Real consumption can change with driving style, traffic, tires, weather, load, and market-specific equipment.
Mercedes SL-Class (R232) overview
Editorial context for design, cabin, performance, practicality, and buyer notes.
Design
The exterior design of the SL-Class R232 reflects its AMG-developed roots, adopting an aggressive and athletic stance. It shares visual cues with the AMG GT, emphasizing its performance-oriented brief. The most notable design change is the replacement of the previous generation's folding metal roof with a fabric soft top. This transition not only references classic SL models but also sheds approximately 27 kilograms of weight, lowering the car's center of gravity. Dimensionally, the roadster measures 4,705 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width without mirrors, and sits on a 2,700 mm wheelbase.
Interior
Inside, the SL adopts the latest Mercedes-Benz corporate layout, moving away from a single integrated glass panel cluster. Instead, it features separate digital displays similar to the flagship S-Class. The cabin is equipped with the newest generation of the MBUX infotainment system and includes a voice assistant. A particularly useful feature for a convertible is the adjustable tilt angle of the central screen, which helps drivers minimize sun glare when driving with the top down. According to technical specifications, the trunk offers 213 liters of cargo capacity.
Performance
The SL-Class offers a range of powerful AMG powertrains. The entry-level SL43 utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 381 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque, sending power to the rear wheels. Moving up, the SL55 features a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 generating 476 hp and 700 Nm, while the top-tier SL63 uses the same V8 tuned to deliver 585 hp and 800 Nm. Both V8 models are equipped with the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, which is a first for the SL. All variants utilize an AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed automatic transmission. The SL63 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 315 km/h.
Practicality
While primarily focused on performance and open-air enjoyment, the SL-Class retains some everyday usability. The fabric roof mechanism operates efficiently and takes up less space than the old hardtop, leaving 213 liters of trunk volume. As a dedicated performance roadster, it is designed with a two-seat configuration in its technical specifications, prioritizing front-seat comfort and driving dynamics over passenger or cargo hauling capabilities.
Safety and tech
The R232 generation is heavily equipped with modern chassis and cabin technology. The MBUX interface manages most vehicle functions, supported by a voice assistant and the glare-reducing adjustable center screen. On the dynamic side, the roadster features a fully steerable rear axle, active AMG Active Ride Control, and adaptive suspension to balance comfort with high-speed stability. Carbon-ceramic brakes are also available as an option for buyers seeking maximum stopping power.
Buyer notes
Buyers comparing trims should note the significant mechanical differences across the lineup. The rear-wheel-drive SL43 offers a lighter four-cylinder setup, while the SL55 and SL63 provide traditional V8 power paired with the security of all-wheel drive. The standard rear-wheel steering and adaptive suspension ensure capable handling across all models. When evaluating the SL, keep in mind that its AMG-developed platform makes it notably more aggressive than previous, more comfort-oriented generations.
Trims and key specifications
Use this table to compare the main differences between available configurations.
| Trim / modification | Engine | Power | Seats | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43 AMG | 1991 cc | 381 hp | 2 | 9G-AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
| 55 AMG 4Matic+ | 3982 cc | 476 hp | 2 | 9G-AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
| 63 AMG 4Matic+ | 3982 cc | 585 hp | 2 | 9G-AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
| SL AMG 55 4Matic+ | 3982 cc | 476 hp | 2 | 9G-AMG SPEEDSHIFT MC |
Specifications can vary by market, model year, and equipment package. Use the trim sections below to review the full data for each configuration.
Mercedes SL-Class (R232) photo gallery
12 images are collected here with the main specifications and trim data for this model.
Photo Mercedes SL-Class (R232)
Specifications by trim
Choose a configuration below to open full technical data grouped by category.
43 AMG 37 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 9.4 |
|---|---|
| Top speed, km/h | 275 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 4.9 |
| Emissions standard | Euro VI |
Engine
| Engine | 2.0i |
|---|---|
| Engine code | M139 |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 1991 |
| Cylinder layout | Inline |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves | 16 |
| Turbocharger | + |
| Power, hp | 381 |
| RPM at max power | 6750 |
| Torque, Nm | 480 |
| RPM at max torque | 3250-5000 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 2 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 4705 |
| Width, mm | 2100 |
| Height, mm | 1354 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2700 |
| Front track, mm | 1660 |
| Rear track, mm | 1625 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1970 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2290 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 70 |
| Turning circle, m | 12.4 |
| Width without mirrors, mm | 1915 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 213 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 9G-AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | 1-speed automated manual |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 9 |
| Transmission manufacturer | Daimler AG |
| Automatic transmission | + |
| Transmission country | Germany |
55 AMG 4Matic+ 36 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 12.2 |
|---|---|
| Top speed, km/h | 295 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 3.9 |
| Emissions standard | Euro VI |
Engine
| Engine | 4.0i |
|---|---|
| Engine code | M177 |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 3982 |
| Cylinder layout | V-type |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Valves | 32 |
| Power, hp | 476 |
| RPM at max power | 6500 |
| Torque, Nm | 700 |
| RPM at max torque | 2350-5000 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 2 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 4705 |
| Width, mm | 2100 |
| Height, mm | 1354 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2700 |
| Front track, mm | 1660 |
| Rear track, mm | 1625 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1970 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2290 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 70 |
| Turning circle, m | 12.4 |
| Width without mirrors, mm | 1915 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 213 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 9G-AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | 1-speed automated manual |
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 9 |
| Transmission manufacturer | Daimler AG |
| Automatic transmission | + |
| Transmission country | Germany |
63 AMG 4Matic+ 36 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 13 |
|---|---|
| Top speed, km/h | 315 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 3.6 |
| Emissions standard | Euro VI |
Engine
| Engine | 4.0i |
|---|---|
| Engine code | M177 |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 3982 |
| Cylinder layout | V-type |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Valves | 32 |
| Power, hp | 585 |
| RPM at max power | 6000 |
| Torque, Nm | 800 |
| RPM at max torque | 2500-5000 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 2 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 4705 |
| Width, mm | 2100 |
| Height, mm | 1354 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2700 |
| Front track, mm | 1660 |
| Rear track, mm | 1625 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1970 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2290 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 70 |
| Turning circle, m | 12.4 |
| Width without mirrors, mm | 1915 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 213 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 9G-AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | 1-speed automated manual |
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 9 |
| Transmission manufacturer | Daimler AG |
| Automatic transmission | + |
| Transmission country | Germany |
SL AMG 55 4Matic+ 36 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 12.2 |
|---|---|
| Top speed, km/h | 295 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 3.9 |
| Emissions standard | Euro VI |
Engine
| Engine | 4.0i |
|---|---|
| Engine code | M177 |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 3982 |
| Cylinder layout | V-type |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Valves | 32 |
| Power, hp | 476 |
| RPM at max power | 6500 |
| Torque, Nm | 700 |
| RPM at max torque | 2350-5000 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 2 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 4705 |
| Width, mm | 2100 |
| Height, mm | 1354 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2700 |
| Front track, mm | 1660 |
| Rear track, mm | 1625 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1970 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2290 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 70 |
| Turning circle, m | 12.4 |
| Width without mirrors, mm | 1915 |
| Trunk capacity, L | 213 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 9G-AMG SPEEDSHIFT MC |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | 1-speed automated manual |
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 9 |
| Transmission manufacturer | Daimler AG |
| Automatic transmission | + |
| Transmission country | Germany |
Mercedes SL-Class (R232) questions
Short answers based on the specifications and photos available in this catalog.
What body style is the Mercedes SL-Class R232?
It is a convertible roadster equipped with a fabric soft top.
What engines are available in the 2022 SL-Class?
The lineup includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the SL43, and a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 available in two states of tune for the SL55 and SL63 models.
Does the new SL-Class have all-wheel drive?
Yes, for the first time in the model's history, all-wheel drive (4Matic+) is available, coming standard on the V8-powered SL55 and SL63 trims.
What happened to the folding metal hardtop?
Mercedes replaced the heavy metal hardtop with a traditional fabric soft top to save approximately 27 kg of weight and improve the car's driving dynamics.
Is the interior tech the same as older models?
No, it features the latest MBUX system with separate digital screens, including a center display that can mechanically tilt to reduce sun glare when the roof is down.