The all-new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL was recently caught testing in a series of fresh spy photos, giving us our best look yet at the up-and-coming Corvette C8 Convertible rival.
According to General Motors, the most cross-shopped vehicle for C8 Corvette buyers is the Porsche 911, as GM Authority covered previously. However, the Mercedes-Benz SL is another worthy contender, and although the C8 Corvette handily outsells the SL, dominating its segment with 62 percent segment share during the second quarter of the 2021 calendar year, the new SL is shaping up to be quite the rival all the same.
For starters, AMG is playing a major role in the new vehicle’s development and engineering, which means it will surely have the performance needed to raise a few eyebrows. That go-fast attitude will be underlined with new styling inspired by the venerable Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, while the roof configuration will go from a retractable hardtop, to a folding fabric unit.
Another critical update will be the addition of two new rear seats, bringing the cabin layout to a 2+2 configuration. Previously, the SL was known as a two-door roadster, but with a new 2+2 layout, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL will inch that much closer to the Porsche 911.
The new model’s lineup will start with the SL 43 and rear-wheel drive, while at the top of the heap, Merc will offer the SL 73e with 4Matic all-wheel drive. The range-topping power spec in the SL 73e will include a hybrid, twin-turbo 4.0L V8, the same system expected to throw down 800 horsepower in the upcoming AMG GT 73e.
For the moment, the current SL has not performed all that well in terms of sales – in fact, it’s one of the slowest-selling models in the German automaker’s lineup. Nevertheless, the new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL could very well change that. Look for the new Mercedes-AMG SL to debut late in the 2021 calendar year, with sales kicking off in 2022.
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Comments
Gma, couple of months ago u said that the Celestiq would be shown in summer. Any news about? Maybe Pebble beach?
Whos that idiot who gave me thumbs down. ..
It was just a question. Or u not inrested in celestiq?
I thought it was a good question.
Pebble Beach is my guess as well. That’s where they unveiled the Ciel, Elmiraj and Escala. New York Auto show would be another possible place and time. Starts August 20th
Celestiq will be shown soon, Pebble Beach a possibility, also Motor Bella a possibility in September. Then GM has a big investor event in early October, We will see a lot of future product between now and then.
Way too heavy to be Vette competition, still probably be a nice ride.
CT4 or CT5 need convertible
I need 4 place convertible so will be shopping Mercedes and BMW to trade in my C7 Corvette convertible. Would like refreshed Camaro but sounds like it will not be updated
ugly –take the Corvette over this volkswagon
Right, keep buying plastic, lol Benz been around a lot longer than GM, greedy mothers.
What does a technological head-start in the 1800s have to do with a car comparison in the 2020s? And do tell how ‘Benz’ is not greedy.
Mercedes Benz. The official car of Adolph Hitler, Heinrich Himmler, Joseph Goebbels, Hermann Goering, and fools who think the chicken foot Mercedes emblem gives them status in the eyes of people they don’t even know that they are trying to impress. MB makes some of the fastest depreciating junk on the market today.
Like the toned down appearance and back seat. Corvette should be reskinned for Cadillac similar to the Benz model.
Corvette requires much r&d so GM should speed the cost, increase profits and give its other divisions a halo
Hehehe, Corvette competition ? Get serious.
Does the guy who writes this stuff even own a car…any car???
How is it a c8 rival? No potential c8 customer would even think about getting an sl. And what benz customer would think about getting a c8 corvette?
The title is complete bs.
I would and have considered getting a Corvette as a owner of a 2018 sl63… without getting angry or defensive like others here I will speak as a mature adult and just say that my SL63 is amazing I absolutely love it… It runs mid elevens in the quarter mile at a 126 mile an hour and although the launches are not very good I’m sure if they were it could get down into the very lower 11’s easily… It is not as track focused as a Corvette but it drives amazing and is a great car with a split personality. It is more luxury oriented… The thing with the Corvette that I don’t like is that everybody has one. I like rarity. otherwise I probably would buy one because I really do like the new model…. maybe the Z06 when it comes out if you can get one… as for the new SL being a competitor it is in a different category slightly but it is going to be very fast (my model is already) but because the weight is going to drop 400 pounds down to about 3600 pounds which for a convertible is pretty decent… the SL63 will have over 600 horsepower and there will be a hybrid model With over 800 horsepower…. Being developed by AMG I’m sure it will also handle better and be more track focused but also much more money than the Corvette by probably $40,000 to $50000 I’m guessing… Unless you opt for the base 4cyl model which will be underpowered. .. Anyway that’s my thoughts as an SL63 owner, and corvette liker.