Mercedes-AMG SL interior revealed

The interior of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL – the first SL developed in-house by the sub-brand – has been revealed, with the grand tourer’s cabin taking strong influence from both the S-Class and AMG GT.

The 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen, powered by Mercedes-Benz’s latest-generation MBUX system, can now be electronically adjusted to avoid glare caused by sunlight when driving with the top down.

Owing to the performance credentials of the AMG brand, the company has adapted the software in the SL to show content and views specific to AMG, with a performance drive mode and ‘track pace’ lap-time tracking available.

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Unlike recent Mercedes-Benz models, the SL’s 12.3-inch instrument cluster has been placed within a visor to avoid reflections caused by sunlight. It can be adjusted with a range of views which will also extend to the available head-up display – a feature the company claims will “display relevant cues and actions three-dimensionally.”

A Burmester sound system and ambient lighting with up to 64 different colour options will also be available.

For the first time since the R271 generation in 1989, the SL will be standard with four seats – with space for people up to 1.5m tall on offer in the rear – which can also be folded flat to maximise luggage space. A draught-stop is available when the rear seating is down to protect the driver and passenger from wind on their necks.

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Trimmed in leather as standard, the front seats are offered with a choice of either a Sport or Performance design. In terms of upholstery, SL buyers will be able to choose from Nappa leather with diamond stitching, or combination Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre with yellow or red contrast stitching.

Mercedes-AMG claims the interior of the new SL has been inspired by a “mix of analogue geometry and [the] digital world” – divided into two sections, separated by four turbine-style air-conditioning vents.

"The SL is an icon of the brand with the three-pointed star: This roadster has stood for automotive fascination and desire for decades. A great opportunity and challenge for design, because every designer wants to create icons," said Gorden Wagener, chief design officer for parent company Daimler.

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"The result is a revolutionary interior experience caught between digital and analogue luxury."

Set to replace the GT Roadster, the SL is expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks, with the previously more luxury-orientated model rumoured to come with a range of AMG powertrains – from the turbocharged inline-six SL 43, to the high-performance V8 plug-in hybrid SL 73 E 4MATIC+.

The new SL is anticipated to be the first offering from Mercedes-AMG to ride on the brand’s new Modular Sports Architecture (MSA) platform, likely to be shared with the next GT which is rumoured to be coming during the first half of 2022.

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