Streamliner

That would be completely incorrect. I love my six cylinder SL450. I ordered it and could have had a V8, but chose the V6 because to me, EVERYTHING about the car is better with the six, especially the way the car rides and handles. With 369hp, it has way more power than I will ever use.

slk55er

I agree. The six cylinder M256 mild hybrid engine with the 48 volt MGU is incredible. I love the combined 560 ft lb of torque and 450 horsepower in my CLS53 and I'm looking forward to the same engine in my 2022 GLE53 that is on the way to my dealer. This engine would be an excellent choice for the entry level SL.

mercedesmax

I think we've established you are pretty far outside the mainstream of race/sports car buyers.
This is AMG, not luxo barge broughamtastic SL.
For an AMG sports car model at well over $100k, gotta have a V8.

js_cls

I agree, over $100k, a V8 is the proper engine and better choice for an AMG, even despite my love of the M256. They both also would have still complained about the soft-top anyways.

BACnMercedes

I’m not paying those prices for a 6.
And on a side note, we were recently at an event that had the CLA45 and that thing is an embarrassment to have an AMG name on it.

Streamliner

Really?

Alan Smithee

The SL has had 6- and 8-cylinder versions going back to the 107. The current 6 has smoother operation and is more advanced than the V8, and would perfectly complement the new SL. The 232 is for my wife, and she couldn’t care less that it is branded an AMG or that it will have a V8…but she would love to spend less time at the gas station. As has been discussed, this car is replacing multiples in the MB lineup and needs to cater to different demographics.

Wolfman

You keep on saying this. MB decided to take a different path when it comes to engines. Doesn't mean everyone has to like it and they have no obligation to offer everything to everyone, hence the slimming down to what they feel sells best.

BACnMercedes

I don’t care how you word it or quote it, for me personally I’m not paying those prices for a 6 cylinder in a Mercedes right now. I’m not trying to be mean, but I just don’t want it. That’s why I’m driving a GLE580 and not a GLE53. Both are similar in price but I did pay more for the 580 even though I think the 53 looks better.

mercedesmax

C'mon man. They built a handful of these cars and they aren't building any more.
More importantly, YOU would never drive one cause its too stiff and too loud.
Also, your comprehension marks go down because I specifically referenced AMG.

Alan Smithee

(a) We do not yet know all of the engines the 232 will come with; (b) we do not know that anybody with patience through the rollout will be disappointed; (c) I never implied they are under some obligation to offer anything to anybody; (d) I was responding to three individuals that think a 6 has no place in a new SL, not to anything you said.

mercedesmax

And the beating a dead horse award goes to...

The 6 cyl cars sold like crap.
Also, this now SOLELY AN AMG MODEL.
This isn't streamliners SL.

Regular SL is dead. No replacement. Only the AMG SL lives.
Think about a replacement for the old SL 63 and go from there.

Alan Smithee

^ Newsflash: It is branded AMG for marketing purposes. It still needs to cater to the current SL demographic...as well as the current AMG GT demographic, BMW 8-series demographic, Jaguar F-Type demographic, and most importantly the 911 demographic (most of who, at least here in Los Angeles, have no clue what is under the hood...or where the engine even is).

Wolfman

Let's take it easy here. No need to get personal...

Many liked the V6 in the old SL so it's understandable to look for it in the new car. Obviously Mercedes took a different approach with an all-out AMG build car.
At least it appears that Mercedes made a concession to US customers by offering the SL55. This looks like to be a US-only model. Maybe the 4 banger was too much for US minds

Alan Smithee

How do you figure? All of the video 'reviews' in that garage/studio with both the SL55 and SL63 have been by European journalists.

I agree that a 4-cylinder will not fly here. It will be a tough sell in even the C-class AMG.

Highline-Autos.com

I think the performance of the 6 cyl will be more than enough for the majority of the SL fan base, and the V8 will satisfy the AMG crowd. I think the car looks so good, that many buyers are drawn to the styling and not the performance.

js_cls

Its branded an AMG because its built and designed by AMG from the ground up, just like the GT is. This isn’t a regular benz model that AMG just took and enhanced like they do for C, E, S, etc., the entire platform/chassis is all new and will only be used on this and the GT only.

mmmamg

it has the look I can go with, all modern electronics, it has prestige of AMG...but for 150K plus it should be under 3.0 sec to compete with P cars or even c8 and on top of all it lost hard top!
Thanks, but I'm not interested.

Alan Smithee

AMG A-, C-, E-class, etc. models are also branded Mercedes-AMG, just like the GT and now the SL. Yes, the new SL is on a dedicated platform. No, it is not designed by wizards, cobbled together by elves, and sprinkled with magic fairy dust at a secret castle in Affalterbach. AMG has engineers and designers, just like other brands have dedicated engineers and designers for higher performing vehicle lines. AMG assembles their V8 engines with parts from elsewhere. AMG models, GT and SL included, are built on assembly lines with other mainstream models. You all drink too much AMG Kool Aid.

It is branded an AMG because that is how they will lure Porsche customers, period.

Panama

All that special "AMG" engineering ....
and they still built a tank.
It is pretty heavy considering all the pre-introduction hype about the new AMG aluminum lightweight frame... and they changed the top supposedly for weight purposes according to some here. I am sure it also saved them thousands in cost. Then they added the weight of rear seats....the top supposedly saved 46 pounds....then they add rear seats....

W205C43PFL

If it wasn't for all the AMG engineering then it would be even heavier but at least it might have a hard top, which would be worth the compromise in weight.

Streamliner

MB has been diluting the AMG moniker every year, to the point where it really isn’t all that special anymore. And, if their top line cars still get their doors handed to them by Corvettes, Porsches, Teslas, etc., what’s the big deal anyway? It is getting to the point where the rarest MB’s will be those that are NOT brandishing the letters AMG. Similar for BMW M vehicles.

js_cls

The new SL63 is only roughly 100 pounds heavier than its predecessor (R231 SL63) which is 10-years old in its design that debuted in 2011 and is also lacking 10-years of safety and technical advancements/equipment as well as 2 extra seats and AWD, all which add weight. Even the Porsche 911 has gained weight despite being an actual sports car, 200+ pounds in the last ten years, the 3-Series, Corvette, are all also in the same boat, all gaining 200+ pounds over 10-years. The point of the weight savings is to minimize the weight gain. If you cared so much about weight you shouldn't have bought an SL in the first place.

mercedesmax

Um no, designed and built by AMG. Shares no chassis with any other model.
Why spout inaccuracies here?

mercedesmax

Seriously?????
The E 63 is the best bang for the buck on the planet. Can run with any exotic.
GT 63 is not only faster than a Panamera its a better value.
AMG GT, GTR and Black Series are serious performers.