SL-Class [Official] All-new Mercedes-AMG SL (R232)

The All-new Mercedes-AMG SL (R232)

Almost 70 years ago, a sports car launched in Stuttgart immediately became a legend. The vision of expanding the potential of the Mercedes-Benz brand through motor racing successes produced the first SL as a result - a road-going racing sports car. Shortly after its début in 1952, the 300 SL (internal designation W 194) reaped success after success on the race tracks of the world. In its first year, it achieved, among other things, a spectacular one-two victory in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and even took the first four places in the Nürburgring Grand Jubilee Prize for sports cars. Its successes quickly make the SL a legend.

SL-Class - The new Mercedes-AMG SL: The new edition of an icon [R232]

The new Mercedes-AMG SL, the new edition of an icon, returns to its roots with a classic soft top and sporty character.

www.germancarforum.com

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EDIT
Reference thread: https://www.germancarforum.com/threads/2021-mercedes-benz-sl.53446/

 

[Design FIRST]

Anecdotal.

Just the other day, I spotted both a magno white R232 SL and a glossy white Porsche 992 Carrera cabriolet. The Porsche stopped behind the M-B at a traffic light. A good basis for a quick visual comparision. Both had nice, larger diameter bicolor rims and their tops down. In my eyes, the M-B looked rather unremarkable in comparision to the Porsche. Maybe the M-B's matte paint diminished the SL's visual. But despite that possibility, perhaps more than a few feel the same way, as 992's are relatively commonplace while the R232 SL remains a relatively rare bird.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Anecdotal.

Just the other day, I spotted both a magno white R232 SL and a glossy white Porsche 992 Carrera cabriolet. The Porsche stopped behind the M-B at a traffic light. A good basis for a quick visual comparision. Both had nice, larger diameter bicolor rims and their tops down. In my eyes, the M-B looked rather unremarkable in comparision to the Porsche. Maybe the M-B's matte paint diminished the SL's visual. But despite that possibility, perhaps more than a few feel the same way, as 992's are relatively commonplace while the R232 SL remains a relatively rare bird.

Honestly, I see so many 911s, and they fundamentally haven't changed much over the years. Aside from the sports care panache, I can't get emotional about the design of a 911.

Frankly, I think the 718 is a better looking car.

 

[Design FIRST]

... they fundamentally haven't changed much over the years.

That is probably the precise reason that I have always been so immensely impressed by the 911. IMHO, one of the most enduring fundamental designs in automotive history. And it's various evolutions have always been, in my opinion,in purposeful good taste. IMHO, that even applies to the..**GASP** 996 series.

 

[sako97]

Anyone know what’s the fate of the SL in the US? All builds after December 2024 have not been imported to the US. The initial reason was allegedly due to the high rate of manufacturer buybacks due to Lemon law. In spring, the reason shifted to MBUSA working on a tariff mitigation plan before resuming imports.

Fast forward a few months, order books for 2026 are closed and there are still a few hundred new, unsold 2024-2025 SLs in their dealer network. Most of inventory comprising of the SL43 that no one asked for and the very overpriced SL63e.

 

[Swissbob]

Out of curiosity,do you want to move from the Z06 order to the SL63?

My dealer told me, there’s a possibility that the 2027 SL might get some improvements, may be that’s why the hold on.

 

[sako97]

Out of curiosity,do you want to move from the Z06 order to the SL63?

My dealer told me, there’s a possibility that the 2027 SL might get some improvements, may be that’s why the hold on.

With the overinflated cost and subsequent 50% depreciation in one year, I wouldn’t dare touch a new SL. I’m more concerned that MB lost plot and fundamentally screwed up this “AMG” generation by making it a sports car wanabe that’s overweight and overpriced. MB tends to be triggered happy to discontinue model lines when sales aren’t up to expectations.

As far as new sports cars go, I’ve lost interest for the most part - every that is good is in a mark up/MSRP bubble that concerns me for long term ownership. Pending final reveal and pricing, the new Toyota/Lexus GT is where my interest lies at the moment. I find that’ll be a be a safer buy rather than dealing with the very turbulent C8 market.

 

[Swissbob]

Thank you for your feedback, I absolutely agree with you.

My dealer told me to keep the powder dry, he wouldn’t buy the SL either.

Because this car has a identity crisis, it doesn’t know what it wants to be.
It’s not a sportscar nor a GT.

 

[Serpens]

All I know is Ola aggressively shuffling product planning and nothing is protected.

I personally didn’t find the SL all that confused during the time I had it. I do think they made a mistake in not making a standard SL550 though. Boulevardiers are practically dead but they could’ve still made an SL model that served as a better bridge between the past and present. The interior also wasn’t luxurious enough in design imo as well - there should’ve been a bit more glamour to it.

In any event, I didn’t have it long because it refused to stop draining its battery and got lemon lawed. Ola’s cost cutting has been disastrous imo.

 

[Merc1]

The SL needs a rethink. Price down, I6, quality up. I too don’t think the car is confused. It’s just in a sorta no man’s land now.

M