November car of the month: 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL55

The sky’s the limit

Nothing compares to that feeling when you are having such a great time, you wish you could experience it at a deeper level. In the redesigned Mercedes SL-class, drivers can enjoy the opulence of the traditional S-class, but without the confines of a roof. Kyrylo’s Mercedes-AMG SL55 is the best expression of the new generation of the roadster, as you can cruise around Fort Lauderdale with the wind in your hair and a multi-contouring massage in your seat. The all-new SL-Class is a substantial upgrade from years prior in both performance and design, and we’re excited to share with you all the details of our featured car of the month this November.

2022 Mercedes-AMG SL55

The Mercedes grand tourer was first introduced to the world as the 300 SL Gullwing in 1954, which featured its eponymous gullwing doors and a sleek coupe body. It was only a few years later when Mercedes removed the roof and offered the SL as a convertible. Combining premier performance with a remarkably comfortable interior, the SL became an icon in both motorsports and casual driving. But many critics remark that the SL, even to this day, lacks focus as it does not offer the best Mercedes has to offer in performance or luxury, but rather a compelling combination of both. Yet the SL’s convertible body style makes it undeniably special in its own right.

For the latest generation of the SL-Class, Mercedes has dropped its V6 offering — the SL450 — and now only produces the SL through its performance sub-brand AMG. Kyrylo’s Mercedes-AMG SL55 features a handcrafted 4.0L V8 bi-turbo engine with 469 hp and a blisteringly quick zero to 60 time of 3.8 seconds. The higher-tier trim — the SL63 — offers the same engine, but tuned for 577 hp and 60 mph in 3.5 seconds for those wishing to enter the freeway even quicker. Both these engine variants are considerably more compact and yet more powerful than the prior generation. Since Mercedes did remove the non-AMG SL-Class from its lineup this year, the SL55 is now the “base” version.

However, nothing about the SL55 feels basic. In fact, the 55 and 63 trims are virtually identical to the eye, with the difference lying beneath the hood. From the moment you approach either model, you will notice the sleek design cues that sinuously wrap around the car, making it look slimmer and curvier than its predecessor even though it’s a few inches larger in every dimension. Step inside the coupe and the new Mercedes-Benz infotainment system greets you across the digital dashboard with a 12-inch central touchscreen and 17 Burmester 3D speakers.

There are even mini screens on both sides of the steering wheel that you can personalize to adjust anything from driving dynamics to the interior environment. Try saying phrases like “Hey Mercedes, set the ambient light to pink” or “Turn the volume up a bit” and the SL responds accordingly. The Benz also showcases wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in-vehicle WiFi, and augmented video for heads-up display navigation to help keep both the passengers and driver connected while on the road.

The SL also shares tech with its S-Class sedan sibling, which is Mercedes’ flagship vehicle offering the most advanced technology the brand has to offer. In addition to traditional semi-autonomous safety features like Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, the SL introduces Mercedes’ Crosswind Assist that strategically applies appropriate braking and torque to adjust for wind gusts from passing trucks or a heavy breeze. The SL also offers Car-to-Car Communication which alerts the driver if wheelspin is detected from a nearby vehicle, or if an object was avoided by a vehicle on the road ahead. This technology only works, though, if another Mercedes with the same equipped technology is driving near you.

One of the most notable differences between the prior-generation SL and this one is that the 2022 SL has a soft fabric roof rather than the retractable hardtop. The lighter, more compact fabric roof enables extra legroom for passengers sitting in the second-row jump seats. And the best part: Mercedes tuned the cabin so well that the road noise is significantly quieter with the roof up in the new model over the previous, even with just a cloth barrier protecting the cabin from the wind. Yet, many critics feel that the 4matic+ all-wheel-drive powertrain in the SL is noisier and more racetrack-tuned than competitors like the Lexus LC and BMW M8 Convertible, which offer similar performance and a quieter ride. The updated SL is also wearing a completely new and lightweight aluminum architecture, putting the “L” in “SL”. As a result, the 2022 model sheds around 150 lbs from years prior and feels more responsive to the driver than ever.

Kyrylo’s Sun Yellow SL55 is a step-function above the outgoing SL model in performance, comfort, and design. Even amidst slowed sales figures, Mercedes hasn’t given up on their iconic roadster and instead have produced an impressive new generation with a keen attention to detail. Decide for yourself if life is best lived top down, and check out Kyrylo’s Mercedes in Fort Lauderdale throughout South Florida’s convertible-friendly winter.

*Daily price is subject to change