Mercedes-Benz has launched its new Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster, the first of a series of new model arrivals planned for 2023.

The company said the SL has endured as a symbol of elegance and style ever since it first arrived on the scene as the 300SL Roadster almost 70 years ago, a model then inspired by a Grand Prix racing car that had been built two years earlier.

The latest SL offers what Mercedes-AMG calls ‘performance luxury’, with a 2+2 seats configuration (the first since 1989) and a ‘revolutionary interior experience’ that combines analogue geometry with a fully digital instrument cluster.

Features include an ‘aviation-inspired’ instrument panel, a centre console with adjustable touchscreen, sculptured seats with integrated headrests, and heated ‘air scarf’ feature that wards-off chills when driving with the top open.

Ciaran Allen, Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales manager, said the new SL comes in a soft-top version which can be opened and closed at speeds up to 60 kilometres per hour. 

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“Visually, the new SL is everything owners would wish it to be,” Allen added. “With its crouching poise and ‘let’s get going’ good looks, its sporty nature are evident in every detail, not least in its AMG grille, athletic body shape and interior refinements.

“Inside, a wide choice of sports or performance trim and leather coverings is offered as is the latest-generation MBUX system, supplemented with AMG-specific content.”

The Mercedes-AMG 43 381hp, and two 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engines with 476hp or 585hp, have top speeds of 295 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h in under four seconds in each case. Fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive is standard.

A Formula 1 inspired E-Performance hybrid with an electric power unit at the rear axle will follow, according to Allen.

Prices start from €238,395 for the Mercedes-AMG 43.

Allen speculated that some buyers would regard this the large outlay as a long-term investment, “particularly amongst those focused on maintaining their purchase in pristine condition”.