Over the last ten years, Mercedes has done a really good job - the company's great cars, both stylistically and technologically, have reached customers. But there are several models in the Mercedes range that have failed to win the sympathy of buyers. One of these is the SL model, which can be said to have died since 2001, when production of the great SL model of the nineties was stopped. Since then, the Mercedes SL has been characterized by neither superior sportiness, attractive style nor the latest technology. Moreover, it was too similar to the smaller Mercedes SLK model. Maybe now is the time for change? The Mercedes AMG division has now been called in to help, integrating perfectly into the company's model line with the iconic Mercedes-Benz AMG GT. Here's the result: "The new Mercedes-AMG SL combines the dynamics of sporty driving with the comfort and luxury of a Mercedes," says Philip Schiemer, Head of AMG. To achieve this, AMG has developed a completely new SL platform called Modular Sports Architecture (MSA) that will also be shared with the next-generation AMG GT model. A blend of aluminum, steel, magnesium and fiber composites has been used to achieve maximum stiffness, which in some parameters exceeds even the strength of the AMG GT. The construction of the new SL body has 18 percent more torsional rigidity compared to the old model. The 2 + 2 roadster got a folding fabric roof again. The soft roof was chosen to lower the center of gravity of the car and to reduce the weight, which is now a total of 21 kg less compared to a folding hardtop. Mercedes says it only takes 15 seconds to open or close the roof. The main SL engine is a 4.0 L V8 petrol with a turbocharger that transmits power through a 4MATIC four-wheel drive system and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine range is complemented by the SL 55 4MATIC version with a well-known 4.0 L V8 biturbo engine developing 469 hp and 700 Nm of torque. This Mercedes SL reaches speeds of 0-100 km / h per hour in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 295 km / h. Another option available to buyers is the SL 63 4MATIC version, which has power output of as much as 577 hp and 800 Nm. This version reaches 100 km in just 3.6 seconds and the top speed increases to 315 km per hour. For the first time in the history of this model, the SL is all-wheel drive via a 4MATIC system that can distribute torque differently between the front and rear axles. All models also feature a four-wheel steering mechanism that turns the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees in speeds up to 100 km / h to make it easier to turn and maneuver at low speeds. If the speed exceeds 100 km / h, the rear wheels rotate in the same direction as the front ones for greater stability. In addition to the interesting technical features, the new generation SL model has something else its predecessors have - a really good body design. Although the car does not deviate from the overall design concept of Mercedes, it looks interesting, dynamic and seamless. Yes, as much as the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT model, but in this case it is an advantage. The extended headlights are much better integrated into the round SL design than similar ones in the CLS model. The rear end was heavily rounded with an integrated spoiler and now looks very much like the rounded end of the Porsche 911 Convertible. But this part also looks great - much better than the shapeless end of its predecessor. Overall, the car also looks elegantly round, but at the same time has a solid posture and sporty compactness. Great work of designers! The cabin comes standard with a pair of electrically adjustable AMG Sports seats with separate seat and backrest heating systems and a Mercedes Airscarf system. The list of options includes even sportier AMG Performance seats as well as seat ventilation. Mercedes says the 213-liter boot holds two golf bags. However, choosing an additional trunk package results in a sliding partition that increases the trunk size to 240 liters when the roof is raised. In a word, a great attempt by Mercedes to revive the sleek fame of the SL model. I wonder if this will be done by the nearest competitor, the BMW 6 Series.