Mercedes-Benz SL (R232)

The Mercedes-Benz SL (R232) is the seventh generation of the SL-Class roadster, succeeding the R231. It was introduced on 28 October 2021 and acts as a direct replacement for the GT Roadster; until the Mercedes-Maybach SL arrived in August 2024 it was sold only under the Mercedes-AMG brand. Its main departure from earlier SL models is a fabric-lined roof worked by electric motors instead of hydraulics, replacing the folding metal roof, which saves 21 kg and lowers the centre of gravity. The R232 returns to 2+2 seating as standard, with a symmetrical dashboard, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch central touchscreen that tilts to the vertical to reduce reflections. It rides on an aluminium space frame body developed by AMG, with a shell that weighs 270 kg, and carries 4Matic all-wheel drive and rear-axle steering. At launch the only engine was a biturbo 4.0-litre V8, in the SL 55 4MATIC+ and the SL 63 4MATIC+; the SL 43 later added a four-cylinder engine, the first in an SL since the 190 SL.