How many cars will come to your mind which will take you back to memory lane, which remains christened in your passive side of the brain forever? The generation which has grown up while watching ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ movie will remember the iconic Mercedes-Benz R129 and the famous road trip to Goa. If social media were present in those days, then almost every bro’s instagram feed would be filled with three friends road-tripping to Goa in a car of their choice. The SL line of Mercedes has so much history, emotion and romanticism ever since it debuted in 1954. Famous people were seen with it, it was Bollywood’s favourite, a car that was fantasised over and over again and the object of many enthusiasts’ wet dreams.
It now sits in its 7th generation and is the first SL to be entirely made by AMG folks with the “One Man, One Engine” principle creating the best engines in the world. The V8 engine is assembled purely by hand and develops an output of 476 hp with a peak torque of 700 Nm. The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes 3.9 seconds with the top speed capped at 295 km/h, but all that is very sublime with the way it looks with or without its soft top over the driver’s head. The yesteryears design & shape were more iconic and had a sense of storytelling, especially the R129 Model, or the Goa trip of Amir, Saif & Akshay which left an unerasable mark on all of us. I drove the SL55 to Mahabaleshwar Hills amidst heavy monsoon, hoping to open the soft top with every rain pause opportunity.
LET’S SUM IT UP:
Wrapping it up, the 2023 Mercedes SL 55 is an automotive masterpiece that seamlessly blends luxury, power, and performance. It carries the placard boldly, “life is too short to drive boring cars”, but is it better than 911? Let’s say it’s different and has a heart, body and soul of its own.
Photography: Sundesh Kumar
SHOT ON NIKON Z8 ON, NIKKOR Z 24-70MM
BE CAREFUL OF LONG TRIPS AHEAD
The power delivery is smooth and instantaneous, giving you that exhilarating rush of acceleration but not that neckwrecking hooliganistic power which can scare the shit out of your passenger. The handling is precise and responsive, allowing you to take on corners confidently. The various driving modes tune and aid in different driving styles. Whether cruising on the open highway or carving through winding roads, this car delivers an extraordinary experience. I had just exchanged and moved from a Porsche Taycan Turbo S, and the electric surge of power and torque although stands unmatched, but the sprint from 0-100kmph in 3.9 seconds is enjoyable in the SL 55 as well. Its all-wheel-drive system ensures that the right amount of power is delivered to all four wheels when any throttle input is given. It’s nothing like a Porsche or a Lamborghini, which makes you commit to driving it, but the experience is a classic Mercedes.
The SL’s cooling system has three tiers to manage: the engine, turbos, intercoolers, transmission and engine oil. AMG’s nine-speed gearbox now has a wet clutch rather than a torque converter which reduces weight and has lower inertia to deliver faster shift times. Unlike dry clutches, wet clutches are covered in oil, which allows the clutch plates to cool faster. Because of this, wet clutches can sustain more abuse than dry clutches. Another reason wet clutches are a more popular choice is because they’re quieter at idle, making them better for stop-and-go traffic. But there is a problem here; wet clutches make your engine oil dirty faster since all the dust created as the clutch wears stays inside the engine. Servicing them can be a hassle, but let’s leave these for the mechanics at Mercedes service centre to sort, so the driver can relish the experience, get the hood down, and soak in air, sun and, in many cases, rain showers.
Now, let’s talk about what makes the SL 55 truly special—the heart of the beast lies under the hood. This powerhouse is equipped with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces a mind-blowing 476 horsepower and gets the adrenaline pumping.
SORRY, IT’S FOR TWO ADULTS ONLY!
Stepping inside, the cabin of the SL 55 is a perfect blend of luxury and technology. Unlike its earlier generations, the 2023 SL 55 is totally in sync with today’s astronomical tech warfare and can be declared a winner. The premium leather seats cradle you comfortably while the ambient lighting sets the perfect mood for your adventure. The craftsmanship is impeccable, with premium materials and attention to detail, creating an atmosphere of luxury. The dashboard mixes new and old elements, like the turbine-looking air vents. The seats are supportive yet comfortable, ideal for long drives or spirited adventures. And let’s remember the latest tech features, including the Mercedes MBUX super-responsive infotainment system that can also tilt at a press of a button. This is the first inside any Mercedes-Benz. Apart from adding some tech gimmickry, it also adds to the practicality of viewing the screen while the sun glares in case you’re going topless.
On the other hand, the soft top can make way for air in your hair in just 15 secs; yes, that’s the time it takes to get the hood down. Speakers are fantastic sounding, and even if you blast and get the hood down, sound does not travel as far as the honk does. With Nappa Leather upholstery and brushed aluminium, all the touch points are luxurious, including the soft top, which can take consistent rain pounding and downpours without seeping a drop of water inside the cabin. AMG performance seats are standard, and even after six hours of almost continuous driving, it got my back well-trenched and enhanced the driving experience in every turn and bend. Going sideways on a racetrack will be great fun in the SL 55. Point noted for the next opportunity!
THE OOMPH-LOOKING MERCEDES
Let’s start with how it looks; gorgeous and sexy are two easy and best words to describe the 2023 Mercedes SL 55. The sleek and aggressive exterior design also exudes confidence and sophistication. The iconic Mercedes emblem proudly sits on the bold Panamericana front grille, commanding attention wherever it goes. This car is an absolute head-turner, from its aerodynamic lines to its muscular rear haunches. It’s also ferocious looking, always ready to sprint! And in the hot red colour, it is bloody sinister looking. The 20-inch AMG alloys perfectly sit under the beautifully carved wheel arches, which further accentuate the stance of the SL55 AMG, which is constantly yearning for open roads. With a press of a button, the retractable hardtop transforms this stunning coupe into an open-top roadster, inviting the elements to become part of the experience. The front apron contains a wing and splitter to reduce lift and target airflow; there are aero-optimised brake ducts, while a two-piece active aero Air panel uses electronically actuated louvres to hustle air either into cutting drag or into maximum cooling mode.
