It turns out we may be getting an electrified AMG SL sooner than we realised.
As part of the global debut of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL roadster, the automaker dropped some hints confirming that an electrified version is currently in the works.
Denoted AMG E Performance, the company says it’ll add an electric motor in order to increase performance whilst also achieving lower consumption and emissions.
Mercedes-AMG hasn’t given away any details of when to expect this electrified SL roadster apart from saying it will arrive “at a later date”.
SL 63 4Matic+
The company also hasn’t revealed details about the powertrain, or power and torque figures yet.
Its hybrid technology has already been seen though, in the larger and heavier Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance set to arrive in Australia during the second half of 2022, just like the regular next-generation SL roadster.
The GT 63 S E Performance blends a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor for 620kW of power and a staggering 1400Nm of torque.
Mercedes-AMG claims the electrified GT 63 can do an all-electric range of up to 12km, so you won’t be going too far before the V8 kicks back in.
GT 63 S E Performance
Its 150kW/320Nm e-motor is located on the rear axle, where it’s combined with a two-speed transmission an an electronic limited-slip differential.
First gear takes the motor from standstill to around 140km/h, at which point it’s spinning at about 13,500rpm.
The lithium-ion battery pack feeding the electrified GT 63 is mounted below the boot floor.
Mercedes-AMG also claims to leave just enough charge left in the battery so that the electrified GT 63 can achieve its full performance potential.
Although it’s mounted on the rear axle, the electric motor is mechanically linked to the car’s all-wheel drive system, so it can shuffle torque between the axles as required.
Along with the plug-in hybrid system, the petrol engine features a 48V mild-hybrid system.
The new eighth-generation Mercedes-AMG SL, meanwhile, has just been revealed and is the first ever SL model in its almost 70-year history to be under the Mercedes-AMG nameplate.
Launching in two variants, SL 55 4Matic+ and SL 63 4Matic+, both are powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine paired with all-wheel drive.
SL 55 4Matic+ and SL 63 4Matic+
These produce between 350kW to 430kW, and 700Nm to 800Nm depending on the variant.
This new model brings back the 2+2 seating configuration to the range, yet rear passengers are advised to be under 1.5 metres.
It also swaps out the metal hardtop roof for a more conventional electronic-folding fabric soft top.
The new-generation SL offers features such as hydraulically-assisted active anti-roll stabilisation, active front and rear aero, rear-wheel steering, and a limited-slip rear differential.
With development of the SL being undertaken by Mercedes-AMG, the droptop will share its Modular Sports Architecture underpinnings with the next GT.
It’s going to be interesting to see what Mercedes-AMG brings the table and turns up a notch when the SL E Performance is officially revealed.
What are your thoughts on Mercedes-AMG’s plans to electrify the new SL roadster? Let us know if the comments
