Mercedes-AMG SL 55

The iconic drop-top AMG makes a comeback and is even more alluring now

- ABHAY VERMA

As I eased my foot off the throttle, revs dropped and the sonorous exhaust note morphed into a beautiful mess of pops and crackles that filled my eardrums unfiltered, as the roof was down. I broke into a momentary smile just as I turned the steering and stepped on the gas, accelerated hard and exited the corner only to smile again. Any petrolhead would agree – convertibles are one of the most desirable forms of the automobile. And driving a fast one with the roof down is one of the purest forms of motoring nirvana. Especially when it’s something as iconic as the Mercedes-AMG SL 55.

The SL is one of the most popular names the world over as far as V8 engine-powered convertible sportscars go and Mercedes-Benz has just launched the latest generation of the SL in India. And the scenario I described above is one of the many moments that enlivened my Sunday morning on the outskirts of Pune. The rain gods had just taken a coffee break, giving me the opportunity to head out for one myself in the SL 55, with the top down.

I wasn’t to miss any opportunities to put the roof down (and my right foot too!) and that morning it felt as if someone up there was helping. All this, while the SL sounded like one of the almighty was clearing its throat when I’d fired it up at home that morning.