Unlike the minivans that SUVs cannibalized without too many people complaining, wagons, which are facing a similar fate, seem to have more fans who wish to avoid complete extinction. So, when a carmaker like Mercedes-Benz, which still makes some of the most enticing wagons on the market, takes a step back, you can expect the digital community to take things in the opposite direction. Enter the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Shooting Brake, which is the captivating creation of an independent digital artist.
As it’s been the case with Stuttgart rival Porsche, Mercedes has found itself adding substance to the wagon segment by releasing shooting brake-styled five-door models. And while the three-pointed star is the only one actually branding these low-and-long-roofed models as Shooting Brakes, the company no longer offers the CLS executive vehicle in this trim. Thus, the only MB shooting brake you can currently buy is the second-gen CLA compact, but this isn’t offered in North America.
However, digital artist Sugar Chow (aka sugardesign_1) has added a virtual model to the range of Mercedes shooting brakes. And since it’s based on the all-new 2022 SL and the pixel master did a fine job on the integration this might just be the most impressive machine of the sort we’ve seen to date.
Perhaps the artist, which has a thing for wagons, be they of the conventional (Cadillac CT5 Sport Wagon, anybody?) or the shooting brake style, seems a bit nostalgic in his designation choice, though. That’s because he labels this creation as a Mercedes-Benz. However, the current seventh-generation SL has been elevated to a Mercedes-AMG-only creation by its maker, hence our title.
The real 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL does come with a larger interior
Speaking of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL, this has made a step towards accommodating more passengers. Unlike some of its close predecessors, which only came in 2+2 form as an option, the new R232-gen model comes standard with this seating layout—it’s not a coincidence that the roadster also went from the large folding metal roof of the two previous generations to a soft top.
Sure, the rear passenger space is limited, especially in terms of height (only occupants of up to 4.9 feet or 1.5 meters will fit), but this rendering has no such issues. Sure, this wouldn’t be the most spacious wagon out there, but the long-sling silhouette dictated by the SL base would make it the most visually appealing, at least to these eyes.
The artist skipped the SL 43 and Sl 55 versions of the SL, going for the 63, a 577 hp (585 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm), which is currently the range-topper. Note that this comes with standard AWD, which would be great for the practical aura of a shooting brake. And, thanks to the model’s four-wheel steering, city driving wouldn’t be an issue. In addition, the grand tourer (as opposed to supercar) nature of the SL means that adding a shooting brake wouldn’t involve diluting the character of the vehicle.
The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Shooting Brake remains a dream
Now, the all-new aluminum space frame that AMG developed for the R232 SL will be shared with other models, such as the second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT. Alas, stretching this to add a full-size row of seats and a generous luggage compartment seems like too much to ask given the said troubled situation of the wagon segment.
And, until we find out if things can change in the inevitably all-electric future, here’s another digital dream that sees the SL returning to its Gullwing roots for the battery power era.
