The SL nameplate from Mercedes-Benz still holds its own even to this day. Its bloodline started with the original 300SL in 1952, a post-war dogfighter that captivated eyes the world over with its signature gullwing doors and radical engineering. 

Its original ethos was being ‘sporty’ and ‘light’, two desirable traits that have in part been largely forgotten in the 21st-century technological arms race. This new model, now in its seventh iteration, aims to readdress this delicate sportscar balance.

We previously reviewed its bigger sibling, the SL55. This looks the same, but it houses a tinier 4-pot engine underneath, and it’s dubbed the Mercedes-AMG SL43.

Still looks nice, right?

But, this particular model raises an intriguing question: Can a four-cylinder engine truly power a sports car with a six-figure price tag?

Seriously, the engine is that small?

At first glance, the SL43 is easily mistaken for its more powerful siblings. The SL55 and SL63 models boast a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivering 469 and 577 horsepower, respectively.

The SL43, however, sports a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, churning out 375 horsepower. 

Still, it isn’t that slow. The SL63 rockets the century sprint in a blistering 3.0 seconds, thanks to its all-wheel-drive system. The SL43, in rear-drive only, takes a more leisurely 4.5 seconds to hit 100.

While the torque figure is decent at 480Nm, the small engine just cannot keep up with heavier throttle loads at lower RPMs, and the engine’s sound and response will leave you yearning for that V8.

This M139 engine variant introduces Formula 1-style anti-lag technology, with a small electric motor on the turbo’s shaft to boost performance when exhaust flow is low. Despite this tech, the engine can feel sluggish, igniting with an unrefined, almost flatulent roar at idle.

However, as the revs climb towards 2000RPM, the engine note matures into a more pleasing growl, hitting a snarl near the 7000RPM redline. Hence, to really enjoy this engine, Sport mode is preferred for longer gear holds and a more spirited drive, albeit less relaxed at low speeds.

So how can I drive this nicely?

When kept in the higher rev ranges, the SL43 shines. Sharing its platform with AMG’s GT sports car, the SL43’s chassis is a standout.

Steering is precise, handling stable, and it grips the road with tenacity. The five-link suspension minimises understeer, allowing the rear wheels to power through corners confidently. Strong brakes let you push the throttle longer, with minimal trail braking needed.

The lighter front end, devoid of a V-8 and all-wheel-drive components, responds swiftly to steering inputs, requiring only two turns from lock to lock.

Of course, since you’ll probably keep the engine howling throughout your fun shenanigans, fuel economy will take a big hit. Some spirited driving yielded an average of 7.4km/litre, so best to keep your fuel membership cards in the glovebox for easy access.

While its four-cylinder engine might not have the visceral growl of its V8 counterparts, it offers a unique driving experience in the AMG stable. Tame it well, and the Mercedes-AMG SL43 can shine amongst its peers too.

It does look rather nice actually

The SL43’s unique front fascia, single lower grille, and dual round exhaust tips set it apart from the SL55 and SL63, which sport distinct air inlets and multiple strakes on the rear diffuser.

Driving with the roof down in the SL43 is an attention-grabbing experience. Mercedes designers ensured the interior is as stylish as the exterior, with an aviation-inspired cabin featuring a central wing-like appendage flanked by four turbine air vents.

The new SL43’s fabric roof, replacing the old metal one, sheds 20 kilograms and employs electric motors instead of outdated hydraulics, enhancing both efficiency and noise insulation. With a quick press of the centre console button, touchscreen, or key fob, you can open or close the Z-fold roof design, letting you enjoy the open sky or a quieter ride.

The SL43’s interior is elegantly appointed with top-grade materials. The 11.9-inch portrait-style infotainment screen dominates the dashboard, offering crisply rendered graphics and multiple menus.

It takes a bit of time to master, but once you do, it’s decently intuitive.

This generation also marks the return of rear seats, a first since the 1989 R129 SL. These seats are quirky and compact, best for emergency rides or as extra storage, thanks to their V-shaped design.

Up front, the seats are spacious and comfortable, with heating, ventilation, adjustable bolsters, and a massage function. The Airscarf heating vent in the headrest keeps you warm even with the roof down.

The SL43 also offers a 240-litre boot, enough to fit a set of golf clubs, though its narrow aperture can make loading a challenge.

There is one problem, however.

And that is price. The Mercedes-AMG SL43 has a starting price of over $800 big ones (at the time of writing), so it doesn’t come cheap. 

Yes, it is cheaper than its V8 siblings, and unless you really need peak performance, the SL43 will deliver more than enough performance for most sunseekers.

It may be the most affordable Mercedes-AMG SL on the market today, but sinking that amount of cash into a lacklustre-engined car doesn’t quite sit right with me. On the other hand, calling it entry-level doesn’t give it enough credit for how good it is to drive.

It’s a catch-22 situation, but for the SL43, four cylinders just feel like four too few.

Technical Specifications

Mercedes-AMG SL43 AMG

Engine: 1,991cc 4-cylinder, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 375bhp
Torque: 480Nm
Gearbox: 9G AMG Speedshift MCT
0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 275 km/h

Fuel Economy: 10.5 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$832,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Contact: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Even for a brand as venerable as Mercedes-Benz, the SL nameplate still holds its own even to this day. Its bloodline started with the original 300SL in 1952, a post-war dogfighter that captivated eyes the world over with its signature gullwing doors and radical engineering. 

Its original ethos was being ‘sporty’ and ‘light’, two desirable traits that have in part been largely forgotten in the 21st-century technological arms race. Can’t hoon a car without Apple Carplay and a large touchscreen, right?

This new model, now in its seventh iteration, aims to readdress this delicate sportscar balance. So how has it gotten on?

Pantomime appeal

The Mercedes-Benz designers have gone to great lengths to tame the new SL55 both ways, giving it some welcome belligerence whilst maintaining its waft-like cruiser appeal.

There’s much to absorb here, and the lumbering V8 out front on initial impressions beckons you to mash the throttle and savour its immense power. The brutish, egocentric exhaust burble even incentives you to do it again and again.

But, turn it down a notch and pretty soon it’s apparent that the SL is not all chest hair and swollen muscles, but a much less frenetic car. It’s rather docile at ‘civilian’ speeds, cruising into Sunday brunch with shades on and a wide-beamed hat.

The SL55 even comes with a revised version of AMG’s ‘ride control’ suspension featuring adaptive damping and lightweight coils, giving occupants competent ride comfort. After all, it was made to be a GT car. 

But, should you want to feel the wind in your hair at great speeds, there’s a handy drive mode dial on the steering wheel to turn up the heat.

The car’s Dynamic Select has 5 different modes – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. Mercedes even lets you choose how much traction control you wish to have via the AMG Dynamics menu. An electronic limited-slip rear differential is also available as part of the AMG Dynamic Plus Package. 

Regardless of what mode you are in, the SL55’s 9-speed MCT gearbox is as seamless as ever, now with a wet clutch rather than a torque converter, reducing weight and delivering overall faster shift times.

The lack of large aero bits shouldn’t drop your confidence in the corners either. Hidden around the SL are various aero widgets that improve stability, reduce drag, and optimise cooling. Plus, an active rear spoiler provides additional downforce or showoff appeal. Whichever you prefer. 

What this translates to is impressive turn-in ability. The SL can’t match the poise and eagerness of a Porsche 911, but it does a great job of keeping itself composed round bends. Stopping quickly isn’t an issue either, with massive steel composite discs (390mm six-piston front, 360mm single-piston rear) keeping everything in check. 

Similar to most high-end Mercs, you are bestowed with a vast suite of driver assistance programmes. Although Mercedes is progressively rolling out autonomy throughout its range, the SL is something you won’t want to relinquish control of to a bunch of algorithms.

Unmistakable AMG

As with all modern cars, the Mercedes-Benz SL has put on some bulk compared to its predecessor. But, in doing so it has gained some added aggression.

Borrowing traits from its bigger AMG GT sibling, the SL now has a more commanding facade,  dominated by clean lines that accentuate a sleek silhouette. Ferocious enough to intimidate anyone at a set of lights, yet discreet enough that it can sit pretty in a parking space without attracting too much attention.

It isn’t a showy-off car either. Badges at its flank are kept to a minimum, and most wouldn’t even know a thumping V8 beast lurks underneath until the owner lets the quad tailpipes sing in tenor. 

Dressed to impress

With the roof down, you will attract quite a bit of attention. The Mercedes designers know this and have dressed the cabin up to look as stylish as the outside. Aviation influence is strong here, with a wing-like central appendage bolstered by 4 galvanised turbine air vents. 

An 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen running MBUX 2.0 sits tall and pretty in the middle of the cabin, and it even tilts a little in order to reduce glare with the roof down. It’s responsive but jammed packed with loads of menus, and can get a little confusing to navigate at times.

A wireless charger, 4 type-C ports and a 12V outlet all come in handy to charge smart devices. However, you’ll soon find that there’s little to no room to put anything anywhere.

To make matters worse, as the gearbox assembly is jammed into the small ‘crevice’ of a transmission tunnel, it actually radiates heat into the cabin. This is the first car that has successfully caused my iPhone to overheat whilst it sat in a cubby hole.

But the real kicker is the AMG steering wheel. This isn’t a problem exclusive to the SL, but the steering wheel is a claustrophobic piece of real estate. Yes, you do get an array of haptic buttons that enable you to configure loads of settings without taking your hands off the wheel, but everything feels too bunched up and I often found myself activating random items due to the occasional brushing of fingers.

It’s a shame though, because the wheel does feel great in the hands, alongside the beautiful brushed metal paddle shifters.

2 + 2 = 4

The SL55 is surprisingly practical for the most part. I mean, there aren’t many things on the roads that can seat 4, have the roof down, and still have some cargo space.

Yes, the new SL returns the car to a 2+2 seating configuration, a trait previously borne by the 4th-generation R129 model. But, while the SL can, on paper, sit up to 4 occupants, the rear should only be reserved for cushions, your weekly shopping or someone you detest.

That said, the guys up on the flight deck do get tons of space, and it isn’t hard to find a nice comfortable position for those long journeys. They’re incredibly comfortable, and airscarfs come as standard, keeping turbulent air out of your face.

Even with the roof down, you get a 240-litre boot. While Mercedes claim it can ‘swallow’ two sets of golf clubs, its narrow aperture does make it a challenge for cargo ingress.

A stylish brute that you’ll love

The Mercedes-Benz SL55 is a visceral pill that you’ll be quickly addicted to, inciting a sensation that shocks the mind but warms the heart at the same time. It’s arguably the most engaging SL since its 300SL forebear, and promptly qualms the lineup’s seemingly unreciprocated drift into gentle opiated cruisers.

This may very well be the last V8-engined SL we’ll ever see, but at least for one last hurrah, I am free from the unapologetic march of sustainability when I’m in this. A brute in ballet shoes, singing a tune that beckons you for more. 

A spiritual return to form for the German Sport-Leicht.

Technical Specifications

Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG 4MATIC+

Engine: 3,982cc V8 dual twin-scroll, turbocharged

Power: 355kW (476bhp)

Torque: 700Nm

Gearbox: 9G AMG Speedshift MCT

0-100km/h: 3.9 seconds (claimed)

Top Speed: 295km/h

Fuel Economy: 7.4km/L (claimed)

Price: S$1,004,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Contact: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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