13 July 2024
Mercedes-AMG SL43 Review – 4-Cylinders Too Few?

Does a four-cylinder engine in the Mercedes-AMG SL43 make for a less inspiring sibling to its larger V8 brethren? Maybe.


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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