Mercedes-AMG SL 43: A Road-Trip Ready Roadster? An Expert’s Take After a Decade Behind the Wheel
The Mercedes-AMG SL, now in its seventh generation, represents a bold evolution. Stripping away the “Benz” moniker in favor of the full AMG designation, the current SL, internally known as the R232, boasts a unique architecture, engine options, and a design language exclusive to the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz. It’s a deliberate return to form for a model that began as a thoroughbred race car in the 1950s but gradually softened into a luxurious grand tourer by the ’90s. The modern SL aims to deliver a sharper, more dynamic driving experience. As someone who’s spent the last decade immersed in the automotive world, including a healthy dose of time with high-performance vehicles, I’ve witnessed this evolution firsthand.
However, this shift towards performance has also meant a higher price point. Previously, the entry-level SL 55 commanded a base price north of $140,000, while the top-tier SL 63 could easily exceed $200,000 with options. This left a significant gap in the market.
Enter the Mercedes-AMG SL 43. Starting at a more accessible price point around $111,000, it aims to broaden the SL’s appeal. But, naturally, compromises were made. Gone is the thunderous 4.0-liter V8, replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The standard all-wheel-drive system found on its more expensive siblings is absent, as are torque-vectoring capabilities and the active anti-roll stabilization.
The burning question, and the one I intend to answer, is this: Does the SL 43 successfully fill the void? Can an AMG SL stripped of its most extravagant features still deliver the exhilarating experience expected of the brand? Or, does it dilute the AMG experience to an unacceptable degree? More importantly, with rising interest rates impacting the cost of luxury car ownership, is the SL 43 a smart financial decision? We’ll delve into these questions and more.
Engine and Performance: More Than Meets the Eye
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the engine. The SL 43 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, akin to those found in AMG’s “45” series models. However, this iteration boasts a trick up its sleeve: an electric turbocharger. Directly derived from Formula 1 technology, a compact electric motor sits between the turbine and compressor wheels, spooling up the turbo almost instantaneously, effectively eliminating turbo lag. This technology represents a significant leap in turbocharger technology.
The result? A respectable 375 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers might seem modest for a nearly 4,000-pound roadster, this engine is a surprisingly potent performer. Mated to a responsive nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission, the SL 43 confidently delivers its power to the rear wheels. While it gives up a significant 94 horsepower to the SL 55, the four-cylinder feels eager and responsive, making the power deficit less noticeable in everyday driving scenarios.
Furthermore, the performance exhaust system creates a surprisingly engaging soundtrack. It lacks the deep rumble of the V8, but it compensates with a loud, buzzy growl accompanied by noticeable turbocharger noises, adding a layer of drama to the driving experience. This isn’t a muted, anemic four-cylinder; it’s a genuinely characterful powerplant.
Handling and Driving Dynamics: A Twisty Road Warrior
On a winding back road, the SL 43 truly shines. While it might not be significantly lighter than its V8 counterparts, it retains much of the agility and balance that define the SL lineage. The front end is remarkably grippy and responds eagerly to steering inputs. The steering system is quick and precise, allowing the car to confidently dive into corners with minimal body roll. Surprisingly, it achieves this without relying on active suspension components, relying instead on a well-tuned combination of traditional shocks and steel springs. In terms of driving pleasure, the SL 43 punches well above its weight class.
The lack of all-wheel drive might be a concern for some, particularly those living in colder climates. However, in dry conditions, the rear-wheel-drive configuration adds to the fun, making the SL 43 feel more engaging and playful than its all-wheel-drive siblings.
The Grand Touring Compromise: A Matter of Refinement
While the SL 43 excels when driven aggressively, it falls short in some areas where a grand touring convertible should excel. The turbocharged engine, while exciting in Sport+ mode with its exhaust valves open, struggles to quiet down in Comfort mode. Its high-strung nature becomes particularly noticeable at stoplights, where unwanted vibrations can be felt throughout the car.
Around town, the engine and transmission often seem at odds. The throttle response can be overly sensitive, even in the most relaxed driving mode, making smooth starts challenging. And when a sudden burst of acceleration is needed, the nine-speed transmission can be hesitant to downshift, leaving the engine feeling a step behind. As a result, the SL 43 doesn’t possess the same dual-personality as the SL 55 and SL 63, lacking the seamless transition between sporty and comfortable driving modes. These issues can be mitigated with careful throttle control, but they are nonetheless present. For potential buyers in cities like Los Angeles or Miami, where stop-and-go traffic is the norm, this might be a significant drawback.
Interior and Exterior: The SL DNA Remains
Fortunately, the cost-saving measures implemented in the SL 43 don’t extend to the car’s overall aesthetics or cabin design. It remains a stunning vehicle with excellent proportions. Updated bumpers and rounded exhaust tips are subtle visual cues that differentiate it from its pricier counterparts, but only the most discerning eye would notice.
Inside, the SL 43 mirrors the higher-end models. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the vertically-oriented 11.9-inch central touchscreen are identical, as are the seats and the power-retractable soft top. The cabin is well-insulated from wind and road noise, creating a comfortable and refined environment, particularly at higher speeds when the engine settles into lower revs. Mercedes-Benz continues to excel at crafting world-class interiors, and the SL 43 is no exception. And, of course, the soft top can be lowered in just 15 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph, allowing for instant open-air enjoyment.
The Verdict: Value vs. Compromise
So, is the price discount offered by the SL 43 worth the trade-offs? The answer, as is often the case, is nuanced. Consider a well-equipped SL 43 priced around $120,000. That’s a substantial saving compared to the $200,000+ of a comparably equipped SL 63. Yet, the “entry-level” model offers the same stunning aesthetics and a cabin that’s just as luxurious, with many of the same optional features available. The SL 43 makes the SL accessible to a broader audience.
However, the engine and transmission calibration issues are undeniable. These are the types of problems that Mercedes-AMG can address and refine in future model years. I wouldn’t dismiss this car solely based on its cylinder count. While I might prefer the V8-powered SLs for their charismatic sound and greater versatility, the four-cylinder engine in the SL 43 has plenty of character and deserves its place under the SL’s hood – provided its rough edges are smoothed out.
The SL 43 proves that a car with great bones doesn’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles to deliver a rewarding driving experience. With some fine-tuning to address the powertrain issues, it could become the perfect addition to the SL lineup. It hits the sweet spot in terms of luxury car affordability without sacrificing too much of the driving experience.
The Future of the SL 43
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, several factors could influence the future of the Mercedes-AMG SL 43. The continued development of electric turbocharger technology could further enhance its performance and refinement. Advancements in software and powertrain calibration could address the existing drivability issues. And the growing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles could lead to the introduction of an electrified SL 43 variant in the future.
Final Thoughts
The Mercedes-AMG SL 43 is a compelling option for those seeking an affordable luxury sports car that doesn’t compromise too much on style or driving enjoyment. While it’s not perfect, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy contender in the roadster segment.
Interested in experiencing the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 for yourself? Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover if this roadster is the right fit for your lifestyle. And be sure to ask about potential lease options and financing deals to make your dream of owning an SL a reality.