Is the 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 the Smart Buy or a Compromise Too Far? A Veteran’s Take
For over a decade, I’ve lived and breathed performance cars, specifically those bearing the three-pointed star and the hallowed AMG badge. I’ve seen trends come and go, engines rise and fall, and philosophies shift. The latest Mercedes-AMG SL generation, the R232, represents a significant step, ditching its Mercedes-Benz prefix and embracing a purer AMG identity. This new SL aimed to recapture the sporting spirit of its predecessors, but with a hefty price tag. Enter the 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 43, designed to lower the barrier to entry. But does it deliver the true SL experience, or is it merely a diluted version of the real deal? Let’s dive deep.
The Price of Entry: Filling the Luxury Roadster Void
The SL’s move upmarket left a noticeable gap in the luxury roadster segment. The SL 55, previously the “entry-level” model, started well above $140,000. The top-tier SL 63 pushed that figure closer to $200,000, and with options, as I found in my review last year, could easily surpass $215,000. The SL 43 arrives with a base price around $111,000, a substantial saving. But what are you giving up?
The most significant change is the engine. Gone is AMG’s hand-built 4.0-liter V8, replaced by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. Additionally, the standard all-wheel-drive system, torque vectoring, and active anti-roll stabilization found on the pricier models are absent. This brings us to the crucial question: can a four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG SL truly capture the essence of the SL, or does it fall short of expectations for luxury car enthusiasts?
Under the Hood: A High-Tech Heart with a Few Quirks
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the engine. The SL 43 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, similar to those found in AMG’s “45” series models. However, AMG has incorporated an electric turbocharger, derived from their Formula 1 program. This innovative technology places a small electric motor between the turbine and compressor wheels, enabling quicker spooling and improved throttle response. The result is 375 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
While these figures might seem modest for a grand tourer weighing close to 4,000 pounds, the engine punches above its weight. Paired with a rapid-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, the SL 43 delivers confident power, even with rear-wheel drive. While it lacks the raw power of the SL 55’s 469 hp V8, the responsiveness of this inline-four makes it feel surprisingly potent in real-world driving. I’d wager that most drivers wouldn’t miss the extra cylinders in everyday scenarios.
However, the sound isn’t quite as captivating as the V8’s thunderous roar. The quad exhaust emits a loud, buzzing growl, accompanied by noticeable turbocharger noises, which add a degree of drama. While not unpleasant, it doesn’t possess the same visceral appeal as its V8 counterparts.
The calibration of the powertrain reveals some shortcomings. While the engine is eager and responsive in Sport+ mode, it struggles to settle down in Comfort mode. The throttle can feel overly sensitive, making smooth starts challenging. Furthermore, the transmission can hesitate when demanding sudden acceleration, feeling a step behind the engine’s eagerness. This prevents the SL 43 from achieving the same dual-personality—refined cruiser and exhilarating performer—as its V8-powered siblings. These calibration issues are likely to be addressed in future model years, highlighting the importance of test driving the latest iterations.
On the Road: Agile Handling and GT Aspirations
Out on a twisty back road, the SL 43 reveals its strengths. Despite not being significantly lighter than its pricier counterparts, it retains much of their agility and balance. The front end is remarkably grippy and eager to change direction. The quick steering allows the SL to confidently dive into corners with minimal body roll. Impressively, it achieves this without the benefit of active suspension components, relying on a more traditional setup of shocks and steel springs.
However, the SL 43 falters in areas where a grand touring convertible should excel. The turbo-four, while sonorous in Sport+ mode, never truly quiets down, even in Comfort mode. The engine’s high-strung nature becomes apparent at stoplights, where unwanted vibrations can be felt throughout the car. Around town, the engine and transmission sometimes seem at odds, resulting in a less-than-smooth driving experience.
Aesthetics and Interior: Classic SL Refinement
Fortunately, the SL 43 retains the stunning aesthetics and luxurious interior of its more expensive counterparts. The exterior boasts excellent proportions, and the optional larger wheels enhance its visual appeal, making it appear smaller than it actually is. The subtle updates to the bumpers and rounded exhaust tips are barely noticeable, ensuring that the SL 43 doesn’t visually compromise on the iconic SL design.
Stepping inside, you’ll find the same 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch central touchscreen as in the higher-end models. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the retractable soft top operates flawlessly, folding in 15 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph. The cabin is well-insulated from wind and road noise, providing a refined experience, especially at higher speeds. The interior reflects Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to world-class craftsmanship.
The Value Proposition: A Smart Choice?
The core question for any prospective SL 43 buyer is whether the price discount justifies the trade-offs. The answer, while nuanced, is likely yes. Consider a well-equipped SL 43, which might cost around $120,000. That’s a significant saving compared to the SL 63, which can easily exceed $200,000. For that considerable difference, you get a car that looks just as good, boasts a nearly identical interior, and offers much of the same optional equipment. The SL 43 expands the SL lineup to a broader market segment, making it more accessible to a wider range of buyers.
The SL 43’s current issues primarily stem from the engine and transmission calibration, which can be refined through software updates. The potential for improvement is there, and I wouldn’t dismiss this car solely based on its cylinder count. While I personally prefer the V8-powered SLs for their charismatic sound and greater versatility, the inline-four has its own unique character and deserves its place in the SL lineup, provided its rough edges are smoothed out.
The SL 43 proves that a car with a strong foundation doesn’t need all the bells and whistles to deliver a rewarding driving experience. Once Mercedes-AMG addresses the powertrain missteps, it has the potential to become the perfect addition to the SL family.
Final Verdict: A Promising Future for the Four-Cylinder SL
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 represents a compelling entry point into the world of luxury roadsters. While it may not possess the raw power and visceral thrills of its V8-powered siblings, it offers a unique blend of performance, style, and technology at a more accessible price point. With a few refinements to its powertrain calibration, the SL 43 has the potential to become a truly exceptional grand tourer.
Ready to experience the Mercedes-AMG SL for yourself? Visit your local Mercedes-Benz dealer today and schedule a test drive to discover which SL model best suits your driving needs and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the raw power of the V8 or the nimble agility of the four-cylinder, there’s an SL waiting to ignite your passion for the open road.