?The Mercedes-Benz SL is an automotive icon, and the new Mercedes-AMG SL 43 carries the rich sporting tradition better than ever before. The SL moniker first appeared in 1954 as the 300 SL Gullwing and later a Roadster version from 1957, powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that produced between 220 and 240 horsepower and 203 to 217 lb-ft of torque. A slightly less sporting SL arrived in 1956, called the 190 SL, that featured a 1.9-liter inline-4 that made 105 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL also happens to be the first car ever to use a fuel-injection motor.
Whether in road cars or race cars, Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to praise, and so it should not come as a surprise, then, that Motor1 absolutely adores the new SL 43, with its twin-turbocharged inline-4 that has 375 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.
As Brett Evans says, “At the very least, the half-sized powerplant doesn’t detract from the SL roadster’s drop-dead gorgeous styling. The sneering front end does get a new, 43-specific bumper with a wider appearance and smaller corner vents, and rounded quad exhaust tips in back contrast with the V8 models’ trapezoidal outlets. But the SL 43 maintains its stunning silhouette, with a long hood, drooping trunk, and impossibly raked fabric roof giving it a hunkered, sporty profile. The details are good too – 300 SL-chic hood bulges, broad hips, and short overhangs make the new SL Mercedes’ sportiest roadster in decades.”
With a base MSRP of $109,900*, not including destination and handling fees, the SL 43 is a compelling package with its 4-seater convertible configuration and 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway fuel economy. It exceeds your expectations for frugality and comfort while being the sporty droptop you have been waiting for. As Motor1 puts it: “What’s more, that excellent agility doesn’t come at the expense of straight-line composure. Even on LA’s battered concrete freeways, the SL 43 boasts excellent air control with the roof down, phenomenal isolation with it up, and an excellent ride at all times. So dual-purpose was the handling/cruising behavior that I was shocked to learn that the four-cylinder has neither rear axle steering nor all-wheel drive. In contrast to the rear-axle-steer, 4MATIC®-equipped SL 55 and SL 63, the SL 43 is as analog as it gets for a modern Mercedes droptop.”
Ultimately, Motor1 gives the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 a 9.5 out of 10, which is a fantastic score. Mr. Evans ended his review by saying, “… it quickly won me over with athletic handling, plenty of style, excellent composure, and an emotive powertrain if you’re willing to wring it out a bit. Sounds a lot like that 190SL, doesn’t it? The more things change…”
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We look forward to working with you soon.
* Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details, costs and terms.
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