Mercedes-AMG SL43 2022: entry level roadster scores A45’s turbo four

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For those with stricter budgets than a circa-$300K Mercedes-AMG SL63 permits, the Stuttgart-based brand has released an entry-level SL43 in Europe. 

Featuring the ‘M139’ 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 280kW of power and 480Nm of torque, the new SL 43 is expected to land in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2022. 

Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed, however the entry-level AMG SL 43 is likely to pick up where the SL400 left off with a list price between $230,000-$260,000.

As we learnt on the release of the full-fat V8-powered Mercedes-AMG SL 53 and SL 63, the brand won’t be releasing a Benz variant of the SL as the new Roadster has been developed by AMG in Affalterbach rather than Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart.  

Formula One boost technology 

Under the SL 43’s bonnet is Mercedes-AMG’s ‘M139’ 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder currently found in the A45 S that makes up to 310kW/500Nm, however the SL takes this motor and mounts it longitudinally rather than the hyper hatch’s transverse arrangement. 

This has allowed Mercedes-AMG more space and freedom to further develop its turbocharging tech, and according to the brand the SL43 is the first production car to use a combination of electric and exhaust gas turbocharging. 

Instead of using a separate electric compressor run by the 48-volt electrical system as seen in an E53 AMG with EQ Boost, the SL43’s regular turbocharger has the electric motor built in for a more seamless transition and greater throttle response.

Mercedes-AMG says the SL 43’s turbocharger technology is derived from its Formula One race cars. 

 The SL 43 uses a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that in conjunction with the 48-volt battery allows coasting on the freeway to improve efficiency. But the SL43 is still pretty rapid, with AMG claiming a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 275km/h. 

As standard, the SL43 is available with AMG ride control steel suspension with lightweight coil springs. The SL is the first production AMG vehicle to feature a multi-link front axle with five links arranged within the rim and a five-link setup at the rear. 

Adaptive adjustable damping is available as an option for the SL43 which can be tailored to suit the driver depending on what mode the car is in. 

Optional rear-wheel steer is also available, however it is not standard fitment on the SL43. At up to 100km/h, the rear wheels can steer in the opposite direction to the fronts and the same direction at speeds over 100km/h. 

A ‘hyperanalogue’ cockpit

The SL43 comes standard with a large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster along with a tilting infotainment screen that can be electrically adjusted from 12 to 32 degrees. This infotainment screen runs the latest generation of MBUX also found in the EQS. 

‘Hyperanalogue’ refers to Mercedes-Benz’s use of analogue geometry mixed with the digital world to give the iconic feeling of driving a car such as an SL-Class. 

Several different seating options are available for the SL43, some of which offer only manual adjustment though its likely Australian cars would get power seats as standard. 

Additionally, AMG sports performance seats are available with greater bolstering and support. Seating trim is available in either leather, Nappa leather or Nappa AMG leather depending on your choice of pew. 

Outside Mercedes-AMG offers 12 paint finishes for the Mercedes-AMG SL43 including new Hyper Blue metallic and a matte Monza Magno hue, along with three exterior design packages. 

These include the exterior chrome package, night package and exterior carbon package that includes components of the exterior finished in carbon fibre. 

An AMG Dynamic Plus package can be ordered for the AMG SL43 that adds dynamic engine mounts, an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, a race driving mode, 10mm lower sports suspension and yellow-painted AMG brake calipers.