AMG SL63

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Just yesterday, Mercedes released a teaser of the car you're now looking at: The 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43. It serves as the entry-level model in the new SL range, sitting opposite the V8-powered Mercedes-AMG SL 63 that inhabits the top of the SL-Class. In addition to serving as a new trim level for the SL roadster, it also debuts some seriously cool technology straight from the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 car.

The tech we speak of is a totally new electric exhaust gas turbocharger, and the SL 43 is the world's first series-produced vehicle to have one under the hood. Mercedes says the technology bridges the gap between a small supercharger with great response that can only make so much power, and larger, less responsive superchargers capable of producing far more power.

Mercedes says the car is aimed squarely at savvy, tech-smart buyers, and there are plenty of goodies on the rest of the car that reflect that, both inside and out. Merc also has to differentiate the SL 43 from its upmarket siblings and has made sure to do so with plenty of styling cues. The 43 has slightly different front and rear bumpers, in addition to rounder exhaust outlets. 19-inch alloy wheels come standard, another difference from larger coupes like the SL55 and SL63. However, you can have the wheels from the V8 models as an optional extra.

The exterior also features clever aerodynamics that the brand calls Airpanel. Horizontal louvers behind the upper air intake can be opened and closed electronically, improving the car's aerodynamics on the fly. When the louvers are closed, they serve to reduce air resistance, while opening them feeds cool air into the car's heat exchangers for maximum cooling. There's also an active rear wing and you can order an optional Aerodynamics Package with a larger diffuser, and larger inlets on the front and rear bumper.

The tech continues with the car's chassis. All models come with AMG's Ride Control System, and Merc's AMG Dynamic Select driving modes. Underpinned by a first-ever multi-link front axle with five links at both the front and rear, Merc says the new SL will handle better than ever. All those suspension links are also made from forged aluminum to reduce unsprung mass.

Mercedes used a lightweight fabric roof to help keep the center of gravity low, dropping around 46 lbs from the highest points of the SL 43. The top also features a Z-folding mechanism to help save you some luggage space, a traditional weakness of roadsters. Thankfully, AMG has made sure the top is thoroughly insulated, with a three-layer design composed of lightweight fabric with sound-deadening material in the middle. The top can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 37 mph and takes only 15 seconds to do so.

As for the drivetrain, an electric motor, only 1.6 inches thin, is attached to the turbocharger shaft between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side and the compressor wheel that sits on the intake side. This electric motor drives the shaft of the turbocharger directly and spins up the compressor wheel before the exhaust gas stream starts to drive it. The new system significantly improves throttle response as a result. You're not stuck waiting for the turbo to spool because it's already spooled up by the time you go for the gas.

The turbo is mated to Mercedes-AMG's M139 turbo-four, producing 375 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of twist. Because of that F1-style turbo, max torque runs from 3,250 rpm to 5,000 rpm with peak power coming on at 6,750 rpm. A temporary overboost mode adds another 13 hp thanks to a belt-driven starter generator. Mercedes' nine-speed automatic gearbox is standard, but unlike the V8-powered SLs, the 43 is rear-wheel drive only. 0-62 mph takes 4.9 seconds before there SL43 tops out at 171 mph.

The SL43 inherits the platform of its higher-badged stablemates, meaning it's the first 2+2 seater SL for the first time since 1989.

The instrument cluster is fully digital and works in tandem with the center 12.3-inch touchscreen running the latest version of MBUX. You'll have your choice of a few display styles that also change depending on drive mode. Mercedes has also taken care to make sure the screen can be adjusted from 12 to 32 degrees to keep the sun's glare from blinding you.

The seats are either electronically or manually adjustable, trimmed in a combination of man-made leather and fabric. You can also have them in Nappa leather if you'd like. Of course, Alcantara accents with yellow or red stitching are available. Interior trim can be had in either gloss black, aluminum, carbon fiber, or black chrome. Merc's AMG steering wheel is also present with an optional heater and optional Alcantara.

Clearly, the new SL 43 isn't just a trim level. It's a look at the technology that will surely trickle down into many a Mercedes-AMG after this, including the next-gen AMG C43. It's often said that racing technology works its way down into road cars, and this is a great example of that.

Final US specification will be confirmed at a later date, but we expect a US market launch towards the end of 2022 as a 2023 model. We don't have pricing yet, but we expect the new SL to come in right around $100,000 USD.