Overview
It would look the a part of a racy sports activities automotive, however the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL-class is admittedly extra of a grand touring automotive with a fashion-forward wardrobe. Dealing with is sharp sufficient to be entertaining, however the SL’s social gathering piece is its thundering V-8 powertrain. Nonetheless, earlier than that storm rolls in, Mercedes affords a rear-wheel-drive SL43 that is powered by a 375-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. Shifting as much as the SL55 and SL63 fashions unlocks all-wheel drive and a significant energy enhance from a twin-turbo V-8 engine. These SLs are supplied in two strengths, the 469 horsepower SL55 and the 577 horsepower SL63. The SL’s cabin has sufficient house for 2 adults and consists of loads of luxurious and tech options, together with a cool 11.9-inch infotainment show that may regulate its place to raised meet the motive force’s line of sight. Though Mercedes-AMG refers back to the SL as a roadster, it does have two small rear seats. However the again seat is healthier used as a spot in your tote bag or your purchasing, as legroom is severely restricted; with the convertible prime in place, so is headroom.
What’s New for 2023?
For its second mannequin 12 months, the brand new era SL-class roadster good points a brand new grey cloth roof choice in addition to accessible two-tone white and black leather-based upholstery. Mercedes has additionally added an SL43 mannequin to function the entry-level SL-class. The SL43 has 375 horsepower, the bottom of the SL vary, however that is accommodated by a dramatic drop in beginning worth. In any other case, the SL55 and SL63 roll into 2023 with none vital modifications.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
A number of luxurious options come normal on all SL fashions, together with massaging seats, a head-up show, and a Burmester stereo system. We might go together with the costlier SL63 to unlock the twin-turbo V-8’s most energy determine. Each the SL55 and SL63 are supplied in both Touring or Efficiency specs, with the latter coming with a entrance axle raise characteristic (to assist it clear velocity bumps) and darkened exterior trim.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
Aside from the entry-level SL43, which comes with a 375-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, the SL fashions are powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 borrowed from the GT sports activities automotive. Within the SL55 the engine makes a stout 469 horsepower however upgrading to the SL63 boosts that determine to a thundering 577 ponies. A nine-speed automated is the one transmission, and an all-wheel-drive system and four-wheel steering are normal on SL55 and SL63, whereas the SL43 is rear-wheel drive solely. The highest powertrains enable the revived SL-class to tackle convertible variations of the BMW 8-series and the Lexus LC—each of that are supplied with highly effective V-8 engines—in addition to extra sporting rivals, such because the Porsche 911. Throughout our preliminary check drive, we discovered the SL to be a spark off from its new, sportier mission. The automotive affords a number of adjustable drive modes, which makes it arduous to dial in simply the correct amount of agility and luxury, giving the impression that it is not fairly targeted sufficient on one or the opposite. Acceleration is immediate, particularly with the extra highly effective model of the V-8 on board, and the SL63 hit 60 mph in simply 3.0 seconds in our testing. We have not examined the entry-level SL43 this 12 months, however Mercedes says it is good for about 4.8 seconds to 60 mph with a prime velocity of 170 mph.
Gas Economic system and Actual-World MPG
The SL earned an EPA ranking of 14 and 21 mpg for metropolis and freeway driving for each the SL55 and SL63 fashions. Each V-8–powered variations of the BMW 8-series and the Lexus LC are rated at 25 mpg freeway, which finest the SL by a number of mpg. We’ll replace this house when the SL43 receives its EPA estimate. We’re nonetheless ready for our likelihood to place the brand new SL-class by way of our 75-mph freeway fuel-economy check, which is a part of our intensive testing routine, to judge its real-world mpg. For extra details about the SL’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
The SL-class stays solely a two-door convertible. However reasonably than final era’s sophisticated folding hardtop, a material roof has been used on the brand new mannequin to save lots of weight and maximize cargo house. Nonetheless, do not count on an expansive trunk. A pair of small rear seats present a spot to park an occasional passenger, however that space is healthier suited to cargo than folks. The inside is a lot luxurious and Mercedes’s novel Airscarf characteristic, which gently blows heat air on the motive force and entrance passenger’s neck throughout chilly climate drives, is normal.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All SL fashions include Mercedes’s new MBUX infotainment system, full with the system’s “Hey Mercedes” digital assistant, and a big 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment show that may be adjusted for viewing angle relying on a driver’s choice. A 12.3-inch digital gauge show can also be normal. Navigation and each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as effectively. All SLs include a Burmester stereo system, however the SL63 will be optioned with an upgraded surround-sound model.
Security and Driver-Help Options
A number of driver-assistance options shall be supplied, however it’s unclear which shall be normal and which shall be non-obligatory. For extra details about the SL’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options are more likely to embody:
- Customary automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Customary lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
- Obtainable adaptive cruise management with a lane-centering characteristic
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Mercedes-AMG’s normal guarantee bundle is the least particular factor about its vehicles and covers a fundamental four-year/50,000-mile interval with no frills or extras. Each the 8-series and the LC provide vital complimentary scheduled upkeep applications, which can make these vehicles extra enticing to those that search to lease.
- Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
Specs
Specs
2022 Mercedes-AMG SL63
Automobile Sort: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door convertible
PRICE
Base/As Examined: $180,450/$204,885
Choices: Exterior Carbon Fiber bundle, $5300; Burmester 3-D surround-sound stereo, $4500; AMG cross-spoke black wheels, $3300; Monza Gray Magno paint, $3250; AMG Aerodynamics bundle, $2850; Driver Help bundle with lively security gear (distance help, steering help, lane-change help, emergency-stop help, speed-limit help, brake help with cross-traffic perform, evasive steering help, lane-keeping help, blind-spot monitoring, route-based velocity adaptation), $1950; Efficiency trim line (front-axle raise system, surround-view digicam, lively LED headlights, head-up show), $1800; AMG Evening bundle, $1300; microfiber headliner, $1600
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct gasoline injection
Displacement: 243 in3, 3982 cm3
Energy: 577 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automated
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.4-inch vented, cross-drilled disc; 14.2-inch vented, cross-drilled disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
F: 275/35ZR21 (103Y) M01A
R: 305/30ZR21 (104Y) M02A
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Size: 185.2 in
Width: 75.4 in
Peak: 53.5 in
Curb Weight: 4305 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.0 sec
100 mph: 7.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.2 sec @ 125 mph
130 mph: 12.2 sec
150 mph: 17.5 sec
170 mph: 25.6 sec
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Begin, 5–60 mph: 3.9 sec
Prime Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Prime Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.9 sec
Prime Velocity (mfr’s declare): 196 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 150 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 297 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.04 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Noticed: 18 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Mixed/Metropolis/Freeway: 16/14/21 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
Extra Options and Specs