The 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 43: A Real-World Review by a Seasoned Gearhead
Is the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 a worthy addition to the legendary SL lineup? After a decade wrenching, racing, and reviewing everything from economy sedans to hypercars, I’m here to give you the unvarnished truth. The iconic SL, once synonymous with relaxed luxury, has been injected with a hefty dose of AMG performance. But does the four-cylinder SL 43 dilute the experience, or does it offer a compelling entry point into the world of high-performance roadsters? Let’s dive deep into this $111,050 question.
A New SL for a New Era: AMG’s Bold Move
The current generation Mercedes-AMG SL marks a significant departure. AMG has taken the reins, crafting a bespoke platform and injecting their signature performance DNA. Gone is the plush, grand-touring focus of previous generations. The new SL aims to be a sharper, more engaging driving machine. With the SL 55 starting well above $140,000, and the SL 63 cresting $180,000, the lineup needed a more accessible entry point. Enter the Mercedes-AMG SL 43, a model designed to bridge the gap with a starting price that’s considerably easier to swallow.
But affordability comes at a cost. The SL 43 swaps the brawny V8 for a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It also forgoes the standard all-wheel drive and advanced chassis control systems found in its more expensive siblings. The question is: does this simpler formula still deliver the essence of an AMG SL, or does it feel like a compromised experience?
Heart of the Matter: The Electrified Four-Cylinder Engine
Let’s get straight to the most talked-about aspect of the SL 43: its engine. Under the sculpted hood resides a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, an evolution of the powerplant found in AMG’s compact 45-series models. However, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill turbo-four. The SL 43 incorporates an electric turbocharger, a technology derived from Formula 1. This innovative system uses a small electric motor to spin up the turbocharger almost instantaneously, virtually eliminating turbo lag and sharpening throttle response.
The result is 375 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “That’s not enough for a nearly 4,000-pound roadster!” And on paper, you might be right. But this engine is a firecracker. It’s eager, responsive, and delivers a surprisingly punchy dose of performance. Paired with a quick-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, the SL 43 accelerates with conviction, proving that you don’t need eight cylinders to have fun. I have seen many drivers smile in Los Angeles, CA.
While it lacks the guttural roar of the V8, the SL 43’s exhaust note is still plenty entertaining. It’s a raspy, energetic growl with plenty of turbo whooshes and whistles, adding a layer of aural excitement to the driving experience.
Dynamics and Handling: A Surprising Revelation
The SL has always been known as a luxury roadster, but the SL 43 can also be an agile machine, especially on winding backroads. While it may not be drastically lighter than its V8-powered counterparts, it retains much of the athleticism that makes those models special. The front end is sharp and responsive, diving into corners with impressive eagerness. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing plenty of feedback.
What’s truly remarkable is how well the SL 43 handles without the complex active suspension systems found on the SL 55 and SL 63. The standard steel springs and adaptive dampers provide a surprisingly well-controlled ride, striking a good balance between comfort and handling prowess.
The Not-So-Good: Refinement and Daily Drivability
The SL 43’s biggest shortcomings emerge when you’re not pushing it to its limits. In everyday driving situations, the engine and transmission can feel somewhat unrefined. Even in Comfort mode, the throttle response can be overly sensitive, making it difficult to modulate smoothly. The transmission can also be hesitant to downshift, leading to a momentary lag in power delivery.
At idle, the engine can transmit noticeable vibrations through the cabin. While not a deal-breaker, it detracts from the sense of luxury you expect in an SL. The SL 43 lacks the dual-personality of its more expensive siblings. While it’s a blast to drive hard, it’s not quite as comfortable or composed during relaxed cruising. I think an experienced AMG technician can work around it, though.
Aesthetics and Interior: Classic SL, Modern AMG
Fortunately, the SL 43 doesn’t skimp on style or interior quality. Visually, it’s nearly identical to the SL 55 and SL 63. It boasts the same sleek lines, aggressive stance, and iconic roadster proportions. The only subtle differences are the slightly revised front and rear bumpers and the round exhaust tips (the V8 models get squared-off tips). Unless you’re a die-hard SL enthusiast, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference.
Inside, the SL 43 offers the same luxurious and high-tech cabin as its pricier counterparts. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch central touchscreen display are crisp and intuitive. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and the overall fit and finish are top-notch. The power-operated soft top retracts in just 15 seconds, allowing you to enjoy open-air motoring at a moment’s notice.
Value Proposition: Is the SL 43 Worth It?
The burning question is: does the SL 43 offer a compelling value proposition? The answer, as with most things in life, is nuanced. At around $120,000 as tested, the SL 43 is significantly less expensive than the SL 63, yet it offers nearly the same level of style, luxury, and technology. If you prioritize a thrilling driving experience over brute power and all-wheel-drive traction, the SL 43 is a strong contender.
However, you must be willing to live with some compromises. The engine and transmission lack the refinement of the V8 models, and the ride isn’t quite as plush. But if you’re looking for an engaging and stylish roadster at a more accessible price point, the SL 43 is definitely worth considering. And let’s face it, in places like Miami, FL, style goes a long way.
Final Verdict: A Promising Start, but Needs Refinement
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 is a promising addition to the SL lineup. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers surprisingly potent performance, and its agile handling makes it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, the SL 43 isn’t without its flaws. The engine and transmission need further refinement to deliver a more polished driving experience, especially in everyday situations.
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If AMG can address these shortcomings, the SL 43 has the potential to become the sweet spot in the SL range, offering a compelling blend of performance, style, and value. As it stands, it’s a good car with great potential.
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Take the Next Step
Ready to experience the thrill of the open road? Visit your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for a test drive and discover the magic of the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 for yourself. Find out how the SL 43 can inject some excitement into your daily commute.
