Is the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43 a Step in the Wrong Direction?
For decades, the Mercedes-Benz SL class has been synonymous with peak style, luxury, and performance. Whether it was the iconic Gullwing or the elegant Pagoda, driving an SL meant you had both money and style. However, the streak was broken in 2011 with the introduction of the R231 SL-Class. It felt like an afterthought and didn’t receive much enthusiasm. The recent launch of the 2022 SL restored hope, but now with the debut of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43, are we heading in the wrong direction again?
The Low Point for the Storied Badge
The R231 SL-Class is widely regarded as the low point for the Mercedes badge. It lacked the appeal and desirability expected from a car bearing the storied SL name. In fact, when Mercedes discontinued the AMG versions in 2018 and the entire platform in 2020, there wasn’t much sadness. When Mercedes announced the comeback of the SL in 2022, there was a lot riding on it, and fortunately, the R232 SL was a remarkable car. The SL63 AMG was incredible, and the slightly less powerful SL55 also made sense. Now, with the introduction of the SL43, I have something to share.
Let’s Address the Elephant in the Room
First and foremost, let’s talk about the engine. The SL43 is powered by Mercedes-AMG’s M139 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 375 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Despite the lower output compared to its forthcoming GLC43 counterpart, the power is adequate, and the SL43 doesn’t feel slow. However, my real complaints center around the engine’s vibrations and unimpressive sound. These issues are simply unacceptable for a luxury convertible priced at $110,000.
Is the Transmission the Real Culprit?
Another major disappointment lies in the nine-speed MCT Speedshift automatic gearbox paired with the engine. Whether it’s because my test vehicle is pre-production or not, I found it incredibly difficult to achieve smooth shifts from a stop, and throttle changes at low speeds were consistently jerky. These issues persisted even in manual mode and across all drive modes. This negatively impacts the driving experience and alone is enough reason to not recommend this car. Even if a car priced half as much exhibited these problems, it would still not be excusable.
The Rest of the Package
Aside from the drivetrain, the SL43 is decent. The R232-generation SL possesses a solid foundation, allowing the car to ride beautifully, steer accurately, brake smoothly, and handle admirably. Despite its reasonably hefty curb weight (exact number not published by Mercedes at the time of writing), it delivers an enjoyable driving experience. Although it may not be a true sports car, it’s still satisfactory in its own right.
“Touring” Trim and Pricing
The SL43 is exclusively launched in “Touring” trim, which comes impressively well-equipped for its price. The inclusion of a Burmester surround stereo system, multi-contour heated and cooled seats with massage function, and configurable LED accent lighting are definite highlights. However, certain features like a heads-up display and active driver assistance features are not included as standard. Considering they are optional even on the near-$200k SL63, it’s still frustrating that safety features are not standard in a 2023 car.
My fully-optioned test vehicle had an asking price of $119,785, including the $1,085 destination charge. While this is significantly less than the starting price of the SL55, which sits at $142,385, the SL43 feels like a half-hearted and overpriced replacement for the discontinued SLK-Class. The punchline here is that despite its inadequacies, the SL43 bears a striking resemblance to its more expensive siblings, which may still attract image-conscious buyers. However, as a Jalopnik reader, I strongly advise against considering this vehicle.
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