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2023 Mercedes-AMG SL-Class
Starting at $111.050
Highs Powerful twin-turbo V-8 engine, slinky exterior styling, high-end interior.
Lows More of a grand tourer than a sports car, the tiny rear seat is essentially unusable, princely price tag.
Verdict It looks great and goes like hell, but the SL-class lacks the focus of established sports car rivals.
Overview
It might look the part of a racy sports car, but the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL-class is really more of a grand touring car with a fashion-forward wardrobe. Handling is sharp enough to be entertaining, but the SL’s party piece is its thundering V-8 powertrain. However, before that storm rolls in, Mercedes offers a rear-wheel-drive SL43 that's powered by a 375-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. Moving up to the SL55 and SL63 models unlocks all-wheel drive and a meaningful power increase from a twin-turbo V-8 engine. Those SLs are offered in two strengths, the 469 horsepower SL55 and the 577 horsepower SL63. The SL’s cabin has enough space for two adults and includes plenty of luxury and tech features, including a cool 11.9-inch infotainment display that can adjust its position to better meet the driver’s line of sight. Although Mercedes-AMG refers to the SL as a roadster, it does have two small rear seats. But the back seat is better used as a place for your tote bag or your shopping, as legroom is severely limited; with the convertible top in place, so is headroom.
What's New for 2023?
For its second model year, the new generation SL-class roadster gains a new gray fabric roof option as well as available two-tone white and black leather upholstery. Mercedes has also added an SL43 model to serve as the entry-level SL-class. The SL43 has 375 horsepower, the lowest of the SL range, but that's accommodated by a dramatic drop in starting price. Otherwise, the SL55 and SL63 roll into 2023 without any significant changes.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
SL43: $111,050
SL55: $140,000 (est)
SL63: $180,000 (est)
A host of luxury features come standard on all SL models, including massaging seats, a head-up display, and a Burmester stereo system. We'd go with the more expensive SL63 to unlock the twin-turbo V-8's maximum power figure. Both the SL55 and SL63 are offered in either Touring or Performance specifications, with the latter coming with a front axle lift feature (to help it clear speed bumps) and darkened exterior trim.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With the exception of the entry-level SL43, which comes with a 375-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, the SL models are powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 borrowed from the GT sports car. In the SL55 the engine makes a stout 469 horsepower but upgrading to the SL63 boosts that figure to a thundering 577 ponies. A nine-speed automatic is the only transmission, and an all-wheel-drive system and four-wheel steering are standard on SL55 and SL63, while the SL43 is rear-wheel drive only. The top powertrains allow the revived SL-class to take on convertible versions of the BMW 8-series and the Lexus LC—both of which are offered with powerful V-8 engines—as well as more sporting rivals, such as the Porsche 911. During our initial test drive, we found the SL to be a touch off from its new, sportier mission. The car offers several adjustable drive modes, which makes it hard to dial in just the right amount of agility and comfort, giving the impression that it's not quite focused enough on one or the other. Acceleration is prompt, especially with the more powerful version of the V-8 on board, and the SL63 hit 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds in our testing. We haven't tested the entry-level SL43 this year, but Mercedes says it's good for about 4.8 seconds to 60 mph with a top speed of 170 mph.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The SL-class remains solely a two-door convertible. But rather than last generation's complicated folding hardtop, a fabric roof has been used on the new model to save weight and maximize cargo space. Still, don't expect an expansive trunk. A pair of small rear seats provide a place to park an occasional passenger, but that area is better suited to cargo than people. The interior is plenty luxurious and Mercedes's novel Airscarf feature, which gently blows warm air on the driver and front passenger's neck during cold weather drives, is standard.
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