2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43 - 18 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

What's your favorite thing about the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43?
See how this SL43 stacks up against its rivals on Downshift: / @dwnshft
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AMG exclusive
So the SL for this newest generation is only available as an AMG
In previous years the SL got the reputation of a big floppy golf club carrier
But that’s not how the SL started life so with this gen MB is dailing up the sporty again
First ever
So last year we drive the full power halo SL63 with the 4.0TT v8
This Sl debuted with the 63 and 55, both V8s
BUT they cost ALOT, so this is the first ever SL43
Engine
And the biggest thing that means has to do with the engine
As a true AMG it is still handbuilt and Affalterbach (placque)
BUT this engine is half the size of the other SLs
This is a 2.0T 4 cylinder
It’a got a mild hybrid system AND their e-turbo tech from F1
375 hp
354 lbft
Drive wheels
This Sl43 gets the same 9 speed transmission
BUT unlike the other SLs this gets only RWD
And no rear steer std
This does have an effect on the 0-60 sprint
But it’s still done in just under 5 seconds
Fuel economy
So half the engine means less sound and less speed
But it also means less money and less fuel
21/27 mpg not bad for the performance here
Less roof
Of course this is a roadster/GT car
Rag top only
Slider control in screen
Or hold one side
And or down in about 15 sec
Very close to the M4 comp
Also works up to 34 mph
2 mph more than the BMW Z4
All window button
Not toggle like M4
More seats
Frist time the SL is a 2+2 since 89 i think
Screen tilt
Most annoying thing about verts is the glare on screen
Especially if you’re driving around LA at sunset
This SL’s screen TILTS and FAST to kill glare
Air scarf
Seats are controlled on door - normal
Heated and cooled - normal
Seat auto set - normal
No massage - not super normal
But air scarf here so top down in cold
Windshield
Steel for rollover protection
Rear rollover bar literally explodes up in event of rollover
Active aero
Deployable spoiler
By speed or by button
Several levels
Trunk
7.5 cuft
Kinda small
Green eject button - first button i’ve seen
Trunk partition is powered
Which is awesome cuz you can control it from cabin
The M4 was manual..which got annoying
Drive modes
Dynamic select modes*
AMG performance pages
Remember this is an AMG
AMG steering wheel
Looks and feels epic
Loads of drama
Almost too much custmoizability
Tech bit
Tilts we talked about
Nestled in a bed of carbon fiber
MBUX
Wireless ACP & AA
Incredible 360 cameras
Finger print reader
Digital cluster
With eco ball
Loads of options
HUD
Looks Awesome
SOOOO good looking even in base form
5 in longer than old SL
So bigger and heavier
Circular quad tips like a C43
Pixel taillights
Ambient lighting
Speaking of lighting
The ambient light here is INCREDIBLE
Price
SL43 starts ~110k which is much less than the V8s

[@shownoloving]

Smallest engine should’ve been the Turbo inline 6, 53 variant!

[@theshiftlist]

totally agree

[@siegfriedbarfuss9379]

The 55 will be phased out and replaced by the inline 6 like they do it in the G class ..

[@mjh5437]

If the screen is so reflective why don`t they just use non-reflective glass on it the same as most TVs and Laptops?

[@wellfulgoodness8211]

i wish the 43 was a NA V8 and the 63 was a TT V8.

[@theshiftlist]

That would be sick - the 4 cylinder here is not it chief