Mercedes-AMG Brings Entry-Trim SL 43 to America

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

Let’s be clear: this so-called ‘entry’ model of the tremendous SL roadster still costs six figures and has just 14 fewer horsepower than the vaunted R129-era V12 convertible – despite having precisely one-third the number of cylinders.

Set to be called the SL 43, this open-top 2+2-seater features a 2.0L turbocharged engine breathed upon by AMG and featuring an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. What’s that, you say? Glad you asked. Merc claims this technology is a “direct derivative” of developments used by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, a fact which can be used whilst bragging about your new car to buddies at the beach house in Malibu. 

Said to provide quick throttle response across the rpm range, the turbo is operated via the car’s 48-volt electrical system, a piece of kit which also feeds the belt-driven starter-generator. Electronically controlled, this drives the shaft of the turbocharger directly to accelerate the compressor wheel before the exhaust gas flow takes over the drive it in a conventional manner. Fun fact: the turbo can spin at speeds up to 170,000 rpm which seems to be the approximate speed of the blades on your author’s Lasko 3300 Wind Machine box fan on setting number three. All this – the turbo, not my cooling device in the garage – is good for an output of 375 horses and 354 lb-ft of twist. Exclusively rear-wheel drive, an AMG 9-speed automatic is part of the deal and 60 mph should appear in less than 5 seconds.


This inclusion of a small-displacement engine should not strike fear in the hearts of traditionalists. After all, the R129 was available for years with a six-pot engine making 228 ponies – just three more than a Mustang GT, at the time – though it could be had with a five-speed manual. Gearheads insist this configuration was actually the one to get, despite the V8 option grabbing all the magazine headlines. They were probably right.

This trim will retain many of the interior tricks which makes the current SL a treat, such as the 11.9-inch central touchscreen which may be electrically adjusted from 12 to 32 degrees during times when the California sun is being annoying. Heated and cooled seats, Nappa leather, LCD instrument cluster – all are present and accounted for. Having spent ample time behind the wheel of a more powerful variant, I can confidently assert it is a very nice place in which to while away the hours.


The SL 43 will be arriving in American dealerships this summer.


[Images: Mercedes]


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Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • RHD RHD on May 25, 2023

    It will get lots of compliments at the gas station and in the parking lot. Give me one with a manual transmission, please. The price is outrageous, though. The only purchasers will be elderly millionaires, trying to keep their 30-something gold digger around a little longer by buying her another trinket.

    • See 1 previous
    • RHD RHD on May 26, 2023

      In the box below, where it says "Share your car truths here!", write what you want to say, check it for spelling and grammar, and hit "Comment".


  • ToolGuy ToolGuy on May 25, 2023

    48 Volts?!? That is way too scary.

    Signed, Your Favorite OEM


  • Peter Buying an EV from Toyota is like buying a Bible from Donald Trump. Don’t be surprised if some very important parts are left out.
  • Sheila I have a 2016 Kia Sorento that just threw a rod out of the engine case. Filed a claim for new engine and was denied…..due to a loop hole that was included in the Class Action Engine Settlement so Hyundai and Kia would be able to deny a large percentage of cars with prematurely failed engines. It’s called the KSDS Improvement Campaign. Ever hear of such a thing? It’s not even a Recall, although they know these engines are very dangerous. As unknowing consumers load themselves and kids in them everyday. Are their any new Class Action Lawsuits that anyone knows of?
  • Alan Well, it will take 30 years to fix Nissan up after the Renault Alliance reduced Nissan to a paltry mess.I think Nissan will eventually improve.
  • Alan This will be overpriced for what it offers.I think the "Western" auto manufacturers rip off the consumer with the Thai and Chinese made vehicles.A Chinese made Model 3 in Australia is over $70k AUD(for 1995 $45k USD) which is far more expensive than a similar Chinesium EV of equal or better quality and loaded with goodies.Chinese pickups are $20k to $30k cheaper than Thai built pickups from Ford and the Japanese brands. Who's ripping who off?
  • Alan Years ago Jack Baruth held a "competition" for a piece from the B&B on the oddest pickup story (or something like that). I think 5 people were awarded the prizes.I never received mine, something about being in Australia. If TTAC is global how do you offer prizes to those overseas or are we omitted on the sly from competing?In the end I lost significant respect for Baruth.
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