R2.4-million entry-level Mercedes-AMG SL 43 launched in South Africa

The new Mercedes-AMG SL 43, the “entry-level” model of the SL range, has officially gone on sale in South Africa from a starting price of R2,466,046.

The soft-top convertible sports a powerful hybrid foundation, luxurious features, and a practical 2+2 seating configuration, being aimed at “particularly tech-savvy buyers” who are after “distinctly discrete handling characteristics,” said its makers.

Distinctive proportions

The SL is a unique offering in the Mercedes stable with its long wheelbase, long bonnet, short overhangs, steeply-raked windscreen, and fabric top giving it dynamic proportions, which are complemented by 19-inch alloy wheels sitting completely flush with the wide wheel arches.

The topless AMG boasts the Airpanel active aerodynamics system integrated into its sculpted bodywork in the form of electronically-controlled horizontal louvres behind the upper air intake that opens and closes on demand to reduce drag on the body, as opposed to the previous system where these louvres were closed at all times.

The retractable rear spoiler also aids in getting the SL to slice through the air as efficiently as possible, the fixture changing its position depending on the driving and steering speed as well as the longitudinal and lateral acceleration. It assumes five different angle settings from 80km/h upwards to either optimise handling stability or reduce drag.

The sleeker design of the new SL 43 continued to support the decision to install a fabric top instead of the previously-used metal vario-roof, which resulted in a weight savings of 21kg and a lower centre of gravity which sharpens its handling, too.

The roof’s three-layer design consists of a tightly-stretched outer shell and a precisely-finished roof liner sandwiching an acoustic mat made of high-quality PES fleece, and at the push of a button, it opens and closes in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60km/h.

Hybrid performance

Under the SL’s outstretched bonnet is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

The setup meshes with a nine-speed automatic gearbox that feeds power to the rear wheels only, altogether producing a maximum of 280kW and 480Nm, with 10kW and 150Nm of Overboost coming from the integrated belt-driven starter generator when launching the two-door out of the blocks.

These power figures give the AMG a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 275km/h, as well as a fuel consumption reading of 9.0l/100km.

It further sits atop the newly-developed AMG Ride Control suspension system with “particularly powerful aluminium shock absorbers and lightweight coil springs” which are calibrated for the heavily-loaded front end and lightweight tail resulting in distinctive handling characteristics.

To tailor the ride to the driver’s whims, the SL also comes with the AMG Dynamic Select drive mode programme comprising Comfort, Individual, Slippery, Sport, Sport+, and Race settings, in addition to the AMG composite brake system for rapid braking performance.

High-tech features

The cabin of the new Mercedes was designed with a focus on blending the analogue and digital into a form known as “hyperanalogue.”

This is exemplified by the 12.3-inch instrument cluster integrated into a “three-dimensional visor” alongside an 11.9-inch touchscreen on the centre console that houses the majority of the in-cabin controls, with physical buttons and switches being retained for vital systems such as the hazards, cameras, roof, and speaker volume.

The vertical tilt of the central display can be electrically adjusted between 12 and 32 degrees, and it runs on the latest MBUX operating system that provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a smart voice assistant, as well as the AMG-specific “Performance” and “Track Pace” apps for logging driving data.

Additionally, standard kit on the convertible includes Nappa leather seats, the AMG Performance multifunction steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and steering and lane assist.

Buyers of the SL further have a raft of optional extras to choose from, including AMG Performance seats, several interior colour combinations and materials, a heated steering wheel, rear-axle steering, adaptive suspension, the Aerodynamics package, and 20 or 21-inch wheels.

Mercedes-AMG SL 43