Mercedes AMG SL43 (2024) - The Pinnacle of Luxury

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2024 Mercedes-AMG SL-Class
Starting at $111.000 est
Highs: A renewed sense of style, exceedingly quick, suitably ritzy cabin.
Lows: Token rear seats, next-level pricing, fussy touch controls.
Verdict: Its looks could thrill but the glam crowd may not need all this performance-while keen drivers may prefer more engagement.
Overview
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL-class blends luxury and performance in a head-turning open-top package. The current-generation SL leans more heavily toward the performance side of the spectrum but still threads the luxury needle well enough to appeal to its traditional clientele. The latest SL also made a departure from the recent past by expanding its cockpit from a strictly two-seat configuration to a two-plus-two. The rear seats, though, are far more suitable for stowing a briefcase or handbag than for transporting even pint-sized humans. The glitzy interior features a large central touchscreen, the angle of which can be adjusted to reduce sun glare. The SL is capped by a power soft top that, when lowered, eats up less trunk space than the previous model's retractable hardtop. Mercedes-AMG offers a trio of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder in the SL43, stepping up to a powerful V-8 in the SL55 and graduating to a stonker of a V-8 in the SL63.
What's New for 2024?
The SL powers into 2024 largely unchanged, although buyers seeking something extra-special have new choices. Mercedes-AMG is bringing its Manufaktur specialty program to the SL, which offers non-standard paint colors and two special nappa leather upholstery choices. Kicking off the program is the SL63 Manufaktur Big Sur, which is decked out in Orange Flame Metallic with a Mystic Red and Black nappa leather interior highlighted with orange contrast stitching.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
SL43: $111,000 (est)
SL55: $145,650
SL63: $188,150
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. 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
Except for 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 the 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 Lexus LC-both of which are offered with powerful V-8 engines-as well as more sporting rivals, such as the Porsche 911. That said, we put the SL63 on the track during our Lightning Lap competition, where it proved shockingly capable. Back in the real world, drivers may find the SL has more selectable drive modes than is necessary, giving the impression that the car hasn't quite found its focus. Acceleration is right-now responsive; in our testing, the SL63 roared to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds accompanied by a baritone exhaust burble. We haven't tested the SL55 or the entry-level SL43, but Mercedes says even the four-cylinder version is good for about 4.8 seconds to 60 mph with a top speed of 170 mph.
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