New Mercedes-AMG SL 43: A four-pot and electric turbo for the roadster

Following the debut of the Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4MATIC+ and SL 63 4MATIC+ models sometime last year, the carmaker has now revealed the less powerful SL 43 variant.

To address the elephant in the room, the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 employs an M139 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that also makes use of an electric exhaust gas turbocharger for the first time in the world of production vehicles. 

The technology has been adopted from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and allows for spontaneous throttle response across the entire range while also enhancing efficiency.

The new form of turbocharging is operated by a 48-Volt electrical system and with the 2.0-litre turbocharged unit underneath, the setup is good for 280 kW and 480 Nm of torque – an additional 10 kW is available for short bursts on overboost, thanks to the starter generator system. 

Despite it not being the full-blown 63 and 55 models, its time of 4.9 seconds to 100 km/h from a standstill is surely something to enjoy. It will continue to accelerate to a capped top speed of 275 km/h while shifting through an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G (9-speed) transmission that sends power entirely to the rear wheels. 

Although it looks similar to its more potent counterparts, until you pay some attention to the details, the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 spawns different front and rear aprons plus four-round double-exhaust tips instead of angular…oh, and ‘43’ insignias, of course.  

As standard, the SL 43 runs on 19” light-alloy wheels while 20” and 21” can be fitted as options. 

The interior doesn’t differ that much from the V8’s. You still get a fully-digital instrument cluster, a standard MBUX infotainment system with several specific display styles and different modes. The SL 43 comes standard with a wide range of electronically- and manually-adjustable luxury seats in a combination of artico man-made leather and fabric. 

Buyers can upgrade to leather seat covers, Nappa leather and Nappa AMG leather at an added cost. 

Instead of the SL forebear’s Vario roof, the new SL 43 makes use of an electric soft top that saves 21 kg and thus resulting in a lower centre of gravity and enhanced driving dynamics. Opening and closing the roof takes about 15 seconds at speeds up to 60 km/h. 

The new SL 43 2+2 roadster is earmarked to go on sale in the coming months and pricing is expected to be announced quite soon.  

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