After the launch of the facelifted 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and its AMG versions in Malaysia today, many thought that was it. But we were given a surprise as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has also previewed the Mercedes-AMG SL 43! As this is just a preview, no official retail prices for the AMG SL 43 are available just yet. The recommended retail price Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has provided for the roadster so far is just shy of RM1 million, at RM999,888 (with 10% SST).
Serving as the entry-level model of the AMG SL roadster series, the 2+2 seater soft top roadster is described by Mercedes-Benz as a combination between the sportiness of the original SL race car and the luxury and technological excellence of the modern Mercedes-AMG models. On the outside, the AMG SL 43 sports the AMG-specific radiator grille on its front end, and features luxurious bits such as the flush door handles.
The German luxury carmaker also boasts about the defining features of the AMG SL 43’s body design. This includes the roadster’s long wheelbase, short overhangs, long bonnet, as well as its steeply-raked windscreen.
Closing the German roadster’s three-layer fabric soft top takes about 15 seconds, thanks to the Z-fold design, which also simultaneously helps save space. Closing the soft top can also be done up to speeds of 60 km/h.
RELATED: 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ facelift launched in Malaysia – from RM510k
Other equipments that come standard with the AMG SL 43 include the brand’s Digital Light headlights system and integrated rear wing that extends itself automatically. When the roadster is officially launched in Malaysia, the AMG SL 43 will be available in twelve paint finishes, including two exclusive SL colours – hyper blue metallic and Manufaktur Monza Grey Mango.
Powering the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, which makes 381 hp and 480 Nm. The new roadster is the first series-produced vehicle in the world to feature an electric exhaust gas turbocharger.
This technology comes from Formula 1 and helps solve the trade-off between a small fast responding supercharger that only provides a comparatively low peak power, as well as a large supercharger that gives high peak power but with delayed response. The turbocharger is operated via the car’s 48V electrical system, which also feeds the brand’s belt-driven starter generator (RSG) that is capable of providing an additional short-term boost of 14 hp and 150 Nm in certain driving situations.
Paired with AMG’s Speedshift Multi-Clutch 9G transmission, power is delivered solely to the rear wheels. Going from a standstill to 100 km/h with this roadster takes 4.9 seconds, and the top speed is 275 km/h.
The AMG SL 43 also comes stock with sports suspension and is the first production Mercedes-AMG vehicle ever to be fitted with a multi-link front axle with five links arranged entirely within the rim. Mercedes-AMG says that this setup significantly improves the car’s kinematics. The rear axle on the other hand features a 5-link design.
RELATED: 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift launched in Malaysia, from RM239k
Sitting inside the AMG SL 43 roadster, one will find the interior featuring what Mercedes-Benz describes as ‘hyperanalogue’, which is a combination between analogue geometry and the digital world. The hyperanalogue interior consists of the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, which is integrated into a three-dimensional visor in order to prevent reflections caused by sunlight, especially when the soft top is open.
The centre display features the brand’s MBUX infotainment system and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also a head-up display (HUD), as well as the MBUX augmented reality (AR) display for navigation.
As an AMG vehicle, the AMG SL 43 comes fitted with the AMG Performance steering wheel, wrapped in Nappa leather and finished in AMG aluminium trim. There are also multicontour seats and the front seats specifically come with heating and ventilating functions.
The dashboard of the roadster is shaped like a power dome, which houses the four air-cond vents that look like galvanised turbine nozzles. Safety-wise, the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 is equipped with the brand’s Driving Assistance Package, as well as the Parking Advance with a reverse camera.
RELATED: 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM650k – 687hp, 1020Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.3 secs
GALLERY
