Mercedes-AMG SL

Model reviewed: SL 63
Score: 8 / 10
“The pricey Mercedes-AMG SL 63 makes more sense when you realise the next-generation AMG GT won’t be offered as a roadster. It should sit neatly as a soft-top alternative to the AMG GT because there’s no question over the levels of performance, but it comes at a cost to the SL’s traditional comfort-oriented approach.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
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Model reviewed: SL 43
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mercedes-AMG SL 43 has all the kerbside appeal of its more expensive siblings and some extra usability, but with AMG taking the reins for this generation of SL we’d hoped for a little more excitement from behind the wheel.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Mercedes-AMG SL should serve as both refined cruiser and engaging sports car, thanks to development from performance division AMG. It nearly gets there, but in compromising to try and hit both targets, it’s not quite as good as it could be at either.”
Author: Antony Ingram
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Model reviewed: SL 55
Score: 8 / 10
“The new four-wheel-drive Mercedes-AMG SL 55 AMG is surprisingly sharp to drive for a two-tonne, open-topped car and its hood-up refinement is also deeply impressive. But its interior, although extremely well equipped, lacks design maturity – and if ever a car could have too many toys to play with (or become confused by) this is it. We like the new SL, but we don’t love it.” (Steve Sutcliffe)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The latest in a long line of Mercedes SLs is sportier and more advanced than ever, a new four-cylinder option an intriguing twist on the formula.” (Dan Trent)
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Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic SL 63 4Matic+ Premium Plus
Score: 7 / 10
“If Mercedes’ aim was to shake off the SL’s fuddy-duddy image and attract younger buyers, that chassis makeover, combined with the comprehensive infotainment technology and the V8’s dramatic performance, might hit the target. But a returning owner of many SLs would certainly notice key deficiencies here in terms of refinement and ride comfort. On neither is the SL 63 truly poor, but it is only averagely filtered and cosseting for a luxury GT.”(Matt Saunders)
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SL 43 Touring
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mercedes-AMG SL 43 can’t help but feel like a consolation prize meant for those countries that extortionately tax cars with big engines. It’s a good consolation prize, but if you’re in the UK and in the market for an indulgent roadster, you’re just going to seek out something with a V8 or flat six, aren’t you?” (Illya Verpraet)
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Model reviewed: SL 63
Score: 8 / 10
“In the right mode, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is an enjoyable car. It’s hard not to like that engine, there’s a fine handling balance and great traction, and a strong natural cohesion and response to the way it drives. However, you knew what previous SLs were for, and they were great at what they did. This time, it seems keener to be felt as a hot rod with occasional GT leanings, for which it’s not quite isolated enough.” (Matt Prior)
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Model reviewed: SL 55
Score: 8 / 10
“Don’t be fooled by the name, the new Affalterbach-engineered SL is more aggressive than ever before. Although it’s kept most of its manners on the road, a new chassis packed with tricks such as active ride and rear-wheel steering has given it a new suite of abilities.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Considering the size and weight of the SL, it’s impressive that it’s so agile. Twisty roads and long, fast corners are now much more involving, even if the SL can occasionally feel a little twitchy on the motorway.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The main highlight of an AMG is what’s under the bonnet. With two V8 petrol options available, both give you superb performance and a thrilling soundtrack. The autocmatic transmission is super smooth when cruising around, but when you need to change down and overtake, it’s very responsive.”
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Model reviewed: SL55 4Matic
Score: 7 / 10
“Merc’s new SL roadster sits between chilled-out cruiser and AMG hot rod, but doesn’t quite nail either personality trait…” (Stuart Gallagher)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“WIth the extremely high standards set by the competition we can’t help but feel the new SL sits in a bit of a no-mans land, unable to offer the true plushness and interior richness of a proper luxury car while not quite delivering the properly sorted driving experience of the best sports cars.” (Lawrence Allan)
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Model reviewed: SL 55
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 isn’t supercar-quick, although you never feel short-changed on the road. Factor in four-wheel drive, a nine-speed auto gearbox and stability-enhancing rear-wheel steering, and the result is confident and very rapid progress. However, its steering feels oddly artificial and no amount of electronics can entirely mask its weight. But not everyone wants to drive like their pants are on fire and the SL still does the long-striding, luxurious GT thing very well. Overall, the Mercedes-AMG SL is an easy car to admire, but a harder one to love.”
Author: Tim Pitt
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“As far as potent luxury cruisers go, a Bentley Continental GT might perhaps be a smarter buy. As an open-top sports car, any Aston Martin, Porsche or Ferrari is the more involving drive. But somewhere in the middle of that lies the new Mercedes-AMG SL as a highly accomplished new occupant of the middle ground – and as such it’s an easy car to like and recommend if you’re not looking for thrills and spills.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“A car of impressive abilities, the Mercedes SL combines real performance with GT-like refinement and tech.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The latest SL trades the previous version’s slightly dumpy looks and handling for something more aggressive in both respects. It’s still more of a grand tourer than a sports car, but is now extremely composed, and, with its extra dose of practicality, it’s more versatile than ever.”
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