Yes, it’s a Mercedes-AMG SL with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. But it’s a lot better than that sounds, and Mercedes has form with this sort of stuff, so stick with us on this.
The precedent is the 190 SL of 1954. Because the legendary 300 SL Gullwing and its roadster successor had a bespoke spaceframe chassis and a then-cutting-edge fuel-injected engine, they were furiously expensive. So to spread the roadster love, the 190 SL was derived from the Ponton saloon, had a slightly less pretty body and was powered by a 1.9-litre four. Despite its leisurely 105bhp, it was a hit.
Today’s four-cylinder SL buyer has to accept far fewer compromises. Save for the round (rather than trapezoidal) exhaust pipes and the marginally less aggressive bumpers, it looks the same as the V8 versions. Which, with its long bonnet, clean lines and big wheels, is pretty good indeed – to my eyes at least.
The SL 43 is also not short on power. Its M139 engine is a development of the one in the A45. At 375bhp, it has slightly less peak power, but is boosted in two ways by a 48V mild-hybrid system. There’s an integrated starter/generator that can contribute 13bhp but, more interestingly, an electric motor in the turbocharger can spin it up even when the flow of exhaust gas is still weak, thus improving throttle response.
Where the SL 43 might just have one over the V8s is that it’s the only SL that comes without front driveshafts. Add in a lighter front end and alloy wheels that are an inch smaller, and it might just be the keen driver’s choice.
