I swear somebody told me the CLA AMG 45 was the same under the hood as the SL43- so if true, that’s the world in which I would look at that. I’ve never driven one.

 

I think the point was that even if the engines are similar, these are vastly different cars. Low-end 4 door sedan vs. high-end convertible...

 

thank you for explaining. If I’m hearing you correctly, the point is that the low end sedan (also a coupe option, not sure ..) will take that same very nice engine but the driving experience will be nothing like the SL- even if the hp, torque and 0-60 are roughly the same. I don’t know if the CLA is supposed to be a meh car as far as handling but something must account for the 70k price difference. Honestly Wolfman, it’s all been a thought experiment as for adulting and getting a more practical, less expensive/high maintenance car that wouldn’t leave totally me without tactical moves ability on LA freeways. So far, no deal. Maybe I’ll adult next year, decide I want driving to be boring but comfy and trade the SL550 in for a sedan. HA. Prob not.

 

The easiest way is to just go and test drive a variety of cars. The M139 engine is a true hand-build AMG engine like its larger brethren and it is the world's most powerful 4 cylinder engine. The SL43 fits in-between the SL450 & SL550 but a quick tune will take it above the SL550 in power/acceleration. I'd take a V8 but would not diss the SL43. As for the CLA platform, it's not comparable to the SL or cross-shopped either. 2 different cars for different purposes even if they share an engine, which they also do with the Lotus Emira and other MB models.

 

Here is an interesting review of the SL43.

 

Has anyone heard anything about Renntech releasing a tune for the SL 43 ?

 

The CLA45/A45/GLA45 has the same engine. I would check with Renntech but assume that this tune will work for the SL

Power AMG 45:
Stock: 382 HPand 354 LB-FT
RPM Tuned: 456 HP and 384 TQ | GAINS: 69 HP & 30 LB-FT
The RENNtech Power Module for Mercedes-AMG M139 -engines:

• A 45 AMG (X247 -chassis)
• GLA 45 AMG (H247 -chassis)
• CLA 45 AMG (V177 and W177 -chassis)

 

Motortrend has a review up of the AMG SL 43 - they are listing 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds which isn't far off the 2020 SL550 they tested: MT AMG SL 43 Review

 

I'd be more curious what the passing power is like. Highway cruising at 70-100. Lower end numbers are small part of it.

 

Should be quite good actually. Lower weight due to RWD only...
I have seen a poorly timed dragy result from Germany at 12.5s from 100-200km/h (60-130mph). So about the same as your G63. A W205 C63 AMG will run in the 10-11 second range. Our M8 between 7-8 sec.

You will have no problem passing trucks quickly even without the big torque rush

 

I appreciate your question as an owner and was looking to see if anyone answered you.

1. I love the car and understand what it is and what it is not
2. I don't want an SL55 until I can outdrive the SL43. I've taken it to the track and have a instructor I've hired to help me learn how to get 110% out of this car. I've learned that it has insane amounts of capability and I would guess there are greater number of SL55 owners who do not know how to extract the capability their cars have.
3. I have the MAUFAKTUR Hyper Blue Metallic, Black interior/Napa leather, aluminum trim, AMG steering wheel w/Napa, Black top, 19" AMG wheels, MBUX interior, Hands Free access, Load Compartment package, Driver Assistance Pkg, and Touring Line Pkg.

Impressions - I love the electronic gas turbocharger and the fact that I have no lag - tested on the track. The traction and handling pushing the car to 7/10ths (best I can do right now) is predictable, fun and very capable. I am able to get the car a bit sideways with complete control and it doesn't do anything unpredictable. The steering is communicative and it is clear to me when I'm hitting a traction limit. So far I have only tracked it in Sport and not Sport+. It is also a terrific daily. When I need a relaxing and comfortable commute - I have it. Furthermore, I can get over 500 miles on a tank of gas in Comfort mode. My slightly smaller than normal 13you son can fit in the backseat - and - can stand it for about 45 minutes max. Not a realistically usable backseat but you can use it in a pinch.

It seems like everyone wants to race me at a light. I'll typically give it a decent attempt but I noticed that even in Sport+ the car will throttle me back if I accelerate too quickly and trip the traction control off the line. Thats annoys me. My guess is that I need to adjust or turn off the traction control in those situations BUT I also don't want to spin the car for a light to light ego match.

 

Next too other superars past and present 10+

 

Next too other superars past and present 10+

 

I have a 2023 SL43. It is white magno with red pepper interior and 21” Y spoke rims. Previously, I have had a 2004 SL 500 and a 2012 SLK. I liked all of them very much.
Now about the SL 43 and the nay sayers,, the power is very sufficient for me. Magazine’s report 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. I don’t need more. The chassis is great. You do get subdued noises from the exhaut especially in sport mode. The ONLY negative that I can report to you is the engine idle is rough but I simply keep it in engine off mode when stopped which eliminates any idling. Problem eliminated!

My opinion is the only difference of 43 vs 55 or 63, if you drive it reasonably not tracking, is a smoother, more powerful v-8 and all wheel drive. Visually, all 3 models are essentially the same inside and outside.

So if 0-60 in 4.5 sec is enough buy a 43, otherwise buy a 55 or 63. I saved at least $30k over a 55. Also, after 3 or 4 years the depreciation will probably be less for a 43 due to lower price. Drive a 43 and see if it’s fast enough for you. I viewed a number of utube videos on SL 43s and most had no problem with the power. The reviewers, for the most part, were questioning the price. You know the old saying “ if you want to play, you have to pay the fiddler “.

 

I am not certain about the SL43, if it has a twin turbo(biturbo) like the 55, and 63. Any turbocharger that shuts down and restarts frequently is hard on the turbochargers. For that reason, I keep my starter setting out of eco mode.

 

I’m sure the 43 is a very nice car. Yet, it is still a member of the SL Class and I really feel that it deserved two more cylinders and no rough idle. With a starting price over $111,000.00, a 4-banger is just cutting things too far, in my opinion. So, the I6 won’t fit? MB has an extremely competent V6 sitting on the shelf and that’s what belongs under the hood of an SL43. Silky smooth and it can really wail—even in plain, vanilla MB form. Who knows what the folks at AMG could do wit it?

 

Never thought of that, but ever since I’ve had vehicles with the stop/start feature, I have disabled it as part of the start up process. I find it very annoying.

 

At least you don't have to deal with that anymore going electric.

 

A 4 banger with rough idle to boot on a $100,000.00 MB flagship (e.g.SL) is a bit of an oxymoron. They should have offered the sweet new turbo and electrically supercharged inline 6 that's in the new CLE 53 AMG, then priced it right and they'd most likely have a hit.

 

Well, we still have two gas burners in the garage, both powered by the aforementioned marvelous V6’s.

 

Ya the GT 4 door came in GT 43 version with that M256, I guess the new gen GT 4 door will be downsizing to M139 as well as it seems.

I see, right almost forgot those two you have, the M276 is a great engine.