New Entry-Level 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43 Gets A Four-Cylinder With An Electric Turbo

Nearly six decades after the last four-cylinder SL rolled off the production line in 1963 and Mercedes is re-introducing a four-banger in its flagship roadster lineup in the form of the new 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43.

Following the introduction of a pair of bi-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8s in the SL 55 4Matic+ and SL63 4Matic+ delivering 470-hp and 577-hp respectively in the R232-codenamed SL last year, the SL43 takes its place as the entry model of the 2+2 roadster range.

Read: 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Breaks Cover With 2+2 Seats, Fabric Top, AWD And Up To 577 HP

Powering the base SL is a new variant of AMG’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder M139 engine that uses an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, a technology derived from Formula 1 racing cars, which Mercedes claims a first for a production vehicle. The turbocharger is operated through a 48-volt electrical system that feeds the second-generation belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). Beyond providing a temporary boost in power, the system also works as a mild-hybrid allowing a gliding mode and energy recovery for increased efficiency.

Less power than the A45 S

The 2.0-liter unit that is positioned longitudinally in the SL 43 produces 375-hp (280 kW / 381 PS) at 6,750 rpm and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of peak torque between 3,250 and 5,000 rpm, plus an additional short-term boost of 13-hp (10 kW / 14 PS) from the belt-driven starter generator (RSG) in certain driving situations. For those of you counting horses, that’s notably less than the 2.0-liter turbo found in the A45 S and CLA 45 S, which is rated at an impressive 415 hp (310 kW / 421 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque making it currently the most powerful four-cylinder in production.

AMG’s 9-speed MCT automatic transmission drives the rear wheels only with the Germans claiming a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 275 km/h (171 mph). As for fuel economy, in the combined WLTP cycle, the SL43 returns between 9.4 and 8.9 l/100km, which is the U.S. equivalent of 25.0-26.4 mpg.

Elsewhere, the base version of AMG’s fabric-top roadster comes fitted as standard with an AMG RIDE CONTROL steel suspension and an AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system with five driving modes, or six if you opt for the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package that adds “Race” to the existing “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport +” and “Individual”. The optional Plus Package also throws in a few more goodies to the mix, including a 10mm lowered suspension, different engine mounts, an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential and yellow brake calipers.

How can I tell it’s a four-cylinder SL?

Glad you asked. For those of you aspiring to be that guy pointing out the four-cylinder block under the hood when someone opts to delete the badging, the easiest way is to look at the back and spot the round instead of the angular double tailpipe trim found in the V8s. The SL 43 also runs on smaller 19-inch wheels as standard, but you can also get the larger 20 or 21 inch rims available in the eight-cylinder models as an option.

Speaking of extras, Mercedes hasn’t held back offering anything and everything from an active rear-axle steering (HAL) system that turns the rear wheels either in the opposite direction (up to 100 km/h or 62 mph) or in the same direction (faster than 100 km/h) as the front wheels and MANUFAKTUR individual colors, to all sorts of packages like the exterior Carbon and high-gloss chrome kits.

Will it come to North America?

We’re not sure yet, but we wouldn’t be surprised if Mercedes kept it out of the USA, as there’s a stigma against four-cylinder engines in higher-end sports and luxury cars, especially at this price point. Still, we’ve reached out to Mercedes and will update this story if and when they get back to us. As for the European market, Mercedes will communicate availability and pricing details at a later stage.

Beyond the SL43, Mercedes-AMG is also working on a plug-in hybrid variant of the R232 that could be called the SL63 E-Performance featuring the same powertrain as the AMG GT 63 E Performance that combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with an electric motor making a massive 831 hp (842 PS/620 kW) and 1,023 lb-ft (1,400 Nm) of torque.