2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 revealed, set for Australian launch

Mercedes-AMG has revealed its SL 43 – a four-cylinder convertible featuring Formula 1 turbocharger technology to give buyers an entry point to its SL range.

Placed under the V8-powered Mercedes-AMG SL 55 and SL 63, which were unveiled last year, the SL 43 becomes the 'entry-level' offering for what is now a standalone AMG model, dropping the all-wheel drive systems of its siblings in favour of a rear-wheel drive layout.

Under the bonnet, it packs a 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing up to 290kW and 480Nm, delivered to the rear axle through a nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission.

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While its outputs might sound like a downgrade from the other SLs, which pack 350kW/700Nm and 430kW/800Nm in 55 and 63 guise respectively, there is one feature on the 43 which makes up for having half the capacity, cylinders and turbos as its counterparts.

Borrowing technology from its Formula 1 program, Mercedes-AMG and Garrett have created the first electric turbocharger for a road car, with a 48-volt electric motor bolted onto the compressor's charger shaft.

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To negate the effects of turbo lag, the motor spools up the turbine wheel while waiting for sufficient exhaust gas to flow through the compressor, allowing it to deliver peak boost on demand at almost any point in the rev range.

With the internal combustion engine pushing out its peak power of 280kW at 6750 rpm and holding maximum torque from 3250 rpm to 5000 rpm, a belt-driven, 48-volt starter generator can act as a mild-hybrid system to bump up the power by 10kW.

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Outside of the engine bay, the SL 43 is set apart from the V8s with tweaked front and rear bumpers, as well as round exhaust tips, and the four-cylinder 2+2 roadster also rides on 19-inch wheels as standard – although 20- and 21-inch alloys will be available as optional extras.

After the introduction of the R232 SL series last year, all grades within the range benefit from; its aluminium construction with active aerodynamics, an electric soft-top, AMG adaptive ride control, composite brakes and the latest iteration of Mercedes's MBUX infotainment system – featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

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Optional features on the SL 43 will include rear-wheel steering and AMG's Dynamic Plus package, adding equipment such as; dynamic engine mounts, an electronic rear differential, 'Race' driving mode, lowered suspension (providing a 10 millimetre drop) and yellow AMG brake calipers.

It's not known whether these options will be available locally or what specification the car will be offered in, but Mercedes-AMG has confirmed the SL 43 is set to join its local line-up, with pricing and features to be announced closer to its launch in the fourth quarter of 2022.