2023 Mercedes AMG SL 43 - Luxury and Sportier Car

The sportier positioning of the new SL also suggested the decision for an electric soft top instead of the previous metal vario-roof. The 21-kilogram reduction in weight and the resulting lower centre of gravity have a positive effect on driving dynamics and handling. The Z-fold saves space and weight, and makes it possible to dispense with a conventional soft-top compartment cover. The front header bow ensures that the open soft top is flush in its final position. At the same time, the developers were faced with the task of maintaining the high suitability for everyday use and the exemplary quiet-running. The three-layer design consists of a tightly stretched outer shell, a precisely finished roof liner and an acoustic mat made of high-quality 450 g/m² PES fleece inserted in between. Opening and closing takes only about 15 seconds and is possible up to a speed of 60 km/h. The soft top is operated using the switch panel in the centre console or the multimedia touch screen, on which an animation shows how the process is progressing. The interior of the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 also features an exciting combination of analogue geometry and the digital world - known as “hyperanalogue“. This is exemplified by the fully digital instrument cluster, which is integrated into a three-dimensional visor. The standard MBUX infotainment system offers a choice of several specific display styles and different modes. The symmetrical instrument panel is designed as a powerful wing and structured into an upper and lower section. The highlight are the four galvanised turbine nozzles. Their surfaces merge into the instrument panel in the form of powerful power domes. The lower section of the instrument panel evolves fluidly from the centre console, seamlessly connecting the two elements. Despite symmetry, the cockpit design creates a clear focus on the driver: The high-resolution LCD screen of the instrument cluster is not designed to be free-standing, but integrated into a high-tech visor that prevents reflections caused by sunlight. In order to avoid disturbing light reflections caused by different sun positions when the soft top is open, the tilt of the touch screen on the centre console can also be electrically adjusted from 12 degrees to 32 degrees. The latest generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is intuitive to operate and capable of learning. It offers a host of functional content and the operating structure of the second-generation MBUX system, which debuted in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In the SL, extensive AMG-specific content in five display styles is added. Exclusive menu items such as “AMG Performance“ or “AMG TRACK PACE“ also emphasise the sporty character. The SL 43 is equipped as standard with a wide range of electrically and manually adjustable luxury seats in a combination of ARTICO man-made leather and fabric. Seat covers in leather, NAPPA leather and NAPPA AMG leather are optionally available, as are AMG sports seats and AMG Performance seats with their sculptural design. The optionally available upholstery in MANUFAKTUR macchiato beige/titanium grey or in MANUFAKTUR truffle brown/black ensures a particularly exclusive touch. The AMG Performance seats can also be upholstered in a combination of nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre with yellow or red decorative topstitching. In addition to the standard high-gloss black, the trim elements and centre console are also available in aluminium or carbon and in MANUFAKTUR chrome black. The AMG Performance steering wheel with optional steering wheel heater is available in nappa leather and nappa leather/MICROCUT microfibre. As standard, the SL 43 is equipped with a newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL steel suspension with particularly powerful aluminium shock absorbers and lightweight coil springs. The new SL is the first production vehicle ever from Mercedes-AMG to feature a multi-link front axle with five links arranged entirely within the rim. This significantly improves the kinematics. At the rear axle, a 5-link design likewise controls the wheels. To reduce unsprung masses, all suspension links, steering knuckles and wheel carriers on the front and rear axles of the new SL are made of forged aluminium. The multi-link concept controls each wheel with the least amount of elastic movement. The high camber and track stability not only enables high cornering speeds, it also provides the driver with optimal road contact at the high cornering limit. This is reflected in excellent lateral dynamics and driving stability at high speeds as well as in the good-natured reaction to external influences such as crosswinds, bumps or jumps in friction coefficients. Thanks: Motto Automotive