Mercedes-AMG SL 43

Mercedes-AMG SL 43

Character

SL is one of the oldest continuously produced names in motoring: the line reaches back to the 1950s, and its purpose has been the same from the start — an open car for covering distance, comfortable and elegant rather than extreme. The R232 generation returned after many years to a folding fabric roof instead of a metal one, lowering the centre of gravity and restoring the classic roadster proportions.

The 43 variant is the most unusual in the range. Instead of a V8 it uses a two-litre four-cylinder engine with an electrically driven turbocharger — a solution derived directly from racing technology, in which a small electric motor spins the turbine wheel before the exhaust gases carry enough energy to do it. The result is throttle response that four cylinders with conventional turbocharging simply cannot deliver.

Reviewers describe the SL 43 as a car of different character from the more powerful SL versions: less dramatic, but lighter at the nose and consequently more agile through corners. It is a roadster for driving pleasurably at ordinary speeds rather than a machine for chasing stopwatch times — and most people rent it for exactly that reason.

This car

The AUREX example is a 2022 model year. The powertrain is a 2.0-litre turbocharged AMG unit producing 381 hp and 480 Nm, with an automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive. Zero to 100 km/h takes 4.9 seconds and top speed is 275 km/h.

This is the only car in the entire AUREX fleet driven through the rear axle alone — every other model has all-wheel drive. That has two consequences. First, the handling character is more direct: the car responds to the throttle mid-corner rather than simply hauling itself forward. Second, in low temperatures and on wet surfaces it demands more attention than the rest of the catalogue, which is worth bearing in mind when booking outside the summer season.

The body is a two-door roadster with a folding fabric roof, operated electrically including at low speed. The R232 generation reinstated the 2+2 layout — the first SL to offer it since 1989. The rear seats have fixed backrests and, according to the manufacturer, accommodate passengers up to 150 cm tall; in practice they more often serve as additional luggage space, taking a golf bag among other things. Equipment includes a modern infotainment system with smartphone integration, comfortable sports seats, driver assistance and parking support.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 43 in Warsaw

This is the most seasonal car in the fleet, and what it offers in Warsaw shifts with the calendar. From May to September it is unrivalled: a run along the Wisłostrada in the evening with the roof down, Łazienki, Wilanów, the avenues of Konstancin — a scenario no other car in the catalogue reproduces.

Outside the season, approach the choice soberly. Rear-wheel drive on wet or icy surfaces demands attention, and two usable seats plus a roadster boot limit what the car can do. If it needs to work regardless of the weather, the Mercedes-AMG GT 53 from the same fleet with 4MATIC+ will suit you better.

Dimensions cause no trouble in the city — the roadster is shorter than the four-door cars in this fleet and fits standard parking spaces. The low front bumper needs attention at speed bumps and car park ramps. The Clean Transport Zone in the central districts poses no restriction for a 2022 petrol engine. You can collect the car from our office at Nowy Świat 54/56, or we will deliver it to the Chopin Airport terminal, to Modlin or to a given address in the city.

When the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 makes sense

A summer weekend for two is the primary and most common scenario. The SL 43 is a car chosen for the experience of driving with the roof down rather than for performance, and at legal speeds on the roads around Warsaw it delivers more of that experience than the more powerful cars in this fleet.

The second scenario is a wedding or celebration. A roadster with the roof down is a classic in that role, and the light cabin and low silhouette photograph unlike an SUV. The third is a photo shoot, particularly outdoors and at sunset.

The fourth is long-term rental for the summer season: several months from May to September as a second car. This is the most natural form of extended use for an SL and a more common choice than year-round rental. Terms for extended periods are agreed individually.

Mercedes-AMG SL 43 or Mercedes-AMG GT 53 — open roof against four doors

Two AMGs with turbocharged engines instead of V8s and opposed applications. The SL 43 is a 2+2 roadster with rear-wheel drive and a folding roof: a seasonal car for two. The GT 53 is a four-door coupé with 4MATIC+, genuine rear seats and a large tailgate: a car for the whole year.

Performance is closer than the cylinder count suggests: the SL 43 reaches 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 275 km/h, the GT 53 in 4.5 seconds and 285 km/h respectively. The real difference is how many people are travelling and what the weather is doing.

If you want a closed sports car for two with a more direct character, the same fleet holds the BMW M2.

Where to drive from Warsaw

A roadster asks for short, winding, scenic routes — and good weather. The first direction is Konstancin-Jeziorna and then along the western bank of the Vistula: half an hour from the centre, villa-lined avenues, a brine graduation tower and roads with no through traffic. It is the best day trip with the roof down.

The second is the Kampinos Forest and Żelazowa Wola, an hour west, with forest sections through Palmiry and Truskaw where tree cover makes roofless driving pleasant even in midsummer. The third, longer, is Kazimierz Dolny on the Vistula via Puławy: a hundred and forty kilometres, a Renaissance market square and a bluff above the river.

For a weekend with an overnight stay the natural choice is Masuria on the S8: Mikołajki, Giżycko and the roads between the lakes, which look entirely different with the roof down than from inside a closed car. Check the forecast when planning: the fabric roof folds and unfolds in around fifteen seconds, but rain across half the route takes the point out of the whole exercise.

Frequently asked questions

Is it true that the SL 43 has a Formula 1 derived turbocharger?

The turbocharger in the SL 43 is electrically driven — a small electric motor spins the turbine wheel before the exhaust gases carry enough energy, eliminating turbo lag. The solution comes from work on racing powertrains, and this model was among the first road cars to receive it in production form.

How much luggage fits in the SL 43 with the roof down?

The roadster's boot takes two smaller holdalls or one cabin case plus a bag, and with the roof stowed there is less room. The body does have a 2+2 layout, however, so the rear seats can serve as additional luggage space — the manufacturer cites a golf bag as an example. This is a car for a weekend for two with a sensible amount of luggage.

Can I collect the AMG SL 43 at Chopin Airport?

Yes. We deliver to the Chopin Airport terminal, to Modlin and to any address in Warsaw. You can also collect from our office at Nowy Świat 54/56. Place and time are agreed when we confirm the booking.

How does the AMG SL 43 differ from the AMG GT 53 in the same fleet?

The SL 43 is a 2+2 roadster with rear-wheel drive and a folding roof, intended chiefly for the summer season. The GT 53 is a four-door coupé with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, full-size rear seats and a large boot, suitable for driving all year.

Is the SL 43 suitable for autumn and winter driving?

Technically yes, but it is the only car in this fleet driven through the rear axle alone, so on wet and slippery surfaces it demands more attention than the other models. Outside the summer season the AMG GT 53 or the BMW X7 40i will suit you better.

Can I take this car outside Poland?

Yes, but travel abroad requires written consent and an additional charge for extended insurance. Tell us the destination and dates when booking so we can prepare the paperwork in time.