Review
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG coupe
Price: £168,425
/5
- Pros:
- Genuine supercar credentials
- Noise
- Exclusivity
- Cons:
- Asking price
- Slow speed ride
- Large dimensions
pictured: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG coupe 2010 2 door
reviewed by Carbuyer
"Built entirely by AMG, Mercedes-Benz's in-house tuning division, the SLS supercar is an incredible achievement. Powered by a 563bhp V8 engine, it's loud, fast and very exclusive"
At a glance
- The greenest
- - 2dr
£168,425 - The cheapest
- - 2dr
£168,425 - The fastest
- - 2dr
£168,425 - Top of the range
- - 2dr
£168,425
Advertisement
All new from the ground-up, the SLS is the latest supercar to come out of Mercedes-Benz's tuning division, AMG. Featuring gullwing, upwards opening doors as featured on the legendary 300 SL model from 1955, the SLS has huge road presence. The long bonnet houses a tweaked version of the existing 6.2-litre V8 engine found in other AMG models, producing a mammoth 563bhp. Emitting a thunderous noise the SLS is capable of completing the 0-62mph sprint in 3.8 seconds - easily quick enough to compete with rivals from Ferrari and Lamborghini. Top speed is quoted as 197mph. Fitted with Mercedes' first seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, SLS drivers can change gear via two steering wheel-mounted shift-paddles.
Drive
The SLS AMG is a true supercar
On of the reasons the SLS is so fast and handles so well is the lack of weight. Mercedes' in-house tuning brand AMG have worked very hard to keep it as light as possible. The huge 6.2-litre 563bhp V8 engine plays its part too. The result is a 0-62mph tim of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 197mph. Sat far back in the chassis, almost over the rear wheels, the ride is firm and a little jerky around town but the trade-off is incredible stability once up to speed. The gearbox is also much happier once the car is fully underway.
Comfort
It doesn't like to dawdle
Dealing with bumpy, uneven roads remarkably well the AMG is at home on a range of different road surfaces, but only once up to speed. The steering requires precise inputs but on bumpy roads does tend to fidget a little. Around town the ride is firm and choppy- this is not helped by the huge 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. The cabin is a great place to be though, featuring some highly detailed touches, plus the seats are excellent.
Reliability
Built to typically high Mercedes standards
The SLS is beautifully finished and due to it's incredibly stiff aluminium chassis should prove remarkably strong should the worst happen. The host of safety features and interior airbags will also help to protect the occupants in the event of an accident. The gullwing doors have a quick-release mechanism that is activated should the car become inverted. Watch the SLS crash test video here.
Practicality
The SLS is a big car with a very long bonnet
Getting in and out of the SLS is easy thanks to the wide opening created by the gullwing roof-hinged doors. Shorter drivers will find it quite a stretch to pull the doors closed, however. Once underway, the SLS proves very easy to drive and only on smaller roads does the width become an issue. The long bonnet makes parking in tight spaces quite tricky, but parking sensors are provided. The boot is small but still offers a useful 176-litres.
Value for money
Very expensive to buy and upgrade
Similarly priced to the McLaren MP4-12C and Ferrari 458 Italia the SLS AMG is a very expensive car. Standard kit does include sat-nav, heated seats, AMG dials, cruise control and Parktronic parking sensors however. Nevertheless, buyers looking to add optional extras to the SLS face simply huge costs. The ceramic high-performance brake system costs an eye-watering £8,140 and the carbon-fibre interior trim package is yours for a £6,000 premium.
Running costs
Very steep running costs
The SLS has a combined fuel consumption figure of 21.4mpg which means frequent fuel stops and very large bills. Emissions also fall into the highest category resulting in an annual Road Tax cost of £460. Massive tyres and very expensive servicing are the norm in this class, too.
