Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (2010 – 2015) Review

March 2010

Super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG has an aluminium space frame body with gullwing doors, an AMG 6.3-litre, front-mid V8 engine with a top power of 571 hp, 650 Nm of torque, and dry sump lubrication; seven-speed dual-clutch in a transaxle configuration; a sports chassis with aluminium double-wishbone suspension; and a kerb weight of 1,620 kilograms. 4,638mm long x 1,939mm wide x 1,262mm high.

It’s a combination that guarantees supreme handling dynamics. The car’s ideal weight distribution between the front and rear axles (47 to 53 per cent respectively) and its low centre of gravity emphasize the concept’s pronounced sports car nature. The gullwing accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 197 mph (electronically limited). The fuel consumption of 21.4 mpg (combined) is best-in-class (all figures are provisional).

Reinterpretation of the legendary gullwing was launched in the UK in early Summer 2010 at from £157,500.

• Engine V8, 4 valves per cylinder, 6208cc
• bore x stroke 102.2 x 94.6
• Rated power output 571hp at 6800 rpm
• Rated torque 650Nm at 4750 rpm
• Compression ratio 11.3 : 1
• Microprocessor-controlled fuel injection, HFM
• Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed sports transmission

• Front axle: Aluminium double wishbone suspension, anti-dive, coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers, stabiliser
• Rear axle: Aluminium double wishbone suspension, anti-squat and anti-dive systems, coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers, stabiliser
• Braking system: Composite disc brakes, internally ventilated and perforated at the front; disc brakes, internally ventilated and perforated at the rear; electric rear parking brake; ABS; Brake Assist; 3-stage ESP®
• Steering: Rack-and-pinion power steering with parameter function, steering damper
• Wheels: Front: 9.5 J x 19; rear: 11 J x 20
• Tyres: Front: 265/35 R 19; rear: 295/30 R 20
• Dimensions and weights*
• Wheelbase 2680mm
• Track front/rear 1682/1653mm
• Overall length 4638mm
• Overall width 1939mm
• Overall height 1262mm
• Turning circle 11.9m
• Boot capacity** 176 litres
• Kerb weight acc. to DIN 1620Kg
• Payload (basis ready-to-drive according to EC) 240Kg
• Perm. gross vehicle weight 1935Kg
• Tank capacity/incl. reserve 85/14 litres
• Performance and fuel consumption*
• Acceleration 0-62 mph 3.8 seconds
• Top speed 200mph
• Fuel consumption 21.4mpg NEDC comb.
• CO2 emissions 314 g/km

April 2010

Mercedes-AMG presented a GT3 variant

This racing version of the gullwing model stands out with its spectacular design and thoroughbred motor sports technology. Developed to comply with the GT3 specifications of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), the SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a racing sports car for customers competing in sprints and long-distance races. These race series for near-series GT cars are noted for their very varied participants and great excitement. Not least because of their comparatively favourable cost structure, they are enjoying increasing worldwide popularity.

AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz, is entering a new business sector with the new SLS AMG GT3: the development, production and marketing of sports racing cars intended for customer use. Sales of these customer cars are expected to commence in autumn 2010, and homologation of the GT3 variant will be completed in time for the 2011 racing season.

May 2011

SLS AMG Roadster announced

After the ‘gullwing’ version, the open-top variant of the SLS AMG is the second car to be independently developed by AMG. The Coupé and Roadster concepts were created in parallel – which brought decisive advantages during the development process. During this approx. 3-year period for the SLS AMG Roadster, the engineers devoted particular attention to the aspects of bodyshell rigidity, driving dynamics, the soft top and NVH.

There are still six months to go before the world premiere at the International Automobile Show in Frankfurt/Main in September 2011. Time enough to verify the maturity of the new SLS AMG Roadster.

The latest simulation software and extensive test drives on all continents make the 420kW (571PS) Roadster fit for its global market launch in autumn 2011. The focus of the specialists in Affalterbach was particularly on bodyshell rigidity, handling dynamics, the soft top and NVH – (Noise, Vibration and Harshness).

In order to achieve handling dynamics identical to those of the Coupé, despite the lack of a fixed roof, the Roadster has two features designed to increase the rigidity of the bodyshell: the cross-member carrying the dashboard has additional supporting struts at the windscreen frame and at the centre tunnel, and a strut mounting stay between the soft top and the fuel tank makes the rear axle even more rigid. These features prevent unwanted vibrations from the start, and make the use of additional, weight-increasing vibration dampers such as those often employed by competitors unnecessary.

As another important aspect, it is only if the bodyshell has the requisite rigidity that the soft top can be safely and reliably opened and closed electrohydraulically while on the move at up to 50 km/h (31 mph). The side members of the front and rear modules in both SLS AMG models are identical. The bodyshell of the Roadster tips the scales at only 243 kilograms – which is comparable to the low, 241-kilogram weight of the SLS AMG Coupé's bodyshell.

Owing to the omission of the coupé roof and gullwing doors, the open-top SLS AMG has a reinforcing cross-member behind the seats which supports the fixed rollover protection system. Not forgetting the 250-watt subwoofer of the Bang&Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end sound system: This is accommodated in the cross-member, as the Coupé-specific location on the parcel shelf is not available owing to the Roadster's soft top. One particular challenge was acoustic insulation of the cross-member, which acts as a subwoofer housing for the two 165-millimetre speakers connected in series.

Numerous improvements became necessary before the required listening pleasure was achieved. It was only with the help of a special bulkhead within the aluminium cross-member that all audiophile standards could be satisfied.

The three-layered fabric soft top of the SLS AMG Roadster, which is deposited behind the seats in a Z-formation to save space, is also an aspect relevant to handling dynamics. This weight-optimised, combined magnesium/steel/ aluminium construction ensures a low centre of gravity and is designed for speeds up to the maximum of 317 km/h (197 mph) (electronically limited).

Whether open or closed, even at top speed there must be no intrusive noises or resonance. Likewise the push-on glass draught-stop and the panelling in the interior, on the soft top and along the beltline must be vibration-free. Nothing must be allowed to compromise the open-air enjoyment. The basis for verified, customer-compatible results in extreme conditions is provided by precisely defined test drives on the high-speed tracks in Papenburg, Nardo (Italy) and Idiada (Spain).

The excellent acoustics – which AMG engineers have naturally also verified with sophisticated measuring technology – also benefit from another special feature, namely the seamless, bonded-in rear window of single-layer safety glass. A special production process not only ensures a smooth transition between the outer skin of the soft top and the glass, as the sum of these design measures also leads to low wind noise when the roof is closed – at any speed.

June 2012

SLS AMG GT announced

With a maximum output of 591 hp, the optimised AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission and redeveloped AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension, the SLS AMG GT is available both as a Coupé and a Roadster.

With darkened headlamps and tail lights as well as red-painted brake callipers, the new SLS AMG GT features a unique look.

The maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine is 591 hp at 6800 rpm, while the maximum torque is 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The SLS AMG GT accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and can reach a speed of 125 mph in 11.2 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG has achieved the output of 591 hp through in-engine dethrottling measures in conjunction with an increase in peak pressure. The GT version of the front mid-engined AMG 6.3-litre V8 responds with even greater agility to accelerator pedal movements and excites with even sportier performance characteristics. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed sports transmission located on the rear axle is more direct and spontaneous in the manual "M" transmission mode: thanks to newly developed gear change functions and optimised transmission control, it has been possible to shorten reaction time significantly. When changing gears manually via the real metal shift paddles on the AMG Performance steering wheel, control commands are executed markedly quicker than previously - all of which is ideal when striving to achieve some ambitious lap times on a closed-off race circuit.

The reaction time experienced by the driver is made even more emotional as a result of more distinct gear changes. The automatic double-declutching function when shifting down is also more pronounced in the SLS AMG GT. Due to an increase in engine torque in manual mode, the shift procedure is even quicker than previously - and is accompanied by some passionate acoustic feedback for the driver.

April 2013

SLS AMG GT Coupe from £165,030 and SLS AMG Black Series Coupe from £229,985 available to order. Joining the SLS AMG GT in the new super sports car line up is the SLS AMG Black Series; a vehicle inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 racing car.

The 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine generates a staggering 631 hp and 635 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds.

Helping the SLS AMG Black Series to achieve these figures is its lightweight construction, reducing the kerb weight to 1,625 kg (70 kg less than the SLS AMG).

This is part of the "AMG Lightweight Performance" strategy, with numerous body elements such as the bonnet, the rear panel behind the AMG sports bucket seats, the diagonal braces on the underbody, and the torque tube between engine and transmission, made entirely of motorsport-grade carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. In contrast to its 26.6 kg counterpart with sand-cast aluminium housing, the carbon-fibre torque tube weighs now just 13.3 kg.

AMG Ride Control Performance suspension, AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system, wider flared wings (increased in width by 26 mm at the front and 52 mm at the rear), a new AMG titanium sports exhaust system, and the electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock further boosts the driving dynamics of the SLS AMG Black Series.

Outside, the 19"/20" AMG five twin-spoke forged bi-colour alloys; carbon-fibre front splitter and flicks on the front apron; and carbon-fibre rear aerofoil and diffuser with two chrome twin tailpipes set the Black Series apart from the SLS AMG GT.

The interior blends comfort with track-focused versatility, including AMG sports bucket seats in designo black leather and Alcantara, with upholstery across the dashboard, console sides and door panels in a mix of nappa leather and Alcantara. Additionally, the interior benefits from AMG carbon-fibre trim, COMAND system with AMG Performance Media, and the AMG Performance steering wheel in Alcantara with a red 12-o'clock mark.

November 2016

New Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster now on sale

Priced from £110,145 while the AMG GT C Roadster starts at £139,445, with the AMG GT R priced from £143,245.

The GT range features a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine; in the GT Roadster this generates 476 hp, while the GT C Roadster adds an additional 81PS (557PS). The GT Roadster can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds, while in the GT C Roadster it takes just 3.7 seconds. The GT Roadster emits 219 g/km of CO 2 and delivers up to 30.1 mpg on the combined cycle, meanwhile the GT C Roadster emits 259 g/km and can achieve 24.8 mpg.

Both roadsters come with a three-layer fabric roof available in one of three colours (black, beige or dark red) at no extra cost. The roof opens or closes electrically in around eleven seconds, and can be operated at speeds of up to 31 mph.

The GT Roadster comes as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels; AMG Panamericana grille; wind deflector; AMG performance exhaust system; heated AMG sports seats with Airscarf; and black Nappa leather upholstery.

The GT C Roadster has 19/20-inch alloy wheels (front/back); Burmester surround sound; Parktronic with reversing camera; AMG sports seats with Airscarf; Keyless-Go package; Active Air Control system (flaps in the lower front bumper adjust according to the vehicle speed – thus increasing high-speed stability and reducing drag); AMG Panamericana grille; AMG performance steering wheel finished in Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre; and red brake calipers with ‘AMG’ lettering.

The Premium equipment line costs £4,195 (standard on GT C Roadster), and includes Keyless-Go package; Mirror package; door sill panels in brushed stainless steel with ‘AMG’ lettering; Burmester surround sound system; Parktronic with reversing camera.

At the top of the GT range, the AMG GT R Coupé generates 585 hp and 700 Nm and can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. It emits 259 g/km of CO 2 and delivers a combined fuel economy of 24.8 mpg.

The GT R comes as standard with AMG sports bucket seats; carbon fibre roof; AMG Panamericana grille; AMG GT R bodystyling; yellow brake calipers; AMG performance exhaust system; static rear aerofoil; AMG sports bucket seats; 19/20-inch alloy wheels (front/back); Parktronic, AMG Interior Night package (including: black door sills; steering wheel gear shift panels in black; black inserts below head restraints; black strut in the luggage compartment); sports tyres; and AMG performance steering wheel in black Dinamica microfibre.

The Premium package is also available on the AMG GT R – for £4,195 – with the addition of heated seats.

The AMG Track package costs £1,685 and adds four point seat belt harnesses; a fire extinguisher; and a roll cage. Carbon ceramic brakes can be added for £5,995.

For £595, customers can add the Lane Tracking package which includes Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. Alternatively, for £1,695, the Driving Assistance package adds Distronic Plus and the Pre-Safe system – in addition to the contents of the Lane Tracking package.

The AMG green hell magno paint – as seen from the car’s launch – is a £7,500 option. Yellow seat belts are also optionally available for £395.

The AMG Carbon Fibre package costs £3,895 and adds exterior styling details with a carbon fibre finish. The AMG Matt Black Carbon Fibre Trim package costs £2,995 and adds carbon fibre detailing to the interior trim.

Pricing for the Mercedes-AMG GT range:

January 0001

Model OTR price

Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé £98,195

Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster £110,145

Mercedes-AMG GT S Coupe £111,495

Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster £139,445

Mercedes-AMG GT R Coupé £143,245