“Do not take the car with Pirelli Pzero tires if you have freezing winters. The tires have terrible traction in snow or cold weather. You will have the feeling of driving over golf balls and not feel safe. Terrible cold weather tires!”
2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big change for 2023 is the arrival of the SL 43, a rear-wheel-drive model with a 375-hp four-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain and an electrically assisted turbocharger. The V8-powered SL 55 and SL 63 carry over without significant changes.
About the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL
7th generation (R232), second model year; first US model year for the SL 43
Mercedes-AMG positions the SL as an open-top luxury sports car that blends its long roadster history with modern AMG performance. The R232 uses a power soft top, a small 2+2 cabin, large digital displays, and comfort-focused seating, while its AMG-developed structure and performance hardware provide sports-car responses. Its central appeal is the combination of long-distance comfort, dramatic open-air design, and strong performance in one car.
The 2023 AMG SL range stretches from the lighter, rear-wheel-drive SL 43 to V8-powered SL 55 and SL 63 models with all-wheel drive. The SL 43 combines its electric-assisted turbo with a power soft top, massaging front seats, and an 11.9-inch touchscreen, while upper Performance versions add hardware such as tighter body control, a limited-slip rear differential, and a front-axle lift.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The SL 43 joins the US range with a 375-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, an electrically assisted turbocharger, rear-wheel drive, and a 9-speed transmission. The SL 55 and SL 63 powertrains have no significant changes.
Styling
The new SL 43 has its own front-end treatment, rear bumper, and round exhaust outlets. The existing SL 55 and SL 63 receive no lineup-wide styling update.
2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter | |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT | Automatic, 9-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT | Automatic, 9-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT | Automatic, 9-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT | |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 13 mpg | 14 mpg | 13 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 469 hp | 577 hp | 469 hp | 577 hp | |
| Torque | 516 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft |
| Seats | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL?
The biggest change is the new SL 43 for the US. It uses a 375-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, an electrically assisted turbocharger, and rear-wheel drive.
Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL a carryover from 2022?
Not entirely. The V8-powered SL 55 and SL 63 largely carry over, but the rear-wheel-drive SL 43 joins the US range for 2023.
How does the 2023 AMG SL differ from the 2022 model?
The main difference is the addition of the SL 43 to the US lineup. There are no significant model-range changes for the SL 55 or SL 63, and no lineup-wide safety, infotainment, or structural update.
Does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 43 have all-wheel drive?
No. The 2023 SL 43 uses rear-wheel drive, while the V8-powered SL 55 and SL 63 use fully variable all-wheel drive.
Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 43 a full hybrid?
No. The 2023 SL 43 is a mild hybrid with a 48-volt electrical system assisting its turbocharged gasoline engine; it is not described as a plug-in or electric-driving hybrid.
2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL.
4.2
2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL
(42 reviews)
“Overall car is powerful, exciting and fun to drive. Would absolutely love the car. Except that the retractable rear spoiler absolutely does NOT work. And never has. Mercedes does not seem to be able to fix this. Overall the vehicle seems to have issues with the advance technology not consistently working. This devalues the experience and the car.”
“If you are considering a sports car, you need to take a look and test drive this vehicle.”