How much will the new Mercedes-AMG SL43 roadster cost in South Africa? Well, here’s your first look at pricing for the German firm’s fresh-faced open-top 2+2-seater…

The R232-generation Mercedes-AMG SL was revealed – in twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8-powered SL55 and SL63 guise – as long ago as October 2021. In April of the following year, the 4-cylinder SL43 make its global debut. And now we have local pricing for the latter.

Yes, while the 350 kW SL55 and 430 kW SL63 are nowhere to been seen (for the time being, at least), the entry-level version of the open-top 2+2 seater has just been loaded onto Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s online configurator.

So, what’s the starting price for the Mercedes-AMG SL43? Well, the configurator lists a figure of R2 316547, though take note this excludes the price of a maintenance plan, which can be purchased separately (UPDATE: The official price list has since been released, which shows a figure of R2 449 500, including a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, plus maximum emissions tax of R16 547, taking the total base price to R2 466 047).

As a reminder, the 43-badged version of the rear-wheel-drive roadster – which has a listed kerb weight of 1810 kg – employs the brand’s M139 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with what Mercedes describes as a “world-first” electric exhaust gas turbocharger (yes, just like the latest C43). The Affalterbach-based performance division claims the latter “guarantees particularly spontaneous throttle response across the entire rev range”.

The turbocharger is operated via a 48V electrical system, which furthermore feeds the belt-driven starter-generator (effectively rendering the roadster a mild hybrid). As a result, the SL43 boasts a peak power output of 280 kW and a maximum torque figure of 480 Nm, plus an additional “short-term boost” of 10 kW “in certain driving situations”.

The electrified 4-pot motor sends 280 kW to the rear axle.

Drive is channelled to the rear axle through a 9-speed multi-clutch transmission featuring a wet start-off clutch in place of a torque converter. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100 kph sprint time of 4.9 seconds, with a maximum speed of 275 kph.

The R232 series SL employs an electric “Z-folding” soft top rather than a retractable metal roof. Opening and closing of the 3-layer roof takes a claimed 15 seconds and is possible at speeds up 60 kph. Interestingly, the soft top can be operated either using the switch panel in the centre console or the standard MBUX multimedia touchscreen.

Should you want your SL43 to appear (rather than sound) similar to the 8-cylinder models, Mercedes-Benz SA offers a “V8 Exterior Styling Package” for an additional R59030. A number of other packages are also available, including the AMG Aerodynamics Package (R56994) and AMG Exterior Carbon Package (R97704).

While 19-inch alloys ship standard, there are plenty of additional wheel options available, measuring up to 21 inches in diameter. The standard black-fabric soft top, meanwhile, can be binned in favour of a red or grey version (for R8142 each).

Further individual options include AMG Performance seats (R39692), a head-up display (R20151), the Burmester high-end 3D surround-sound system (R99740), rear-axle steering (R38675) and the AMG Dynamic Plus Package (R59030), which incorporates AMG Ride Control suspension, active dynamic engine mounts, the AMG electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential and yellow-painted AMG brake callipers.

How much does the new Mercedes-AMG SL43 cost in SA?

Mercedes-AMG SL43 – R2 316547

According to Mercedes-Benz SA, the above figure does not include the price of a service or maintenance plan. It does, however, include a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

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