Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Review - What the Auto Press Says
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG impressed auto writers as soon as they laid eyes on it. The SLS pays homage to the original Mercedes-Benz 300SL. With its gullwing doors and menacing grille, the SLS reclaims a spot for Mercedes among exotic sports cars.
Reviewers are impressed with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG’s spectacular performance and iconic styling. “Considering the combination of high performance and superior practicality, the SLS actually seems like a good deal when compared to such weekend-only trinkets as the Lamborghini Gallardo,” writes Edmunds. “You might also see it as a step up from cars like the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Audi R8.”
Under the hood, the SLS AMG features a 563-horsepower V8 engine that makes it about as quick as the Lamborghini Gallardo, and thanks to its lightweight aluminum frame and well-tuned suspension, the SLS excels on and off the track. Still, some reviewers comment that the suspension is a bit firm compared to rival exotic sports cars like the Audi R8, a problem the 2012 model may rectify since Mercedes will offer an adaptive suspension.
Additionally, not all test drivers are impressed with the SLS’ seven-speed automated manual transmission. They say it’s sluggish, and doesn’t respond to paddle shifts as quickly as they’d like.
Inside, auto writers find the SLS AMG’s interior well-crafted with quality materials, but not all reviewers like the design. Some appreciate the simplicity of the SLS’s dash, while others say that it doesn’t hold a candle to the awe-inspiring interiors of rival Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
Additionally, the SLS AMG’s attractive gullwing doors can also make it difficult to get in and out of, and reviewers comment that reaching up to close the doors can be a challenge as well. These gripes aside, many test drivers say that the SLS’ unique design and competent performance will likely make this Mercedes an instant classic.
Other Cars to Consider
If you’re looking for comparable performance and have a little extra cash to spend, the Lamborghini Gallardo might catch your eye. With a base price of nearly $220,000, the Gallardo costs roughly $37,000 more than the SLS AMG, but reviewers rave about its exceptional steering and standard all-wheel drive. Its 552-horsepower V10 engine closely matches the SLS in terms of power and acceleration, but on the downside, the Gallardo isn’t as well suited to long distance drives. Its minimal trunk space compared to the SLS’ 6.2 cubic feet means that there’s much less room to pack for a weekend trip.However, if you’d like a car that’s even faster and less expensive, the Porsche 911 Turbo might be worth checking out. It starts at $137,500, and although the 911 Turbo’s twin-turbocharged flat-six produces 500 horsepower. That’s 63 less horsepower than the SLS, but the 911 Turbo is still quicker and offers standard all-wheel drive. Porsche says that the 911 Turbo accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds with the six-speed manual or 3.4 seconds with the automatic Porsche Doppelkupplung transmission.
Mercedes-Benz SLS-AMG: The Details
Starting at $183,000, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is equipped with a front-mid-mounted 6.3-liter V8 engine that produces 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels by a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission with automatic and manual modes.Standard features on the SLS AMG include front and rear parking sensors with backup camera, leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated seats, navigation, push-button start and a six-disc CD/DVD changer with satellite radio, HD radio and an iPod interface. Notable options include carbon-fiber trim, a more aggressively tuned suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes and an 11-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo.
- "So, what’s an SLS like out in the real world? Remarkably easy to live with. Getting in and out is not a problem, and although it’s wise to mind your head, I never had a problem." -- Road and Track
- "At more than $180,000, the SLS AMG sure isn't cheap. The R8, my favorite car (see the review), is below $150K. That said, Audi has never been able to command the premium price Mercedes has, regardless of performance. Further, the Gallardo is around $200,000, and Ferraris start at above $190,000." -- Cars.com
- "Balanced and powerful, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is at home on the track or the street. Its stunning looks will let onlookers know you’re piloting a special car, especially when you open the gullwing doors. Where other Mercedes performance cars have fallen short of competitors in terms of handling, the SLS AMG is truly world-class." -- MSN
- "This combination of outright performance with extreme luxury is relatively rare. The 911 GT2 is harsh and edgy on the road, a 599 is way more expensive, as is the even-faster Lexus LFA. On the opposite end of the spectrum the Audi R8 does luxury a little better but track performance is a little less involving." -- Jalopnik
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