Mercedes-AMG SL 2022: RWD four-cylinder SL43 reportedly under consideration

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The new Mercedes-AMG SL could be getting a lighter entry-level variant dubbed the SL43, making use of the A45 hot hatch’s 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine.

As reported by German publication Auto Motor Und Sport, the SL43 model will use AMG’s hi-po mild-hybrid four-cylinder – the M139 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that currently does service in the A45 hot hatch, CLA45 sedan and GLA45 sports SUV.

But while the four-cylinder engine makes 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque in those compact, transverse applications, it would reportedly be detuned to about 287kW of power for the SL43.

That’s the same amount of power the 2.0-litre turbo is expected to produce in the forthcoming AMG C-Class C43 sedan and coupe, which will slot below a plug-in hybrid version of the four-cylinder in full-fat, 400kW-plus AMG C63 guise.

Chasing Cars understands that the SL43 could also be rear-wheel drive (RWD) rather than all-wheel drive, providing something of a purist’s option in the new SL lineup.

That’s especially the case given that the new SL is a fairly heavy vehicle with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 up front and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in both confirmed variants – badged SL55 and SL63.

The SL63 has been confirmed for Australian release later in 2022, meaning a possible SL43 four-cylinder entry in 2023.

SL43 would sit beneath the V8 SL55 and SL63 models

As covered previously by Chasing Cars, the new Mercedes-AMG SL will use two different tunes of the now popular 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. These will be badged as SL55 and SL63. 

Both will be offered with a fully variable all-wheel drive system called 4Matic+ that enables all drive to be sent to the rear if required. 

The SL55 will produce 350kW/700Nm from its V8 while the full-fat SL63 will make a massive 430kW/800Nm.  

An AMG E-Performance version of the SL is likely to follow which will use a 150kW/320Nm electric motor to bolster total outputs to 620kW of power and 1400Nm of torque. 

The higher spec models in the SL range will compete with cars such as the Porsche 911, Jaguar F-Type and BMW 8 Series.