Back in July, under the scorching Las Vegas sun, I had the chance to experience two incredible machines. While an Aston Martin stole some of the spotlight later, the day began with a memorable encounter with the Mercedes SLS AMG. Initially, a Ferrari F430 Scuderia was on the cards, but Vegas heat and Italian transmissions don’t always mix. With temperatures soaring to 115 degrees, the Iridium Silver coolness of the SLS was a welcome alternative. Having previously driven an SLS on regular roads, and needing something robust for the desert heat, swapping the Ferrari for this German powerhouse was an easy decision. The experience? Truly enlightening.
Design and Style: Timeless Gullwing Appeal
Even a couple of years after its American debut, the SLS remains an absolute showstopper. Its design is simply captivating. I’m a huge fan of gullwing doors and those sleek, flowing lines – the SLS coupe possesses a unique and unforgettable silhouette. The rear hints at retro classics, the doors are a clear nod to Mercedes’ heritage, yet the overall design feels remarkably contemporary. Mercedes truly nailed it with the SLS’s aesthetics; it’s undeniably striking. While the Iridium Silver finish on this particular model showed some signs of track use, it didn’t diminish the car’s inherent style and presence one bit.
Stepping inside, the interior is just as much of a design statement. This silver example featured a vibrant red leather interior contrasted with a silver finish on the center console. In a $200,000 car, the absence of carbon fiber might seem unusual, but the aluminum trim perfectly complements the refined exterior. The SLS interior, much like its exterior, feels meticulously crafted and tailored. The instrument panel’s elegant and understated design is another highlight. Any downsides? Only minor ones. Closing those iconic doors requires a bit of a reach, perhaps a testament to its grand design rather than a flaw.
Performance and Engineering: Numbers That Speak Volumes
The build quality of the SLS is exceptional. At this price point, nothing less than perfection is expected, and Mercedes delivers precisely that. The car exudes solidity, feeling as robust as a vault, with consistently tight panel gaps throughout. The precision of the bodywork is remarkable, and the satisfying “ka-thunk” as the gullwing doors close reinforces this sense of quality. Surprisingly, despite its muscular and substantial appearance, the SLS weighs under two tons, which is impressive for a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive supercar. Comfort is also well addressed; the seats offer firm support and are upholstered in high-quality leather.
Under the long hood resides an engine deserving of legendary status: a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8. This powerhouse churns out 563 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The engine incorporates weight-saving technologies to optimize balance and features a dry-sump lubrication system to lower the center of gravity. The sole transmission option is the seven-speed dual-clutch AMG SPEEDSHIFT gearbox. Standard braking is handled by cast-iron discs, with ceramic composite brakes available as an option. On paper, the 2013 SLS AMG boasts impressive credentials.
Driving Dynamics: Street King, Track Day Contender
Hitting the track in the SLS quickly revealed its true character. The original SLS AMG, while capable, was fundamentally designed as a road car, and it embraces that identity. Having not driven this particular track before, there was a slight apprehension about how the SLS would perform. However, in a straight line, the 563 horsepower is undeniably exhilarating. The SLS launches forward with incredible force, showing little regard for subtlety. Its acceleration is simply breathtaking. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT transmission complements the engine perfectly, providing rapid gear changes—noticeably quicker than other performance cars I’ve experienced. But the most captivating aspect of the drive was the engine’s soundtrack. The V8 emits a truly devilish roar, an intoxicating symphony that constantly encourages spirited driving.
However, cornering on the track revealed some limitations. The brakes are strong, and there’s minimal front-end dive under hard braking, but turning into corners requires a firm grip. While not pushing the car to its absolute limits, it was evident that oversteer could be easily induced if corner entry speeds were too high. Fortunately, this test car, like the Aston Martin tested that day, was equipped with aftermarket tires (likely wider than stock), providing substantial rear grip. Nevertheless, the SLS feels its weight in tighter corners and, while not unwilling, lacks the razor-sharp precision needed for effortless track placement, especially for less experienced drivers. While enjoyable on the circuit, it never felt completely at home. Ride quality on the track was surprisingly composed and comfortable. Having driven an SLS on public roads previously, it instilled a feeling of invincibility, but on the track, it felt more grounded and real. It’s a fantastic car, but track performance isn’t its primary forte.
The Bottom Line: Exclusive Appeal and Pricing
The SLS started at a competitive price considering its 563 horsepower and striking looks, but prices for the 2014 model year climbed over $200,000. It’s a significant investment, but Mercedes offered a range of desirable options, including a high-end Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system, AMG Performance Media, ceramic brakes, and various carbon fiber trim elements. While this test car wasn’t loaded with options, many examples on the market will feature a combination of these, easily pushing the price past $220,000. Even with potential dealer markups, expecting to pay under $250,000 for a new SLS wasn’t unreasonable. Considering its exclusivity and performance, it’s not an outrageous price.
Minor drawbacks include its less-than-ideal track performance in tight corners. However, its straight-line speed is genuinely exhilarating. For drivers of smaller stature, like myself (5’4″), reaching the gullwing door to close it from the driver’s seat can be a challenge. Thankfully, Mercedes addressed this with optional door straps, allowing shorter individuals to close the doors without assistance or awkward maneuvers.
Ultimately, the 2013 Mercedes Sls AMG faces stiff competition in the supercar market. It’s a thrilling car to drive, excelling on the road rather than the racetrack. The later Black Series variant is reported to offer improved track handling. And for those who prefer open-top driving or struggle with the gullwing doors, the roadster version provides an alternative. Do I admire the SLS? Absolutely. Would I purchase one with my own money? That’s a different question. With a $230,000 supercar budget, the SLS is an appealing option, but I’d likely stretch further for a Ferrari 458, which I also drove that day and found to be a superior all-around car, despite its higher price.
Final Score: 4+4+3+3 = 14/16 = 3.5/4.0
Grade: B+
By Albert S. Davis
