Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT first drive review

Mercedes' gullwing supercar gets a mid-life refresh including more power and a lower list price

GT becomes the 'base' SLS now, and is joined by the Black Series
 and ED

by Allan Muir

What is it?

Bad news first: the Mercedes SLS supercar that we’ve come to know and love over the past three years is no more.

The good news is that it’s being replaced by not one but three new SLS models: the GT, the Black Series and the Electric Drive. Actually, make that four, because the GT will soon be available as both a roadster and the gullwing-doored coupé that we’ve just driven for the first time on UK roads.

Mercedes' GT is the direct replacement for the original SLS, but it’s far from being the same old car with a new badge. The new ‘standard’ SLS gets a 20bhp power boost to 583bhp, revised suspension that promises sharper handling than before, an updated dual-clutch automatic gearbox that is claimed to bring a much-needed improvement in shift response, and a welcome drop in price of about £3k compared with the outgoing SLS.

There are also some new options to help make the SLS look and feel more exclusive, including appealing, Bentley-like quilted leather upholstery.

Outwardly, the GT looks much the same as its predecessor, apart from small tweaks such as darkened lights. In coupé form, the SLS is as dramatic and distinctive as ever, with its long bonnet and theatrical gullwing doors, of which we never get tired. 

What is it like?

The SLS’s claimed 0-62mph time has dropped by 0.1sec to 3.7sec and top speed is up slightly to 199mph, but you’d be hard pressed to spot the extra 20bhp on the road (especially as the peak torque figure of 479lb ft is unchanged).

It hardly matters; the mighty 6.2-litre V8 delivers thrilling, sledgehammer performance, accompanied by an apocalyptic soundtrack. The revised seven-speed Speedshift DCT, while improved, still isn’t as quick-shifting as the best of its dual-clutch rivals, and the aggressive throttle response can result in jerky progress at low speeds, but none of this detracts from the driver’s enjoyment of this stellar powertrain.

More noticeable on the road are the revised suspension settings. The springs and dampers are firmer than those of the previous SLS, with electronically controlled adaptive damping in a choice of two settings: Sport and Sport+.

The result is a car that feels better balanced and lighter on its feet than before, while still being compliant enough (in Sport mode, at least) for regular road use. As before, there’s bags of grip and an unexpectedly pointy front end for the driver to relish, yet the SLS remains a car that is capable of relaxing into a lazy cruise when required.

Should I buy one?

The revisions, along with the reduction in price, make the SLS look like better value than ever in comparison with its mid-engined rivals from Ferrari and McLaren.

Objectively, it may not be as talented as a 458 Italia, but it’s hard not to love the drama of its gullwing doors and the muscle-car character of its V8 engine. There’s nothing else like it.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Price £165,030; 0-62mph 3.7sec; Top speed 199mph; Economy 21.4mpg (combined); CO2 308g/km Kerb weight 1695kg; Engine V8, 6208cc, petrol Power 583bhp at 6800rpm; Torque 479lb ft at 4750rpm; Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic;

autocar.co.uk