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Autocar Tests Mercedes Benz SLS AMG HQ
Test date 21 June 2010 Price as tested £157,500
Song: Finger Eleven - Paralyzer Instrumental
Enjoy & Comment!
For Charismatic, punchy engine, strong lateral grip, relative ease of use
AgainstUninspiring interior, occasionally firm ride, slight lack of emotion
The first thing anyone wants to talk about, of course, is the doors. Certainly, there is considerable excitement here at the return of the Gullwing Mercedes. And talk about them we will, discussing exactly how practical they are in real use. However, there is so much more to the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG than its show-stealing doors.
The SLS AMG marks the end of the collaboration between Mercedes and McLaren in road car production. Although, at £157,500, the SLS costs considerably less than the earlier joint-venture SLR, it is unquestionably that model's replacement.
Unlike the McLaren-built SLR, the SLS has been developed entirely in house. And by 'in house', Mercedes actually means the tuning firm AMG, which became an official Mercedes department in 1990. This is the first time that AMG has been given a clean sheet to build a road car from the ground up, and one with the billing that it will be something altogether more serious than the familiar 'big-engine-and-comfortable-Mercedes' AMG recipe. The talk this time is of an all-out supercar.
Apart from straight-line acceleration, the SLS entirely eclipses the SLR. As a package, it is so much more complete and appealing and, if not as fast, then certainly fast enough. Especially given that it is practically half the price.
The dynamics are especially well sorted. The SLS may prove to be a little stiff for those who buy one simply to commute or pose, but no one can question the SLS's ability to get around a corner remarkably briskly.
Technically, our only real grumbles are that perhaps ceramic brakes should be standard and that the doors, although flash, do hinder access and interior space. However, for all its objective accomplishments, we wish it were a little more emotive. The cabin probably best sums up the SLS: enough space, well equipped and soundly built, but oddly ordinary at the same time.
How much ?
Price as tested £157,500
Price as tested £171,710
How fast
0-30mph 1.9 sec
0-60mph 3.9 sec
0-100mph 8 sec
0-150mph 18 sec
How thirsty?
Test average 19.1 mpg
Test best/worst 24.2 / 6.8
Engine
Layout V8 6208 cc
Max power 563 bhp at 6800 rpm
Max torque 479 ft at 4750 rpm
Weight 1620 kg
Fuel tank 85.0 litres
Gearbox
Type 7-speed Automatic
Category:
Autos & Vehicles
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