Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing

Expert Rating:

What is it?

The SLS is the first car to be developed entirely by Mercedes' in-house tuning department AMG. Unlike AMG's other models the SLS doesn't borrow its structure from anywhere else, with a lightweight and strong structure made almost entirely out of aluminium and power by the company's heavily revised 6.2-litre V8 engine. It revives an iconic look from Mercedes' past, the SLS's sensual lines and unique 'gullwing' opening doors a reverential nod to the 300SL of the 1950s. It might ape the looks of an old Mercedes, but with 563bhp at its disposal and all of AMG's extensive road and motorsport expertise its performance is thoroughly modern.

Is it any good?

The SLS has to be good; it's no secret that the people at AMG were less than happy about McLaren's involvement in Mercedes' previous supercar, the SLR. AMG has concentrated on the basics, these being light weight, precision and plenty of power. The high-revving 6.2-litre V8 that powers so many of AMG's models has been redeveloped extensively for the SLS to produce even more power and torque. And it delivers, the headline 563bhp figure backed up by an equally impressive 479lb.ft of torque. It's phenomenally flexible and quick revving, which combined with the SLS's low bulk delivers sensational acceleration.

It'll reach the 62mph benchmark time in just 3.8 seconds, while top speed is 197mph. That top speed is electronically limited too, the SLS sure to be capable of breaking through the double ton with impunity. Forget the raw figures though; it's the means by which the SLS exploits its performance that's so deeply impressive. The steering is the most impressive facet, with quick response, real feel and good weighting, the SLS scythes into bends with real enthusiasm, grip seemingly unending from the front end.

The overall balance is very neutral, the driven rear wheels following the fronts faithfully on the road. On a track with more space to play the SLS will move around under power, the three-stage selectable Electronic Stability System allowing surprising rates of slip in its ESP Sport mode before it intervenes. The gears are paddle-shifted and the driver is given the choice between four modes from Comfort, through Sport and Sport+ to full manual, each increasing the intensity and speed of the shift from the dual-clutch transmission. It's quick in most situations, but the electronics do sometimes second-guess your input, robbing you of the control you really want - especially when driving quickly. The suspension is unsurprisingly firm, the result a slightly busy ride on poorer road surfaces.

The interior, finished in leather and painted metal, is perhaps a bit disappointing in a near £150,000 sports car, its shared Mercedes satnav and common switchgear jarring a bit. The cool round air vents and those dramatic gullwing doors do compensate, but those doors do result in rather limited headroom and you need to be careful getting in and out, as it's pretty easy to catch your head on them. And the styling? We think it's one of the most stunning lookers we've seen in a long time, the SLS updating a Mercedes icon with seriously dramatic effect.

Should I call the bank manager?

That depends on your fiscal status. Compared to its £300,000 or so SLR predecessor the SLS is a relative bargain at around £140,000-£150,000 - though expect early cars to command a premium from market speculators. AMG itself has cars within its range that cost more than this beautiful gullwing machine. Adding a few choice options like upgraded stereo equipment, different wheels, ceramic composite brakes and one of the cool flat paint finishes and you'll add a good bit to that, but it's still a lot of car for the money. Running costs will be high, but all the lightweight technology does have the bonus of improving economy - the 21.4mpg provisional combined consumption figure Mercedes supplied being respectable for something with this level of performance.

Summary

Stunning to look at and equally good to drive, the SLS is a fitting performance machine to head the Mercedes line-up. AMG always had a point to prove with this car and it's done exactly that.

Kyle Fortune