Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The Car Guide’s Car of the Year

In 2003, Mercedes-Benz joined forces with its then Formula 1 partner to introduce the SLR, a superfast sports car showcasing all of the manufacturer’s high performance know-how. The recent separation of these two partners has yanked the SLR off the market, leaving a void at Mercedes. With Audi getting plenty of press with its R8, it was hard for Mercedes-Benz to just sit back and take it. That brings us to this year’s arrival of the Stuttgart company’s latest creation: the SLS AMG, built entirely by AMG, their high performance division. So as not to fall behind, McLaren has also come out with a new creation, the MP4 12C, but since it will not be sold in Canada, we won’t pay too much attention to the latter.

Is the new SLS AMG interesting? Yes! So much so that it’s been named the 2011 Car of the Year by the Car Guide. This is quite an honour for a car that – let’s face it – is not exactly within everyone’s budget. In fact, a long time has passed since a sports car earned this title, but this car delivers so much in terms of emotion, style and technology. After trying out the SLS AMG on a circuit in the Las Vegas area, as well as a few hundred kilometres in Canada, I’ve got to admit that the SLS is extremely seductive, even for those who would normally balk at spending so much on a vehicle.

Sober yet extravagant

The SLS AMG is inspired from the 300SL, a sports car sold from 1954 to 1957. Much of its style is classic roadster, such as its long hood and the location of its cockpit next to the rear axle. But its most distinctive feature is without a doubt its gullwings. These vertically opening doors make the SLS unique, particularly when you put it next to the regular SL, which you might be tempted to compare it to. Despite its exotic looks, the SLS AMG is sober, especially in the rear, where only the vehicle’s width betrays its aspirations. You won’t draw too much attention in this car – until you pull up somewhere and open the doors. In fact, you have to be quite nimble to exit this vehicle with a modicum of grace. In short, the gullwings are what really make the SLS’s appearance exclusive.

Under the hood is the manufacturer’s most powerful naturally aspirated engine, a 6.2-litre V8 that produces 563 hp and an astounding 479 lbs.-ft. of torque. This engine, which also equips other superfast cars in the AMG line-up, actually offers a little more power in the SLS thanks to several different elements, most notably a more efficient air intake system. Another major thing that sets it apart is the dry carter, a pump that circulates oil through the engine, which means the engine can be placed lower, thereby achieving a lower centre of gravity. Some people might say that the SL65 AMG delivers more power with its supercharged 603-hp V12, but the SLS’ weight/power ratio (2.84 kg/horse) makes this car faster. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, this engine can take you from 0-100 km/hr in 3.8 seconds.

Big comfort

Despite its race car ambitions, the SLS AMG is a comfortable car that won’t leave you regretting long road trips. The comfortable seats hug your body and their numerous settings allow you to find the best position for sporty driving or for comfort, depending on what you’re looking for. The rest of the cockpit has been inspired by planes and the old SL300 – in particular the layout of the controls on the central consol and the cross-shaped vent nozzles that look like what you’d find on a plane. Aside from that, the interior is sober, without the plethora of gadgets found on other vehicles in this category. The emphasis was clearly on simplicity and sportiness. And so it should be! The only weak point is the fact that the doors have to be closed manually. To reach the handle, you’ll have to try out your acrobatic moves – and although that can be hard for anyone, it’s especially challenging for the ladies.

Once on the road, the SLS has two personalities. Leave all the settings in comfort mode, and this car is something of a grand tourer coupe, quiet and comfortable. Switch to sport mode, and you’ll discover a surprisingly fast coupe with an engine sound that will make you forget how much you spent on the car. The SLS’ best feature is definitely its handling. Solid as a rock, this car can take corner after corner with practically no weight transfer. The rigidity of the chassis is exemplary, thanks most notably to forged aluminum. The lower central engine position translates into excellent weight distribution: 47% in front and 53% in back.

The dual-clutch transmission, located behind the engine, gives you the best of all possibilities. In the city or in traffic, it eliminates the disadvantages of a manual gearbox. Meanwhile, the dual clutch allows for precise and ultra-fast gear shifts during sporty driving. Not only does this transmission perform, but with seven gears, it helps reduce fuel consumption (which, incidentally, is not negligible).

Of course, the SLS AMG is an exceptional vehicle, and that’s more than reflected in the price. However, you should know that there is already a waiting list for this car, meaning you won’t be able to negotiate much on the price. But you really do get a lot for what you pay.