New SL43 purchase

[Budweiser]

Hi. I’m test driving a new SL43 next week.

I have been loyal to Porsche since the late 70s and currently own a 718 GT4.

Now in my 70s I’ve decided I need a GT type two seater and have long been a fan of the SL.

The SL43 is more attractive to me than the 55/63 (at the moment) as speed isn’t my main priority. To be fair there isn’t much time wise between them though the driving experience might be vastly different. I appreciate this may change once I’ve driven the 43. Also the £20k price difference draws me to the 4 cylinder 43.

If there is anybody on here that has a new SL or driven one I would appreciate their views. Not much on YouTube at present as most seem (understandably) to focus on the 55/63.

Thanks…..

[Dog Star]

You need a GT type two seater? Well an SL is no use - new ones are four seaters?

[Budweiser]

Technically you are right. I stand corrected.

[Zed 44]

I have an SLC43 AMG, unfortunately, coming from a Nissan GTR but that's another story and a big mistake. If I had it to do over again, I would definitely go for the 250D instead of any petrol model. They are great on torque and fantastic on mileage. My friend as one and the performance is almost as good as the AMG in real-world driving. Three things I don't like about the SLC, the cruise control is a stalk below the turn indicator. , the outside temperature can only be found if you have the trip menu selected, and it only has Apple car play not Android. I could get Android on it but it would cost me around £400 I'm told. I'm hoping to win the Lottery.

[Dog Star]

Zed 44 said:

I have an SLC43 AMG, unfortunately, coming from a Nissan GTR but that's another story and a big mistake. If I had it to do over again, I would definitely go for the 250D instead of any petrol model. They are great on torque and fantastic on mileage. My friend as one and the performance is almost as good as the AMG in real-world driving. Three things I don't like about the SLC, the cruise control is a stalk below the turn indicator. , the outside temperature can only be found if you have the trip menu selected, and it only has Apple car play not Android. I could get Android on it but it would cost me around £400 I'm told. I'm hoping to win the Lottery.

[Dewi 2]

Budweiser said:

Now in my 70s I’ve decided I need a GT type two seater and have long been a fan of the SL.

This video might be of interest/relevance to you.

https://youtu.be/pPrGpNocm9Q

From 8:00, the M-B CEO talks about interiors for future models.
It sounds as though the large central portrait touchscreen, might not be used again.
To me, it does seem rather too dominant, S class; C class and particularly in the SL, because the cabin is obviously smaller than the saloons.

I have been a Mercedes owner for a long time, but when I reached my 'second childhood', it was an Aston Martin Vantage for me. They are beautiful (2005 to 2018) and fantastically special 2 seater cars, but I would not say comfy GT cruisers. More a second fun car. Comfortable and luxurious yes, but primarily a sports car.

I am waiting for the next E class as a daily driver, but am hoping the straight 6 engine will continue to be offered. A 2 litre 4 cylinder engine producing 381 bhp, does makes me wonder how long that will last. 190 bhp per litre, seems a remarkably high figure !

[Budweiser]

Given the AM Vantage and V8 DB11 a look, great cars but not for me.

[swisstoni]

I think it would make an interesting buy and probably a car that is always going to be rare on the streets of the UK.

I wasn’t blown away by the looks when they first came out, but they are quite subtle and low key; quite a rarity these days.

And when you look at the original SL you see where a lot of the styling for this one has come from.

[Venisonpie]

swisstoni said:

I think it would make an interesting buy and probably a car that is always going to be rare on the streets of the UK.

I wasn’t blown away by the looks when they first came out, but they are quite subtle and low key; quite a rarity these days.

And when you look at the original SL you see where a lot of the styling for this one has come from.

I thought it looked awful at first but have since seen one (Lisbon airport bizarrely) and I've changed my mind. The interior is still a no as would be a 4 cylinder engine but my opinion is irrelevant as far as the OP is concerned.

[Budweiser]

Interestingly the thought of a 4 cylinder would also have put me off and may still do. It’s dependent on the test drive. I’m hoping I’ll be pleasantly surprised.