Mercedes-AMG SL 43 review — the perfect roadster for a Warsaw summer
We test the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 from the AurexRent fleet: 381 hp, a soft top and true AMG character. How it performs in Warsaw and how much it costs to rent.
The SL is one of Mercedes' longest-living legends — and the current generation is the first developed entirely by AMG. The SL 43 in our fleet is the lightest, most agile version of the roadster. After a season of rentals in Warsaw we know everything about it: what delights, what you need to accept, and who this car is a perfect match for.
What it actually is
The SL 43 is a two-door roadster with a fabric soft top that folds electrically in about fifteen seconds — even on the move up to roughly 60 km/h. Seating is 2+2: two superb AMG seats up front with ventilation and the Airscarf neck heater, and an emergency rear bench that works best as a shelf for bags.
The silhouette carries classic SL proportions: long bonnet, low line, wide rear. In Warsaw the car turns heads everywhere — from the car park by the Grand Theatre to the driveway of the Raffles hotel.
Engine and performance
Under the bonnet works a 2.0-litre inline-four, the M139 — the most powerful series-production four-cylinder in the world at its debut — supported by an electric turbocharger fed from the 48-volt system. The result: 381 hp, 480 Nm and 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The gearbox is the 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT, drive goes to the rear axle.
Is a four-cylinder SL a 'real AMG'? The doubts vanish at the first prod of the throttle. The electric turbo eliminates lag, and the exhaust pops and burbles exactly as it should. The car is faster than you will ever use on a public road — while being lighter over the front axle and keener to turn than a V8.
What it is like around Warsaw
Surprisingly easy. The SL 43 has a Comfort mode in which the suspension filters bumps acceptably and the gearbox shifts smoothly. Cameras and sensors around the car help with parking, because the rear is wide and the small rear window limits visibility — with the roof down the problem disappears.
The best scenario is an evening drive: roof stowed, Airscarf warming your neck, and Warsaw taking on a completely different character from the low seat of a roadster. Out of town — Wilanów, Konstancin, along the Vistula — the car flows, and fuel consumption can genuinely surprise given the performance.
Interior and technology
The cabin is first-league Mercedes: the vertical MBUX screen with adjustable tilt (handy in sunlight with the roof down), excellent materials and seats you can spend a whole day in. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly, and the Burmester audio holds its own even at 120 km/h with the top down.
The boot takes about 240 litres with the roof folded — enough for two weekend bags. For a longer trip for two you need to pack sensibly; that is the price of a roadster silhouette.
How much the rental costs
At AurexRent the SL 43 costs from 1,700 PLN/day for a 1–3 day rental; the daily rate drops for longer periods — check the price list. The refundable deposit is 10,000 PLN, and the price includes 200 km per day (extra kilometres at 6 PLN/km), insurance and 24/7 support.
We confirm bookings within an hour. Collect the car at Nowy Świat or order delivery — to Warsaw Chopin Airport, your hotel or office.
Who the SL 43 is for
This is a car for two. Perfect for an anniversary, a proposal, a photo shoot or simply a summer weekend that should taste different. Choose it if you value open sky above your head, AMG character and the attention the classic SL silhouette attracts.
If you need seats for four, look at the Panamera 4; if you want maximum adrenaline — the BMW M8 Competition. All three are in the AurexRent catalogue; in summer the SL 43 books up fastest, so don't wait too long with your dates.