2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review$201,500 to $275,000
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Mercedes-Benz recently announced that it will end production of its AMG-developed SLS-Class AMG GT Coupe and GT Roadster in mid-2014, so if you'd like to get your hands on this verifiable world-class exotic supercar, you'd better act fast. The first vehicle fully developed by AMG, the automaker's in-house high-performance tuner, the SLS-Class turned heads of car aficionados everywhere when it debuted in January 2010, thanks to unique design features like its gullwing doors and its distinctive profile, which in some ways resembles the classic Corvettes of the 1950s. More accurately, however, the SLS-Class draws its styling cues from the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300GL Gullwing of the 1950s. Perhaps it's not coincidental that the classic 'Vette and the 300GL share a similar shape and profile, as they were both hallmarks and standouts of a golden era of car design.
When it debuted in 2010, the SLS-Class was a design departure for Mercedes, due in part to its doors, which swing upward rather than forward. Thanks to its retro design with modern influences, as well as its power, performance and techology, the SLS-Class continues to ride on the cutting edge. However, the SLS-Class's exterior styling receives the greatest credit for making it a standout in today's automotive world. For 2014, the SLS-Class comes in Gullwing coupe and Roadster convertible body styles. The convertible receives traditional front-hinging doors, as well as a tailored power soft top, which raises and lowers in 11 seconds.
On both body styles, the bubble-like cabin sits far back on the chassis, just ahead of the rear wheels, resulting in an aggressively long nose with a sculpted hood and a retro-style dropped-down grille, which sits low to the ground. HID headlights with dark-tinted surrounds and LED daytime running lights, as well as red brake calipers, provide a distinctive look. The vertical headlights hover just above the large squarish front air intakes, and the scalloped sides feature large air intakes as well. The wheel wells rise high into the body to make room for big 19-inch staggered-width exotic forged-alloy wheels in the front and 20-inch wheels in the back. The rear end displays a clean design, with vertical LED taillights and dual exhaust pipes. An active rear wing spoiler, integrated into the trunk lid, rises automatically at 72 mph to improve downforce. It lowers when the speed drops below 50 mph.
Adding to its exclusivity, the SLS-Class's body, as well as its engine, is almost entirely made and assembled by hand. Mercedes notes that aluminum makes up all but 4 percent of the body, with the remainder being the high-strength steel windshield frame and pillars. More than 1,300 body parts are assembled primarily by hand in a process that takes about 30 hours. A racing-inspired AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension with a double-wishbone configuration at all 4 wheels comes standard on the SLS-Class. It's designed to reduce body roll, pitch and dive while ensuring optimal agility and handling. An AMG compound braking system does a good job of dissipating heat while stopping the vehicle at high speeds, and it remains effective at lower around-town speeds as well, with minimal grabbing. Direct-ratio speed-sensitive steering provides good balance and an ideal weight, which feels slightly heavy at times, testers note.
Under the hood, Mercedes drops a handcrafted AMG-designed naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 engine, which puts out 583 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. That's a boost of 20 hp over the previous year, but testers say it barely registers when output levels are that high. Still, it's enough to drive the SLS-Class from 0-60 in just 3.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 197 mph. The V8 mates to a track-tested 7-speed AMG SpeedShift DCT dual-clutch transmission with a manual-shift mode and steering-wheel-mounted aluminum paddle shifters. The transmission also features Controlled Efficiency, Sport and Sport+ modes, which deliver quicker shifts and sportier performance. In addition, Mercedes includes a driver-activated Race Start function, which provides improved acceleration from a standstill using startup revs and enhanced traction. Fuel economy numbers top out at 19 mpg on the highway.
For 2014, Mercedes adds a Black Series package, which features a number of performance and design upgrades, including revised valve timing and a boost in cylinder pressure. Together, the enhancements push output to 622 hp. The package also includes a carbon fiber hood and drive shaft, as well as a revamped suspension with electronically adjustable adaptive dampers and a new titanium exhaust system. The improvements shave 154 pounds off the SLS-Class's weight, and its 0-60 time drops to 3.5 seconds. Exterior upgrades include larger front air intakes, black matte black forged alloy wheels, a front splitter and a rear diffuser.
The SLS-Class's rear-wheel-drive chassis, suspension and powerplant work together to create a visceral yet highly controlled driving experience. The SLS-Class can be a beast when it wants to, but never feels like it's about to get away from the driver. It always feels firmly planted, though maneuvering with the long nose out front can take a little getting used to, according to test-drivers. But the underpinnings do a good job of leveling out road surfaces and provide a firm ride without punishing passengers, while the big V8 moves the vehicle along at an incredibly fast clip, resulting in a true sports-car experience.
Inside, the cabin combines sporty and classic elements to create a welcoming environment. Standard AMG-specific features include contoured power-adjustable AMG sport seats with 3-position memory and 3-stage heating, and a flat-bottomed 3-spoke AMG performance steering wheel wrapped in hand-stitched Nappa leather. The instrument cluster displays AMG twin-pod gauges and a central screen with an AMG performance menu. Black Designo leather upholstery with red stitching, Piano Black lacquer interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control and push-button start are among the standard upscale features. Mercedes' COMAND in-car controller system also comes standard, along with a navigation system, an 80GB hard drive and an audio system with a 6-CD changer, SiriusXM satellite radio and USB/auxiliary input ports.
The AMG GT Roadster receives a few unique features, such as specific seats with integrated Airscarf neck-level heating and cooling vents, which keep passengers comfortable when the top is down. The system offers individual 3-stage temperature controls, and airflow automatically adjusts depending on the vehicle's speed. The Roadster also comes with unique hand-fitted soft leather upholstery with red stitching and available Alcantara inserts.
Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the SLS-Class receives a full range of safety features, including 8 airbags, electronic stability control and antilock brakes with brake assist. A rear-view camera, Parktronic parking assist and blind-spot alert system are among the other standard safety features.
Although the SLS-Class travels in rarefied space, it does compete against a few performance-oriented 2-door vehicles, including the Aston Martin DB9 and the Jaguar F-Type, as well as exotics like the Lamborghini Aventador and the Ferrari 458 Italia.
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2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Side door type: gull-wing
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: premium leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: carbon · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: premium leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.8 · Front brake width: 1.5 · Front brakes: carbon ceramic disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brake width: 1.3 · Rear brakes: carbon ceramic disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.44 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Battery: lithium ion · Exhaust: performance
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: carbon fiber · Side door type: gull-wing
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: premium leather
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation