Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim comparison
2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 43 vs AMG SL 55
The SL-Class AMG SL 43 starts at $111,950 while the AMG SL 55 is $144,650. That $32,700 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The AMG SL 55 gets the 4.0L V8 Turbo and AWD, so the $32,700 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The AMG SL 43 is enough if the 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo with RWD already fits your routine; the AMG SL 55 only earns the jump when the 4.0L V8 Turbo and AWD setup is the point of the upgrade.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the AMG SL 43 to the AMG SL 55 is about $576/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $34,560 more by the time interest is counted. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The AMG SL 43 and AMG SL 55 are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $32,700 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $5,450 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | AMG SL 43 | AMG SL 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $111,950 | $144,650 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo | 4.0L V8 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 416 hp | 469 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 13 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 21 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 16 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,650/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,825 lbs | 4,277 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 106.3" |
| Length | 185.2" | 185.2" |
| Width | 75.4" | 75.4" |
| Height | 53.5" | 53.5" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 43 vs AMG SL 55 Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class lineup, the Mercedes-Benz brand hub, the Sports Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 SL-Class AMG SL 55 cost than the AMG SL 43?
The AMG SL 55 starts at $144,650 compared to $111,950 for the AMG SL 43. That is a $32,700 difference, or approximately $576/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 43 and AMG SL 55 have the same engine?
No. The AMG SL 43 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo (416 hp, 369 lb-ft), while the AMG SL 55 has the 4.0L V8 Turbo (469 hp, 516 lb-ft). That is 53 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 9-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2025 SL-Class AMG SL 43 come with AWD?
No. The AMG SL 43 comes standard with RWD while the AMG SL 55 has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class come with?
All 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims, including both the AMG SL 43 and AMG SL 55, come with Mercedes-Benz's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 55 worth $32,700 more than the AMG SL 43?
The AMG SL 55 changes both the engine and drivetrain for $32,700 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim gets better fuel economy, the AMG SL 43 or the AMG SL 55?
The AMG SL 43 is the more efficient of the two at 22 combined MPG, versus 16 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $32,700 Gets You
At $32,700 more, the SL-Class AMG SL 55 adds the 4.0L V8 Turbo engine (+53 hp) and AWD. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the AMG SL 43 delivers the same core SL-Class experience for less.
AMG SL 43 vs. AMG SL 55: Day-to-Day
Engine is where these two diverge most: 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo in the AMG SL 43, 4.0L V8 Turbo in the AMG SL 55. That means 53 more horsepower and 147 more lb-ft of torque. A significant jump that changes the driving experience. In return, expect about 6 fewer combined MPG. The AMG SL 55 has AWD while the AMG SL 43 has RWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The SL-Class AMG SL 43 gets 6 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $716 per year or $3,580 over five years of ownership.
Summary
The SL-Class AMG SL 55 costs $32,700 more than the AMG SL 43 (about $576/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $5,450 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 43
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the AMG SL 43 best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 55
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the AMG SL 55 when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.