The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster supercar is back, but this time as a ragtop. Some analysts worried it would lose its appeal without the signature gullwing doors that were replaced with regular conventional doors for the convertible top to operate. Nothing to worry about, this car is fantastic.
The SLS AMG Roadster is simply one of the best looking, most powerful convertibles on the market. Throw in a monster engine, sleek interior and Mercedes-Benz’s renowned brand and you have a sparkling automotive achievement. Don’t just take our word for it though, the Southern Automotive Media Association’s (SAMA) annual “topless” event recognized it as the “2012 Convertible of the Year.”
How could SAMA not see it as the best? This car is a work of art. However, that work of art with cost you around $189,600 to $196,100 depending on options. Not exactly cheap!
Features
This supercar comes with:
- Hand-built 6.3 liter V8 engine delivering 563-hp, 479 lb-ft of torque
- 0 to 60 miles acceleration 3.7 seconds
- Rear-axle mounted 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox
- Race start gearbox with launch control setting (rev the engine, dump the clutch)
- 197 mph top speed
- AMG ride control option – adds electronically adjustable shocks with three damping settings
- Soft top that can be opened in 11 seconds (lowered up to speeds of 31 mph)
Driving Performance
Driving the car is like riding inside the safest and most powerful convertible you can find. The interior has extra bracing throughout which means when the gigantic V-8 gets going, the car doesn’t shudder or shake as you would expect.
When you push on the gas, the hand-built motor responds and you immediately feel the power of this machine. You can hear the engine as well since the sound envelopes the passengers as it pours into the cabin. While most manufactures are working on controlling that sound and providing an eerily quiet cabin, Mercedes-Benz is proud of the engine noise.
On the road, the SLS AMG Roadster is smooth and vibrant in responding to the driver. It is a supercar yes, but it is also a Mercedes-Benz. This is one supercar that is meant to be driven and is practical enough to run errands with.
Mercedes-Benz says that this “model joins the SLS AMG gullwing coupe, the first-ever cars designed and developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG, the company’s high performance division.”
We completely concur. If you are looking for the best convertible supercar that you can still get groceries with. Look no further, the SLS AMG Roadster is the one you want.
Author Elizabeth Bailey writes for Silver Star Motors in Melbourne, Australia, one of the country’s finest Mercedes-Benz dealers.
