New SL's yellow & more mellow

IT LACKS V8 RUMBLE OF SL55 BUT IS MUCH NICER TO DRIVE

A new car with a four-cylinder engine that costs more than a hundred grand? Don't be ridiculous. Surely a motor like the Mercedes-AMG SL roadster should have a big V8 like the current SL55 with its twin-turbo unit pushing out almost 500bhp and sounding excellent although lacking in class, which is unfortunate in a car costing £147,475.

But now Mercedes has launched an entry level' version costing £117,165 and badged as the SL43. And it's powered by an extremely clever four-cylinder plant that has received the brush of Formula One technology. It's essentially the same engine as used in the AMG A45 S hot hatchback, but turned around to be placed longitudinally in the SL's engine bay.

The F1 element is a turbocharger that is not only spun by conventional exhaust gases, but is also turned by an electric motor. This reduces turbo lag (a hesitation between putting your foot on the accelerator and the car actually leaping forwards).