2023 Mercedes-AMG SL due in Australia in May with V8 power

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL roadster is finally due in Australian showrooms later this year – after a stalled start – in top-of-the-range SL63 V8 trim.

Unveiled by Mercedes-Benz in October 2021, the new SL was scheduled to arrive in Australia in the second half of last year – but its launch has been hit with delays, and it is now on track for first local deliveries in May 2023.

It is understood finalising the model range and securing slots on the production line have been factors in the delay.

Three versions of the SL have been shown in the past 18 months – the four-cylinder SL43, and the twin-turbo V8 SL55 and SL63 models – however it has been unclear which were slated for Australia first.

It was suggested mid last year the SL line-up could launch first in late 2022 in SL43 trim – however Mercedes-Benz Australia has now confirmed the fastest model in the range so far, the SL63 4Matic+, is due in showrooms first.

Power is provided by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with outputs of 430kW and 800Nm, driving all four wheels through a nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.6 seconds.

A Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson told Drive it is "too early to announce" plans for any of the other models, such as the SL43 four-cylinder.

A plug-in hybrid SL63 E Performance is in development overseas, but it is yet to be confirmed for local showrooms.

Government approval documents show Australian SL63 models will have a choice of 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels, with 390mm front and 360mm rear composite brake discs as standard, or larger carbon-ceramic rotors (420mm front, 360mm rear) as an option.

Prices are yet to be confirmed for Australia, however the new SL is expected to be dearer than its now-discontinued predecessor – which left local showrooms in mid 2020 priced from $292,500 plus on-road costs.

The final AMG version of the outgoing SL, the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, rear-wheel-drive SL63, was priced from $373,179 plus on-road costs in late 2018.