Not one to let up with the party, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has introduced the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43 in the country, previewed for attending guests at the ongoing Mercedes-Benz Driver Experience in Sepang Circuit.

Note that it isn't a market launch just yet, though we were given an estimated starting price of circa RM 1 million.

This comes after the company launched the updated A-Class range just this morning, encapsulating the facelifted A200 and A250 4Matic sedan, as well as the A45 S 4Matic+ hot hatch.

Specs of the SL43

Far from a hyperbolic title is the SL43's powertrain: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (M139, just as it is in the A45 S 4Matic+) that makes 381 PS and 480 Nm. The 'F1' bit is the engine's electric exhaust gas turbocharger, which Mercedes-Benz claims is the first time in the world a production car uses such a technology that's directly derived from the development of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team.

The car is also a mild-hybrid, with a 48-volt electrical system and a belt-driven starter-generator (RSG) which offers a temporary 14 PS boost. This also enables a coasting mode, energy recovery, and smoother operation of the engine start-stop function.

Outputs are exclusively sent to the rear wheels (RWD) through an AMG Speedshift wet-clutch, multi-clutch transmission (MCT) 9-speed automatic gearbox, easing the roadster to cinch the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. Top speed? A heady 275 km/h.

Reining all that power in are a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres, wrapping 21-inch wheels. Behind them you'll find AMG-touched brakes, a 6-piston caliper biting on 390 mm discs up front, and a single-piston caliper holding 360-mm discs at the back.

Exterior and interior

Granted its full specifications for our market isn't finalised just yet, but the demo car had Digital Light LED headlights up front, LED tail lamps with fibre-optic tech, and AMG light display. So the full AMG works then.

Inside is a luxury-performance mix. The AMG Performance front seats, upholstered in Nappa leather, are both heated and electrically adjustable with memory settings.

The cabin showcases advanced displays, including an 11.9-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch driver's instrument display, and a head-up display exclusively for the driver. Wrapped in Nappa leather, the multi-function steering wheel is also the newest AMG Performance unit.

In addition to these amenities, interior equipment includes wireless phone charging, connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium Burmester sound system, a fingerprint scanner, extended MBUX functions, Mercedes me connect services, MBUS augmented reality navigation, AMG Track Pace functionality, and much more.

Safety assistance systems on the SL43 as standard includes the Driving Assistance Package, 360-degree camera with active parking assist and the exit warning function which detects when the user’s hand approaches the door handle.