Performance Review: Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series 6.2 V8 - [2012]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes SLS Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series 6.2 V8 is the 7 speed / Semi-Auto version and was first brought out in 2012. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2012 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged.This particular Mercedes SLS has a 6208cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The SLS shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the SLS's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1550 kgs (3417 lbs) this makes the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series 6.2 V8 in the same weight category as the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 5.5 V8 C8 or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes SLS shares the same bhp with the 2023 Ferrari Roma Spider 3.9 V8 Turbo (611 bhp)

In terms of power the 6208cc 32V V8 engine produces 622 bhp (463 kW) @ 7400 rpm similar to the 2023 Ferrari Roma Spider 3.9 V8 Turbo (611 bhp) or the 2023 BMW X5 M Competition 4.4 Turbo F95 (616 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 468 lb-ft (634.5 Nm) @ 5500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (470 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (443 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mercedes SLS you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2022 Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto 3.0 V6 Twin Turbo Hybrid (424.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes SLS.

The Mercedes SLS has a Power to weight ratio of 401.2 bhp per ton and 301.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2012 SLS competing with the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto 3.0 V6 Twin Turbo Hybrid (424.6 bhp per ton) or the 2013 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster (424.6 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mercedes SLS generating around 301.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2001 Noble M12 GTO 2.6 V6 Turbo (326.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 1968 Iso Grifo 7 Litre (326.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 3.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 3.7 secs, this made the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series 6.2 V8 as fast as the 2023 BMW i7 M70 xDrive G70 (3.60 secs) the 2020 Audi TT RS 2.0 Turbo (3.60 secs) the 2020 Iso Rivolta GTZ 6.2 V8 Supercharged (3.60 secs) the or the 2019 BMW X6 M Competition 4.4 V8 Turbo F85 (3.60 secs). This Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series 6.2 V8 is also faster than the 2022 BMW 8 Series M850i xDrive 4.4 V8 Turbo G15 (3.70 secs) the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (3.70 secs) the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 992 (3.70 secs) the and the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 6.2 V8 Supercharged Convertible (3.70 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the SLS and the 2013 Mercedes A Class 45 AMG 2.0 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes SLS on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.3 secs @ 121.1 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2013 Mercedes A Class 45 AMG 2.0 Turbo (11.25 secs), the 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo SE 930 (11.26 secs), and the 2016 Ford Focus RS 2.3 Turbo (11.26 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2012 version of the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series 6.2 V8 has a maximum speed of 196mph.

Top Speed of the 2012 SLS equals the 2019 Bentley Flying Spur 6.0 W12 Twin Turbo (207 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series 6.2 V8 then how about the 2019 Bentley Flying Spur 6.0 W12 Twin Turbo (207 mph), the 2018 Bentley Continental GT 6.0 W12 Convertible (207 mph), or the 2017 Bentley Continental GT 6.0 W12 Turbo (207 mph).

Related Links:

2012 SLS Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison