Performance Review: Mercedes SLS 6.2 V8 AMG Coupe DCT-7 - [2009]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes SLS Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes SLS 6.2 V8 AMG Coupe DCT-7 is the 7 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2009. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2010 Hennessey Venom GT 6.2L V8 and the 2010 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 Super Sport.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 1620 kgs (3571 lbs) this makes the Mercedes SLS 6.2 V8 AMG Coupe DCT-7 in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW Z4 M40i 3.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes SLS shares the same bhp with the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp)

In terms of power the 6208cc 32V V8 engine produces 563 bhp (419 kW) @ 6800 rpm similar to the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp) or the 2023 BMW 3 Series M3 CS 3.0 Twin Turbo G80 (542 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 479 lb-ft (649.4 Nm) @ 4750 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 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 5.5 V8 C8 (460 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 2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia (372.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes SLS.

The Mercedes SLS has a Power to weight ratio of 347.5 bhp per ton and 295.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2009 SLS competing with the 2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia (372.5 bhp per ton) or the 2011 Radical SR3 SL 2.0 Turbo (372.3 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 295.6 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 2006 Mercedes CLK DTM Cabriolet (320.6 lb-ft per ton) or the 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Performante 5.2 V10 (320.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 3.90 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.0 secs, this made the Mercedes SLS 6.2 V8 AMG Coupe DCT-7 as fast as the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo (3.90 secs) the 2022 BMW 2 Series M2 3.0 Twin Turbo G87 Steptronic (3.90 secs) the 2022 Porsche 911 Sport Classic 3.7 Turbo 992 (3.90 secs) the or the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo (3.90 secs). This Mercedes SLS 6.2 V8 AMG Coupe DCT-7 is also faster than the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (4.00 secs) the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto (4.00 secs) the 2021 Audi e-tron GT Quattro (4.00 secs) the and the 2020 Maserati Levante Trofeo 3.8 V8 Twin Turbo (4.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the SLS and the 2007 Lotus Elise SC 1.8

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes SLS on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.75 secs @ 116.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2007 Lotus Elise SC 1.8 (11.70 secs), the 2003 Jaguar XJ R 4.2 V8 Supercharged (11.70 secs), and the 2009 Porsche Boxster 3.4 Spyder 987 (11.70 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2009 version of the Mercedes SLS 6.2 V8 AMG Coupe DCT-7 has a maximum speed of 197mph.

Top Speed of the 2009 SLS equals the 2020 McLaren Elva 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (208 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2009 Mercedes SLS 6.2 V8 AMG Coupe DCT-7 then how about the 2020 McLaren Elva 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (208 mph), the 2018 Aston-Martin DB11 AMR 5.2 V12 twin Turbo (208 mph), or the 2017 Apollo Intensa Emozione 6.3 V12 (208 mph).

Related Links:

2009 SLS Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison