Used 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class

As supercars go, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT for 2015 is about as super as they get. Beyond its stunning design, extraordinary horsepower and unique features such as the roadster’s gullwing doors, the SLS AMG GT represents something of a return to the German automaker’s glory days. Easily a match for the Aston Martin DB9, Ferrari California and Bentley Continental GT, the SLS AMG GT exotic for 2015 stares down the competition by offering a Final Edition limited run of just 350 cars. Offered as a coupe or convertible, this 583-horsepower AMG supercar will carry special carbon-fiber bits including its hood, front splitter and rear spoiler as well as unique AMG forged wheels and a Designo diamond-pattern leather interior.

In a straight line, the 2015 SLS AMG GT supercar can knock out a 0-60-mph run in a scant 3.6 seconds, acceleration that borders on terrifying if it wasn’t so much fun. AMG’s adept suspension tuning permits the GT to handle most of the engine’s power up to certain point. Push the SLS AMG GT too far, however, and you’ll be given a crash course (no pun intended) in the definition of oversteer. Getting the GT’s rear end to step out doesn’t take much, even with myriad traction- and stability-control nannies interfering. You’ll learn to avoid mashing down and letting up on the throttle too quickly, after which the SLS AMG GT becomes an absolute blast to drive. Off the racecourse, the GT’s plush seats, comfortable ride and adaptive suspension make it a very livable cruiser.

The 2015 SLS AMG GT Final Edition’s 2-passenger cockpit feels like any other modern Mercedes-Benz. That is, it’s well-crafted with a logical layout, though it’s not quite as inspiring as the car’s exterior. Still, there is much to like, and this supercar also knows how to coddle. The interior is awash in Designo diamond-pattern leather, gleaming metal and commemorative carbon-fiber trim and badges. A 7-inch display mounted in the center dash conveys navigation, audio info and more, and is controlled by Mercedes’ COMAND system with a center knob mounted just aft the wedge-shaped gear selector.

Spotting an SLS AMG GT 2015 Final Edition is easy; just look for the massive carbon-fiber hood, splitter, rear spoiler and mirror caps. Offered as a coupe or roadster, both boast deeply sculpted sides and a long hood that houses the massive V8 engine. The defining feature remains the upward-opening gullwing doors of the SLS coupe. Unfortunately, opening and closing them requires a wide range of movement, from bending down to open them to stretching high to close them. The SLS roadster doesn’t have this issue since it uses traditional doors, not to mention a triple-layer fabric roof that quickly retracts for open-air thrills.

EXCLUSIVITY
To possess a 2015 Final Edition of the stunning Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT exotic sports car is to be a member of a very small, very exclusive club. Even the one percent will envy you when you arrive.

EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT IT, TOO
Yeah, it may seem a cop-out, but really everything about this car, from its unique design to its gullwing doors to its magnificent motor to its stunning interior is, in a word, genius.

As you might guess, features are aplenty on a $200,000-plus supercar, not the least of which is the admiration that usually comes with driving one. Among the tangibles you’ll gain in the SLS are Mercedes’ COMAND system with voice activation, a 7-inch display and features like navigation and Bluetooth streaming. In addition to storing music files on the hard-disc drive, there’s an in-dash 6-disc changer and AM/FM/satellite audio system with iPod interface. Designo leather seating is standard, as is a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, bi-xenon headlights, and dual-zone climate control. Roadsters include the Airscarf neck-heating system and a removable wind deflector.

There’s no doubt Mercedes-Benz’s 2015 SLS AMG GT supercar is impressively equipped out the door, but there are many ways to add to its performance or individuality. Among the offerings, which often come with price tags in the thousands, are carbon-ceramic brakes, an 11-speaker/1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system, a carbon-fiber trim package and specialty exterior paint colors. For owners who plan to take their SLS AMG GT to the track – or just make believe they’re on one – there’s the AMG Performance Media option. This system measures vehicle performance data and race results and displays them on the screen.

The heart of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition for 2015 remains a naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) V8 engine. It’s technically 6.2 liters in displacement, but Mercedes still likes to dub it a 6.3. Among the hand-built engine’s impressive facts – other than its 583 horsepower – is that it uses a dry-sump system for lubrication. This is allows the engine to be placed lower for a better center of gravity (and thus, better handling) and enables you to corner hard with less worry of damaging the engine due to low oil pressure. All SLS models are rear-wheel drive and use a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Top speed for both the coupe and roadster is 197 mph.

6.2-liter V8
583 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
479 lb-ft of torque @ 4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 mpg