Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series: Spotted
We're not going to see naturally aspirated mental Mercs again, and values are reflecting that!
What with the Final Edition being the, er, final SLS, the Black Edition wasn't the swansong for the SLS. It did represent, however, the very peak of that legendary 6.2-litre M159 V8. It produced its peak power at 7,400rpm and revved to 8,000 (!) thanks largely to an entirely overhauled valvetrain with new cams and tappets. The intake was revised too, and a titanium exhaust saved 13kg. Now, even more so than in 2013, that engine will dominate the SLS experience.
But the Black Series was about so much more than raw power (remember that 631hp is less than 20hp more than a new E63). It was 70kg lighter than an SLS thanks to standard ceramic brakes, a carbon bonnet, a carbon prop and a lithium ion battery. Those in addition to extensive suspension changes and a new electronically controlled limited-slip diff.
You can read what Chris Harris made of it here, but suffice it to say the Black Series could easily justify the premium over a standard SLS. Then a significant £50,000, that gap has significantly widened: a standard SLS with very few miles is £220,000, but an SLS Black Series with very few miles is £485,000...
Can it be worth nearly half a million pounds? Let's check the facts. If rarity is a factor then the Black Series most certainly qualifies, with just 15 right-hand drive cars produced. Just ignore the fact that there are two in the PH classifieds at the moment... It has the supercar drama in spades with those doors and that engine, plus it has the near-200mph performance to back those looks up. You could argue that the usability of a dual-clutch auto may appeal to certain customers as well.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle for the Black Series in achieving that price is the golden period we've been enjoying for super special track cars of late. For the same £485K that this SLS is up for, you could also have an Aventador SV, a 675 LT or a Speciale - all more common that the AMG, but most certainly worth considering at this money. There are even a couple of reasonable naturally-aspirated engines in that list...
Will it sell for that money? Would you if you could? We certainly won't see it's like again! Over to you...
MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG BLACK SERIES
Engine: 6,208cc V8
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 631@7,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 468@5,500rpm
MPG: 20.6mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 321g/km
Recorded mileage: 2,000
Year registered: 2013
Price new: c. £230,000
Price now: £483,950
See the original advert here
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