Introduced at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG blended classic styling with modern performance as the spiritual successor to the 300 SL Gullwing. It carried over the iconic gullwing doors and long hood, housing a handcrafted front-mid-mounted 6.2-liter V8. Several limited editions followed during its five-year production run, but none surpassed the Black Series.
Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3, the Black Series pushed the platform to its limits with a reworked V8 producing 622 hp and 468 lb-ft of torqueโthe most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 of its time. Extensive carbon-fiber components, a titanium exhaust, and a lower-mounted seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sharpened handling far beyond the standard SLS AMG. With an 8,000-rpm redline, it launched from 0โ60 mph in 3.5 seconds and reached 196 mph.
Visually, the Black Series stood apart with wider fenders, a fixed carbon-fiber rear wing, and exclusive staggered forged wheels. Inside, Alcantara, carbon fiber, lightweight racing seats, and a motorsport-inspired steering wheel underscored its performance focus. Among the few models to wear the Black Series badge, the SLS remains one of the rarest, with only 350 being produced and roughly 132 delivered to the U.S.
One U.S.-market example is now for sale on Bring a Trailer, showing just 2,704 miles since being delivered new to House of Imports in Buena Park, California. Itโs finished in Obsidian Black Metallic and equipped with gullwing doors with pop-out handles, bi-xenon headlights, a carbon-fiber rear wing, straked front fender vents, power-folding mirrors with carbon-fiber caps, Parktronic sensors, and polished exhaust tips.
Staggered 19โณ front and 20โณ rear Y-spoke wheels wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires dated 2022 and 2023. The SLS AMG Black Series receives AMG Ride Control with two-stage electronic damping, speed-sensitive steering, a widened track, and carbon-ceramic brakes with copper-painted calipers.
Inside, it has an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and heated, power-adjustable AMG sport seats in black leather and Alcantara, which also covers the lower dash, center console, and door inserts. Features include a rearview camera, Keyless Go, red seatbelts, dual-zone climate control, and COMAND navigation.
Source: Bring a Trailer
