The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (C197 coupe and R197 roadster) was the first sports car built from the ground up entirely by Mercedes-AMG. Premiering at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the coupe became famous for its iconic gullwing doors inspired by the 1954 300 SL. The chassis used an aluminum spaceframe structure with a front-mid engine position and a transaxle rear gearbox arrangement for optimal weight distribution.

Power was generated by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine (M159) producing 571 hp, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The lineup evolved with the SLS AMG GT (591 hp) and the lightweight track-focused SLS AMG Black Series (631 hp). In 2013, Mercedes introduced the limited-production SLS AMG Electric Drive, equipped with four electric motors generating a combined 751 hp. Production concluded in 2014 with the Final Edition series.