2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Review

A Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ may be of interest.?

The new Mercedes-Benz SL, now in its seventh generation, carries on a history that dates back to 1954 and began with the now-famous 300 SL with its unmistakable gullwing doors.

While the SLS AMG and ultra-exclusive One hypercar have put an end to the vertical opening doors (which precede Lamborghini's scissor doors by more than two decades), the SL as a grand tourer (GT) has survived on and come to represent the pinnacle of German luxury touring.

In its lengthy existence of more than 70 years, the SL class's underlying assumption has also evolved. There had been some confusion over what the acronym SL truly stood for, but in 2017 Mercedes-Benz discovered records incorporate archives that made it clear that the SL stood for Super Leicht, not Sport Leicht.

The new R232 SL debuts with a new formula that sees the reintroduction of a soft roof (saving 21kg) and the addition of two rear seats that will see it compete more fairly against the likes of the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and more traditional competitors like the BMW 8 Series Convertible and the gorgeous Lexus L. Although if taken literally, it probably doesn't live up to the super light name in its latest 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 iteration,

Additionally, it's the first SL without a Mercedes-Benz model. We are a little sad to see the iconic SL 500 badge disappear in its entirety because the previous R231 offered an SL 500 version in North America. However, all new SL models are badged as Mercedes-AMG variants, and while this makes a lot of sense in terms of the customer base and performance requirements, we are sad to see the iconic SL 500 badge disappear in its entirety.

In actuality, the AMG SL 63 is the only model available in the whole SL line for the Australian market. The SL 43 and SL 55 are also offered in other countries, however, due to the low local demand for these vehicles and Mercedes-Benz Australia's determination to keep things simple, only the finest will do for our market.

The ultra-luxury convertible is a large car in person and looks the part, so it's difficult to convey how it appears merely from these pictures. The SL can no longer be mistaken by the uninitiated for anything other than the absolute top of the Mercedes family tree due to the demise of the SLC (formerly SLK)

No matter if the roof is up or closed, which takes just 15 seconds at speeds up to 60 km/h, but seems a lot quicker until you physically sit there and time it, as we did, the SL is an imposing car. Its dimensions are 4705mm long, 1915mm wide, and 1353mm tall with a 2700mm wheelbase.

Design enthusiasts will immediately recognize the grille's characteristic vertical struts and the twin bulging features Mercedes-AMG refers to as power domes on the hood. It has a sporty appearance without compromising the classic SL look and feel.

We adore the usage of flush door knobs and the ability of the designer to restrain themselves from going overboard on the back. The classic trapezoidal AMG dual exhaust tailpipes are still present, but it doesn't shout "race me" to the driver of the hotted-up AMG A45 waiting at the lights.

The AMG SL 63 does have a rear wing that contributes to enhancing its sporty appearance while driving. This wing can be mounted in five different positions to accommodate various aerodynamic needs, such as creating downforce for better cornering at various speeds or staying low to make the car as slippery through the air as possible.

What is the price of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63?

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ starts at $374,900 before on-road expenses, which is $1721 higher than the price of the AMG SL 63 from the previous generation when it was last available in this country in 2018.

What is the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 like on the inside?

In the automotive world, we talk a lot about brands like Lexus sharing parts with Toyota; Audi, Bentley, and Lamborghini borrowing from Volkswagen; and Rolls-Royce using BMW parts.

Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, both of which are owned by the VW Group, have never had this problem.

In fact, Tesla Model S early adopters would be overjoyed to learn that the majority of the stalks and indicator switchgear was lifted from Mercedes, back when the German company had a sizable stake in Tesla. AMG engines and components are used by even the most prominent of manufacturers, such as Aston Martin and Pagani.

A $400,000 AMG SL shouldn't share too many components with an A-Class, which is one of the reasons Mercedes-Benz has indicated it will look to drop some of the entry-level models from its family of vehicles. This is where it does, however, run into some potential customer resentment.

Knowing that a car that costs almost ten times as much as an entry-level Benz virtually uses the same technology, software, and systems design is a nice selling point, but it doesn't exactly bode well for SL buyers.

If looked at separately, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 has an interior that is truly fantastic and can be ordered with various colored seats (Black, Red Pepper, or Sienna Brown Nappa leather with a massage function or sportier AMG seats); however, if you're expecting it to look entirely different from the latest Mercedes range, you'll be a little let down.

The 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which controls everything from elevating the vehicle's nose to opening the roof, is paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

You may really utilize the screen to carry out the same actions instead of the specific button for opening and closing the roof, which must be pushed, then touched, and held a second time.

The physical button is useful because using the screen while reversing disables the roof because the camera takes over the screen, as we discovered. In any case, the globe opens up in about 15 seconds, and the process is as silent and beautiful as you can imagine.

The front suspension lifter, which was much missed in the previous-generation SL, GT, and SLS, is exclusively controlled by the screen, in contrast to the roof operation. The good news is that you can configure it to be location-based, which means that if you instruct the car to lift its nose there for the first time, it will remember the GPS coordinates and repeat the action as you approach on subsequent trips.

The SL will therefore know to lift its nose up in anticipation if you frequently use a problematic garage or parking lot after just one notification. This, in our opinion, will result in far happier couples.

While the basic MBUX is the finest it has ever been, we found ourselves turning to CarPlay at a moment's notice for navigation and audio playing even though wireless Apple CarPlay is standard and works great.

The SL has the most recent active safety features from Mercedes, so it can almost drive itself if you simply keep your hands on the wheel for legal reasons. The full-color head-up display is also constantly visible and aids in keeping your eyes on the road.

The autonomous system performed admirably on the highway, but you wouldn't use it if the route was somewhat winding.

Both front occupants may get a respectable massage from the basic front seats, which are comfortable and supportive.

While the sportier seats may seem better, we believe the advantage of getting a little massage while you drive in your SL is worth the small compromise. You can upgrade to the optional AMG seats for $2495 but you lose the massage feature.

In reality, the back "seats" are not designed for adults. Even Mercedes acknowledges that they are best suited for those up to 150 cm in height. Basically, little adults and young children can squeeze inside for a brief trip. The good news is that you can simply utilize the chairs for soft bags because of their form.

The 2+2 option gives you the adaptability that some people receive from a Porsche 911, allowing you to do your very best to make it work for a short journey if you have extra passengers. This choice is significant to many purchasers and might convince some to support the SL.

We thought the audio system was absolutely top-notch and blew us away with its clarity and bass, especially with the roof down on the highway. It may not be the insane 31-speaker, 1750-watt system featured in the S-Class limousine, but it is still a basic 11-speaker, 650-watt Burmester surround sound system.

You'll be pleasantly pleased by the Airscarf technology, which sprays hot air on your neck and head via the headrest, as you listen to the music. During the Queensland summer, you won't need this, but on a winter night drive with the roof open, it will offer that additional touch of fantasy.

When the electric soft top is retracted, the 240-liter boot space in the SL 63 4Matic+ is reduced to 213 liters. A set of golf clubs can fit in there, for sure.

Interior options for the SL 63:

• Sienna Brown / Black
• Truffle Brown / Black (optional)
• Crystal White / Black (optional)
• Black (Nappa leather)
• Red Pepper / Black
• Macchiato Beige / Titanium Grey (optional)

What’s under the bonnet?

A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 430kW of power and 800Nm of torque powers the SL 63 4Matic+.

This is coupled to a completely variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, which is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission with a wet multi-disc start-off clutch.

The SL 63 4Matic+, according to Mercedes-AMG, can sprint from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.6 seconds and top out at 315 kilometers per hour.

The AMG Dynamics Plus Package, which includes dynamic engine mounts, an electronically-locking rear differential, and the 'Race' driving program with 'Drift' mode, is standard equipment on the SL 63 4Matic+.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ is advertised to have a combined WLTP cycle fuel consumption of 13.9 liters per 100 kilometers, but in reality, you'll need to use a lot more gasoline than that to enjoy the car for its intended use.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63's driving characteristics.

The next Mercedes-AMG GT, which is expected to be introduced soon, shares the same chassis and platform as the new Mercedes-AMG SL 63.

That implies several things. The SL is sporting an AMG badge because it is truly an AMG, not a marketing gimmick. Additionally, this is a true sports vehicle, although one that is designed for lengthy highway journeys (preferably on the autobahn at 300 km/h).

The SL 63 is a hefty car, there is no getting around it. However, the suspension and engineering work really well to make the car feel as light and agile as possible without defying the laws of physics.

A few hours outside of Sydney, Mercedes felt so confident in its new SL that it took us on the ancient Pacific Highway up toward the Hunter Valley.

The SL rode over these extremely winding, badly maintained roads with ease while still pushing hard into and out of bends with complete calmness, which would have quickly exposed the vulnerability of any poorly tuned or set up car. Given the size and weight of the car, this was a bit unexpected for us.

Although the ride is comfortable without being soft, the SL's interior's absurdly low noise level at highway speeds was what really caught our attention.

You could actually doze off there. This vehicle is designed for long-distance travel, making it one of the greatest options available if you have the resources and the need to travel long distances while still maintaining the highest levels of style and luxury.

It sits halfway between comfortable and athletic, but it's clearly no slacker, and with a 0-100km/h time of just 3.6 seconds, it seems blisteringly quick. This car is significantly different from an S-Class and the previous-generation AMG GT.

The all-wheel-drive technology aids in putting the power down both at a stop and in the middle of a bend, assisting you in navigating any challenging situations you may encounter.

The engine noise may be the only real issue we have with the SL 63. The incredibly popular 4.0-liter twin-turbo AMG V8 has been around since 2015, and although it comes in three distinct models (M176, M177, and M178) with somewhat varied specs, the M177 engine utilized in the 2018 SL is surprisingly quiet in this application.

Naturally, the SL is designed for a more affluent customer who might not enjoy the growl, crackle, and pop of a V8, but we thought it would at least provide some amount of noise to calm the heart.

Unfortunately, that is not the case, and it stings even more because we are aware of how loud it can be given that it has been in a variety of vehicles, including the brand-new Aston Martin DB12 and the old fire-breathing AMG C63. However, in the SL, it has been instructed to keep its volume down.

Overall, you won't find yourself requesting greater performance bandwidth in a new SL 63. It's as quick as you could possibly imagine a GT to be, giving the driver the assurance to take the next corner a little bit quicker or turn up the music and unwind. Whatever functions.

What do you get?

SL 63 4Matic+ highlights:

• Illuminated door sills
• AMG floor mats
• Black Dinamica microfibre roofline
• AMG aluminum trim
• Heated and cooled front seats
• 8-way electric front seats with memory
• Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery
• Massage seats (front)
• AMG Performance steering wheel
• Ambient interior lighting with 64 colors
• Wind deflector
• Airscarf neck-warming
• Dual-zone climate control
• 11-speaker Burmester sound system
• Wireless phone charger
• Head-up display
• Voice assistant
• 21-inch forged alloy wheels
• Yellow AMG brake calipers
• AMG Active Ride Control suspension
• Digital Light headlights
• Active hydraulic anti-roll stabilization
• MBUX 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• MBUX 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio

Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Options

AMG Night Package: $6,900

• 21-inch 10-twin-spoke forged wheels (matte black)
• Darkened headlights, tail lights
• Aerodynamics Package
• Black badging (side, rear)
• Radiator fins in black
• MANUFAKTUR trim in black chrome

AMG Carbon Fibre Package: $11,990

• AMG Exterior Carbon Package
• 21-inch 10-twin-spoke forged wheels (matte black)
• AMG Carbon-fibre exterior mirrors
• AMG Carbon-fibre interior trim
• AMG performance steering wheel in carbon fiber, DINAMICA

Mercedes-AMG SL 63 - Colours

• Hyper Blue
• Sun Yellow
• Obsidian Black
• Selenite Grey
• Alpine Grey

Optional:

• Patagonia Red Bright: $2190
• Monza Grey Magno: $10,190
• Opalite White Magno: $10,190
• Spectral Blue Magno: $10,190
• Opalite White Bright: $2190

How secure is the Mercedes-AMG SL 63?

Although the SL hasn't been put through any safety testing, based on all the models Mercedes-Benz has launched over the last few decades, we can infer that if it were, it would receive a top-notch safety rating.

• Surround-view cameras
• Anti-theft alarm
• 8 airbags
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane change assist
• Active steering assist
• Driver attention assist
• Parking assist
• Interior monitoring system
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Exit warning assist
• Lane keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Tyre pressure monitoring

How much does it cost to operate a Mercedes-AMG SL 63?

A five-year, unlimited-mile warranty will be offered for the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+, much like the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup of passenger cars.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has not yet released information on AMG SL's servicing fees and maintenance schedule.

Review of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 by CarExpert

There isn't much to gripe about the SL 63, other than the price. I would want a stronger exhaust sound and more buttons to completely handle essential tasks rather than depending on a super-high quality and snappy touchscreen screen.

If you start to add options and become picky about the color and wheels, the $400,000 asking price will probably increase to somewhere around the mid-$400,000s. While the SL buyer of the past would have done this and moved on without much hesitation, there is now more choice in this segment than ever before.

While the Porsche 911 Cabriolet costs about the same and isn't quite as grandiose as an SL or as well-suited to lengthy trips as the formidable Mercedes, it is more nimble and more inclined to have fun when given the chance.

Additionally, BMW produces the M8, which is all but forgotten but merits consideration at this price. If you go slightly to the left of the center, you could also come across the Aston Martin DB12, which has the same engine and is available as a Volante (convertible).

The greatest vehicle coming out of Japan right now is the Lexus LC 500 Convertible, which is at the other extreme of the scale. It has an interior that stands out and rivals the SL while being loud, attractive, and full of life and character... however, the fact that it is a Lexus is significant in this segment of the market.

The good news is that if you pick an SL as your next GT, you simply cannot go wrong. Just be sure to put lots of miles on the vehicle and take full advantage of what is without a doubt one of the greatest GTs available today.