Exploring the Mercedes-AMG SL 63

Where did it all begin?

In the 1950s, it became apparent to the Mercedes-Benz racing team that they needed a lightweight and aerodynamic sports car to rival their competitors at the infamous Le Mans. They loved their competitors’ sleek and sophisticated designs, but identified evident mechanical flaws. In 1951, they built and tested an all-new sports car for a new racing era. It was then, at the Nurburgring, that the Mercedes-Benz SL was born.

During its initial years, the SL was simply a spaceframe, engine, and drivetrain, with no bodywork or doors, to ensure a lightweight design for maximum performance. Known as the ‘300 Super Light’, it wasn’t until 1954 that the roadworthy model was first unveiled at the International Motor Sports Show in New York. Becoming an instant hit, this was the starting point of the SL’s success story.

The model has seen a number of variations over the years but to this day, it has remained a desirable and sophisticated sports car. However, it is the most recent redesign in 2022 that has launched this historic model into a new era. As Mercedes-AMG branded it: The Star is Reborn.

New and improved body design

For the first time, the SL is available exclusively as an AMG, setting new standards for driving performance and luxury. The update has modernised the legendary model, providing a sportier, more luxurious, and more attractive design than ever before.

The SL’s new body structure is full of innovations, and guarantees maximum rigidity and top performance. Overall, the body structure is stiff and lightweight in design, with a weight of approximately 270kg thanks to an intelligent combination of aluminium, steel, magnesium and fibre composites. Compared to its predecessor, the torsional stiffness has been improved by 18%, improving the suspension and guaranteeing sporty characteristics with precise handling and high agility.

Additional improvements to the body frame include aluminium struts in the engine compartment and carbon fibre struts on the front and rear axle beams, further increasing rigidity during fast cornering. This innovative and lightweight construction combined with the new ultra-modern and sport design ensures you can experience the SL’s high performance in a dynamic and comfortable way.

Exterior design

The new exterior is more luxurious and attractive than ever before, but stays true to its iconic roots with the AMG-specific radiator grille and elongated hood with power domes. Other AMG features to highlight are the matte-black 21-inch 10-twin-spoke forged alloy wheels with composite ceramic brakes – a match made in heaven.

Forged alloys are specific to top-level AMG models and have been crafted from one solid piece of metal, making them stronger, more durable, and more resistant to corrosion and oxidation. While ceramic composite brakes are 50% lighter than standard steel or semi-metallic brakes, which not only reduces lift but also increases longevity. These brakes and wheels work in perfect automatic harmony with one of the most iconic performance features: Rear Axle Steering, which can be seen on the EQS 53.

Mercedes-AMG updated the Roadster with a multi-layer electric soft-top design that blends elegantly into the vehicle’s silhouette – a key contrast to the previous hard-stop cabriolet roof. To provide a more luxurious experience for passengers, the hood includes thermal and acoustic insulation to keep it warm during the colder weather and suppress loud external noises. Like the S-Class, the SL fulfils the highest Noise Vibration and Harshness standards. The soft-top is fully electric via the MBUX touchscreen display or your key in just 15 seconds, and can operate during speeds of up to 37mph. A rear window in the roof has also been added for easy visibility and optional wind deflector for added comfort when the hood is down.

The SL has also received the latest Digital Light technology with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, which projects light onto the road and feeds information back to the driver. This ensures the highest level of safety on the road, with the option to darken the headlights and taillights for a fierce design.

Practicality

A significant adjustment on the SL has seen the 2+2 seat design reintroduced for the first time since 1989, providing maximum space and comfort. This illustrious model has been made even more versatile with room to fit two additional occupants or additional luggage.

Day-to-day usability is a strong focal point now, with the increase in length, height, and wheelbase. Another benefit of the fabric hood is the additional space in the boot.

Interior and Infotainment

The new interior design has clearly been created with the driver in mind, and is a start contrast to the previous model, with enhanced comfort, luxury, and sportiness. Standard safety features, such as Active Blind Spot Assist and 360 degree features, in combination with the optional Driver Assistance Package and AMG Dynamic Plus, provide a wealth of technology for the ultimate driving experience.

The cockpit now features two new screens with the central floating LCD 11.9-inch touchscreen with the latest generation of MBUX, and the new Hi-Res 12.3-inch LCD screen which is integrated into a high-tech visor, designed to protect the driver from glare with anti-reflection technology and razor sharp imagery. You can even adjust the position of the ergonomic 11.9-inch media display. The SL has also received the latest update of the fingerprint scanner and voice identification for security.  

Much like the S-Class, the SL now utilises the new steering wheel generation with new arrangement of switch panels and a new operating concept. The AMG Steering Wheel buttons allow you to easily access the ESP, AMG Ride Control, Manual Shifting, ECO Start/Stop Function, Rear Wing, Actively Variable Aerodynamics Profile, AMG Real Performance Sound, and AMG Dynamics.

The optional Heads Up Display projects relevant information in an easily accessible format to avoid distractions for the driver. The height of the Heads Up Display can be adjusted, allowing the viewing angle of the virtual image to be set and stored by the integrated Memory Function on the driver’s door panel.

Other significant highlights include the AIRSCARF, Burmester Surround Sound System, and the optional Driver Assistance Package. The new AMG Sports Seats, which include optimised side support, integrated headrests and ideal ergonomics, epitomise the combination of luxury and sportiness. MBUX can be used to select various equipment, such as Augmented Reality Vide, Smartphone Integration, MBUX Interior Assistant, and AMG TRACK PACE. The latter feature is exclusive to AMG and is a nod to the vehicle’s sporty heritage; after all, this model was originally designed for the racetrack.

Performance

The hand-built V8 bi-turbo petrol engine under the hood provides explosive power, delivering 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds thanks to a braking horsepower of 576. The twin-scroll turbochargers are positioned between the cylinder heads for a better response. In addition to its powerful performance, the engine also maximises efficiency as the cylinder can shut off when the power demand is low, effectively reducing the fuel consumption.

The new engine introduced many innovations and future proof technologies, such as the jet-guided direct fuel injection with third-generation piezo technology, as well as the lightweight construction and four-valve technology with camshaft adjustment on the intake and exhaust side.

The transmission has been upgraded in the form of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT nine-gear Multi-Clutch technology, providing an ideal combination of dynamics, efficiency, and safety. This works in perfect harmony with the DYNAMIC SELECT feature, which allows you to swiftly move between Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, or RACE Mode at the touch of a button.

To help you tame the explosive power, all SL models are equipped with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ transfer case, which provides optimal traction and stability in all road conditions, including rain and snow. When required, the transfer case provides slat lock by the all-wheel actuator to provide the ideal torque distribution.

Customisation and Individualisation

As the SL 63 sits comfortable in the boutique selection of the Mercedes-Benz model range, naturally a wide variety of individualisation options are available. This includes a plethora of eye-catching paint choices, sleek upholstery options, and nine different wheel designs ranging from 19 to 21 inches.

To round out the sophisticated trim level and to choose a design that really suits your personal style, you can select from a number of interior finishes, such as Black Chrome, Carbon Black, Aluminium, and High Gloss Black. Additionally, there are five difference exclusive exterior packages to further enhance the level of customisation and driving experience, including the AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG Carbon Fibre Package, AMG Chrome Package, AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package II, and the V8 Styling Package.

Explore the SL 63

With its desirable design, exhilarating performance, and top-level luxury, it’s no surprise that SL has been top of its class for generations. In the words of AMG, the SL is “a vehicle that represents performance luxury in its purest form.” It's described as more than just a sports car: it’s a feeling.

Contact our teams to experience the legendary model for yourself.