Mercedes-AMG SL 63 – First driving test

Anyone who sees the new AMG SL for the first time might easily think that an AMG GT Roadster is driving by. With its powerful AMG grille, long, low lines and a nicely proportioned body, the new sports car bears many similarities to this much more expensive model. “That was not a goal in itself,” says AMG CEO Philipp Schiemer with a smile. “But of course we take it as a compliment.” Whether it is a coincidence or not: the AMG GT Roadster will not get a successor and production of the S-Class Cabriolet has also been stopped.

The AMG GT Roadster seemed to be the successor of the SL for a while. That model also made the SL more or less redundant. But now the SL is back, and how. The most notable change is the return to a canvas roof instead of the folding metal hardtop. This not only leads to better proportions, but also to a more traditional style and also a considerable weight saving. Also unique: the SL is now a 2+2, which greatly improves the usability. The seats in the back are useful, for example, to quickly drop someone off at the station, but they are – just as with the Porsche 911 – otherwise especially suitable as extra storage space.

The interior of the SL resembles that of the new S-Class with its beautiful vertically positioned MBUX infotainment display. Mercedes calls the interior style ‘hyperanalogue’. You should be able to recognize the minimalism from the original 300 SL Roadster in it. The platform is also brand new. The SL uses a new aluminum spaceframe and is therefore much more than a modified AMG GT. In fact, according to Mercedes-AMG, the SL does not share any part with the previous SL or with the AMG GT Roadster, except for the powertrain. In addition, everything has been done not to make the SL a ‘middle of the road’ car.

The driver and co-driver sit almost in the middle of the longitudinal axis, which contributes significantly to the open-air experience by not sitting halfway under the windscreen. It also improves the maneuverability of the car. And indeed: driving with the roof open is a pleasant experience in the new SL, even when it is drizzling. At speeds of more than 40 km/h the drops blow over the slippery body and the heater and seat heating and heater keep the cold out just fine. And otherwise there is a so-called Airscarf in the headrests of the excellent sports seats of the SL, which blows warm air around as standard to warm your head and neck.

References to 1952

The most striking element of the exterior is the strong wedge shape, which gives the Mercedes a sporty appearance. In profile, it is even reminiscent of the Porsche 911. Also special: the characteristic ‘bumps’ on the hood that refer to the 300 SL. In the grille we even see a reference to the W194 ‘300 SL’ from 1952. That race car also had fourteen vertical bars in its grille. The handles recessed into the doors – again a reference to the 300 SL – together with the Digital Light LED headlamps and the slim taillights give a modern touch to the whole. The SL also has active flaps in the grille and a rear spoiler that rises from 80 km/h from the rear and then – depending on the speed – takes one of the five prescribed positions.

The convertible roof of the SL is 21 kilograms lighter than the steel folding roof of the previous SL and can be opened or closed in 15 seconds at a speed of up to 60 km/h. But the new model is still not a ‘Sport Leicht’, with its weight of about 1,950 kilograms. This is partly due to its increased exterior dimensions: a necessary increase given the new 2+2 configuration. At 4.71 meters long, the new SL is 13 centimeters longer than the previous SL and 16 centimeters longer than the AMG GT Roadster. The SL is also 4 centimeters wider than its direct predecessor, but again 2 centimeters narrower than the open AMG GT. At 2.7 meters, the wheelbase is 11 centimeters longer than that of the previous SL and 7 centimeters longer than the wheelbase of the AMG GT. In the trunk you can store between 213 and 240 liters.

Refinement

When it comes to driving characteristics, the word ‘refinement’ is the first thing that comes to mind. Where the last SL models felt a bit sluggish with their tendency to lean a bit in the corners, the latest model feels much more focused. However, without the sometimes tiring tendency of the AMG GT to continuously pass bumps, bulges and transverse ridges unfiltered to its occupants. Even when pressing the Sport- and Sport+ button, the car does not change into a plank with bumpy suspension, because even then the chassis continues to effortlessly swallow short bumps. The nine-speed Speedshift automatic does its job flawlessly. The box switches smoothly in the comfort mode and quickly and with huge hits in the Sport+ position.

The permanent four-wheel drive is a valuable addition, because the bloody V8 can react quite violently, especially when all systems are in war mode. The engine noise then also increases and loud bangs are regularly heard when you release the accelerator pedal. Still, the SL is less vocal than some AMG models that are more sporty. We drove the SL 63, which is equipped with a 4.0 liter V8 engine that we have known from AMG for some time. With its 585 hp, this power source is just as strong as in the AMG GT-R. The SL is also available as the AMG SL 55, which produces 476 hp from the V8. The sprint time from 0-100 km/h is 3.6 and 3.9 seconds respectively and the top speeds are 295 and 315 km/h.

The GT feeling

The steering emphasizes the GT feel more and is perhaps the least sporty aspect of the SL. He never reacts nervously or very directly and that really only hurts you when you are on a track. The turning circle is exceptionally small: thanks to the new four-wheel steering, this large convertible is just as manoeuvrable as a compact hatchback. When the car is harassed, losing control starts with slight oversteer. Unless you step on your gas too abruptly, because then the rear will jump out of the tire first. Still, the Mercedes doesn’t really challenge you to rage like a hooligan. He can do it, but you prefer to drive this AMG on its torque, while you hear languid blows from the thick exhaust pipes. The new SL will be in the showroom from next spring. The price list starts with the SL 55. The price of this and of the SL63 is not yet known at the moment.