2023 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG [UK]

The new Mercedes-AMG SL, the new edition of an icon, returns to its roots with a classic soft top and sporty character. At the same time, the luxurious roadster as a 2+2 seater is particularly suitable for everyday use and puts its power down on the road with all-wheel drive for the first time. High-tech components such as AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active anti-roll stabilization, rear-axle steering, and optionally available AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system are available. In combination with the Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, this results in a driving experience of the highest order. As a consistent Performance Luxury model, Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach has developed the SL completely independently. Two models with AMG V8 engines will kick off the market launch.

Almost 70 years ago, a sports car launched in Stuttgart immediately became a legend. The vision of expanding the potential of the Mercedes-Benz brand through motor racing successes produced the first SL as a result - a road-going racing sports car. Shortly after its debut in 1952, the 300 SL (internal designation W 194) reaped success after success on the race tracks of the world. In its first year, it achieved, among other things, a spectacular one-two victory in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and even took the first four places in the Nürburgring Grand Jubilee Prize for sports cars. Its successes quickly make the SL a legend.

The successful racing car was followed in 1954 by the 300 SL production sports car (W 198), which is called the "Gullwing" because of its unusual doors. In 1999, a jury of motoring journalists voted it the "Sports Car of the Century." Other highlights of the model history include the "Pagoda" (W 113, 1963-1971), the evergreen R 107 (1971-1989), which was built for 18 years, and its successor, the R 129, which is considered an automotive sculpture because of its striking wedge shape. The abbreviation "SL" to this day thus stands for one of the few genuine automotive icons in the world.

Exterior design: balanced design with sporty genes

Characteristic features of the body design are the long wheelbase, short overhangs, long hood, passenger compartment set back with a strongly raked windscreen and powerful rear end. This results in typical SL proportions. Together with the voluminously sculpted wheel arches and large alloy wheels flush with the outer skin, they give the roadster its powerful, dynamic appearance. When closed, the seamlessly integrated soft top underscores the purist, sporty impression.

The AMG-specific radiator grille emphasizes the effect of width of the front and, with its 14 vertical slats, cites the ancestor of all SL models, the legendary 300 SL racing sports car of 1952. Other distinctive design elements include slim, sharply outlined LED headlamps and equally slim LED rear lamps.

Interior design: Performance Luxury with "hyper analogue" cockpit

The interior of the new Mercedes-AMG SL transforms the tradition of the first 300 SL Roadster into the modern era. The new edition perfectly combines sporting virtues and luxury. Fine materials and meticulous workmanship underline the standard of the highest level of comfort. The cockpit design, right down to the adjustable central display in the center console, is focused on the driver. At the same time, the completely new interior space concept with 2+2 seats offers more room and functionality than before. The rear seats increase the daily practicality and usable space.

The minimalist interior of the 300 SL Roadster, equipped with high-quality materials, inspired the designers in the interior design of the new model: The result is an exciting combination of analogue geometry and digital world - called "hyper analogue." This is exemplified by the fully digital instrument cluster, which is integrated into a three-dimensional visor. The standard MBUX infotainment system offers a choice of several specific display styles and different modes.

One of many highlights in the interior of the new SL is the sculptural seat design of the standard, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats. The head restraints are integrated into the backrest and emphasize the sporty character. The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system is on board as standard: warm air flows into the passenger compartment from air outlets in the head restraints and wraps around the head and neck area of the driver and front passenger like a scarf. Perfect ergonomics and various progressive seam and quilting patterns complete the symbiosis of high-tech, performance and luxury. AMG Performance seats are available as an option.

Engine, transmission and all-wheel drive: great variety and more choice than ever before

At market launch, the new SL starts with two output levels of the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. The engines are assembled purely by hand at the company's site in Affalterbach according to the "One Man, One Engine" principle. In the top model SL 63, the engine develops 577 hp and provides a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft over a wide rev range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph takes an estimated 3.5 seconds. In the SL 55, the V8 unit develops an output of 469 hp and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft. The sprint from standstill to 60 mph takes an estimated 3.8 seconds.

For use in the SL, the engine received a new oil pan, repositioned intercoolers and active crankcase ventilation. The intake and exhaust ducts have been optimized for even more effective gas exchange, and the exhaust gas routing for the catalytic converter box and petrol particulate filter has been enlarged. The developers achieved the increased output of the SL 63 primarily through higher boost pressure and greater air flow, as well as modified engine software. To sum up, the eight-cylinder engine thrills with its exceptional power delivery and powerful acceleration in all engine speed ranges combined with maximum efficiency for low consumption and emission values.

The new Mercedes-AMG SL: engine, transmission and all-wheel drive

At market launch, the new roadster starts with two output levels of the Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. And for the first time in its history, the SL also transfers the power to the road with all- wheel drive.

In the top model SL 63, the engine develops 577 hp and provides a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft over a wide rev range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. The roadster's top engine thus conveys effortless superiority in every rev range. The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.5 seconds illustrates this. In the Mercedes-AMG SL 55, the V8 engine delivers 469 hp and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft. The sprint from standstill to 60 mph takes 3.8 seconds.

The further developed AMG 4.0-liter V8 engine still operates with biturbo charging, in which the two turbochargers are not located on the outside of the cylinder banks, but in between them in the cylinder-V. The advantages of the "hot inside V": a compact engine design, spontaneous response of the turbochargers and low exhaust emissions thanks to optimal airflow to the close-coupled catalysts.

To further improve response, turbochargers with twin-scroll technology are used. Here, the housing of the turbocharger is divided into two parallel flow channels. Combined with two separate exhaust ducts in the exhaust manifold, this makes it possible to control the exhaust gases on the turbine wheel separately. One duct is fed by the exhaust gases of the first and second cylinders of a cylinder bank, the other by the exhaust gases of the third and fourth cylinders. The aim is to prevent the individual cylinders from having mutually adverse effects on the gas cycle. This reduces the exhaust gas back-pressure and improves the gas exchange. The results are increased output owing to improved cylinder charging with fresh mixture, more torque at low revs and immediate response times.

Engine features also include weight-optimized pistons, an adapted air intake and intercooling system, as well as extensive software developments. The jet-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, all-aluminum crankcase, 4-valve technology with camshaft adjustment, air-to-water intercoolers, alternator management, ECO start/stop function and gliding mode have been retained.