2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

Mercedes shoe-horning an enormous V8 into a car is not breaking news. They’ve been doing it for what feels like millennia. Whereas BMW built their reputation with six-cylinders, Mercedes built theirs on truly perfecting the German V8.

For most of the late 1990s and early 2000s, Mercedes-AMG customers had to make do with just 5.4 litres. This, of course, was deemed inexcusable, and thus the first fully AMG-developed V8 was produced. A 6.2-litre masterclass that delivered massive power and an earth-shattering soundtrack. Mercedes quickly set about mounting it in absolutely anything they could, including the R-Class.

It’s often forgotten that the R230 generation SL, the one that first appeared in the early 2000s, was supplied with it too. Production of the R230 ran right up until 2011, so when the 5.4-litre generation of engine was discontinued, it was natural that an SL63 would soon be born.

Supplied new in January of 2009, this Obsidian Black over Anthracite exclusive leather SL63 is one of those overlooked AMG cars. It embodies truly everything great about this special period in automotive history, where engines were bigger, and exhausts were louder. Sat on a set of 19” double-spoke AMG alloys, it is simultaneously shouty and discreet.

It’s hard to tell if any of the optional extra boxes were left unticked when this car was ordered, with nearly a ¼ of its value being spent on top of the base price. The most visually obvious is the AMG carbon pack, which adds the carbon-fibre diffuser, rear spoiler and bumper accents.

Lurking in the shadows of the option list, though, is the £8,000 AMG performance package. A rare choice that not only increases the top speed to 186 MPH, but adds a mechanically locking, limited-slip differential. Which is essential if you have a vendetta against your rear tyres.

The interior also benefits from the performance package, with carbon fibre trim and a flat-bottom AMG steering wheel. Mercedes frankly genius air-scarf system allows you to travel roof down, all year round, but you should choose not to; the hard top, which features glass panels, is trimmed in designo alcantara.

The SL is a mechanical masterclass, not just a technological one; it utilises Mercedes’ ABC (active body control) suspension to offer unrivalled ride comfort and unparalleled confidence. And, yes, that’s the suspension system they used a chicken to advertise…

You need that trick chicken-like suspension because under the bonnet is that aforementioned 6.2-litre M156 V8, mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox. Producing well over 500bhp, and enough torque to shred the rear tyres in a matter of moments. Yet despite the face-melting power, it can be used every day, and on long motorway trips to boot.

The car has been regularly maintained mostly within the Mercedes-Benz main dealer network, but also with marque specialists. It has equally had some preventative measures included, such as replacing the headbolts. The car is currently on 48,000 miles and has just been serviced.

The full records show:

03/2012 – Service A at 9,874 miles – Mercedes-Benz of Beaconsfield

04/2014 – Service A at 17,549 miles – Mercedes-Benz of Beaconsfield

10/2014 – Front brake pads at 18,930 miles – Mercedes-Benz of Stratford

07/2015 – Service B at 19,449 miles – Mercedes-Benz of Stratford

08/2016 – Service A at 20,196 miles – Mercedes-Benz of Stratford

05/2017 – Service B at 20,887 miles – Mercedes-Benz of Stratford

05/2018 – Service A at 22,312 miles – Mercedes-Benz of Stratford

05/2019 – Service B at 25,422 miles – Mercedes-Benz Cruickshank Motors

05/2021 – Service at 40,604 miles – IMAT MB Ltd

07/2025 – Service at 48,000 miles – Starwerks Mercedes Specialist

The R230 SL63 AMG is from a particular sweet spot in Mercedes production, where new engine technology was on its way in, but the cars featured more traditional Mercedes driveability. Comfort and Luxury are prioritised, and it makes the ownership and the driving experience all the more special.

As with all our vehicles, an entire digital folder is available upon request and contains more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.