It’s now nearly 16 years since the wild SL65 AMG Black Series debuted. Back then 670hp seemed completely barmy from a twin-turbo V12, even as a limited-run, fixed-roof, quarter-of-a-million pound special. Now there’s a series production SL that requires no allocation to buy, boasts almost 150hp more, and costs tens of thousands of pounds less a decade and a half later. The SL 63 S E Performance may not be as exotic as the old BS, but rest assured AMG is going to ensure monster combustion power in its most famous convertible for as long as possible.
There was always something immensely appealing about the old 6.0-litre SLs, be they 600s or 65 AMGs of some description. Nobody needed a V12, really - especially with the 63s as good as they were - but the prestige of a dozen cylinders, the gearbox shredding torque, was undeniable. Just as back then, there’s now a prodigiously powerful flagship back in the SL range, one that’s heavier than every other model, noticeably more expensive and potentially quite unnecessary - I really enjoyed it.
There was much less time driving the SL at the launch than there was the identically engined GT. As a late addition to the event it wasn’t much more than a 20-minute squirt around the block. But on smooth German roads in the sunshine - a pretty significant caveat, yes - there seemed a lot to like. As with so many great SLs, the combination of smart looks, V8 muscle and opulent surroundings is pretty persuasive.
As a similar weight to the GT (here 2,320kg), performance is just as rampant, an impression inevitably heightened by the wind in your hair. It’s amazing to think that the 43 and 55 are the same model of car, such is the enormous acceleration disparity. They barely seem related. It seemingly makes no odds to this electrified powertrain what gear is selected, how many revs are on the dial or even if the road is flat - it’s going at light speed.
Just as encouragingly, this E Performance feels very much at home playing the big-hearted ‘bahnstormer. In the GT, the quibbles around the steering and brakes tend to grate a little because it’s the hardtop two-door sports car intended to lure people from a Turbo S 911. With the SL, you’re always willing to cut a drop-top some slack, and not being the sharpest roadster in the world - while also being keener than probably imagined - feels absolutely fine. It’s comfy without being lazy, and fast as all hell. Fine by me.
Where the less powerful 43 and 55 (in my experience) tried to be out-and-out sports cars with only limited success - the 55 too firm, the 2.0-litre not exciting enough - this hybrid 63 feels too have mellowed out a little, being happier to cruise. And that suits it. It doesn’t scythe through bends like a 43, because it weighs hundreds of kilos more, and it’s probably a more distant steer even than a 55, but on the other side of that equation is 800hp. Less incisive than those other models is still far better and more capable than those old SLs, too, thanks to a gamut of well-integrated tech.
So the E Perf rides and handles as well, if not a bit better, than it will ever need to. Going roofless means better access to the fascinating array of sounds made by the powertrain, too, from electric fizz to V8 rumble, with some turbo whistle on top. Hopefully, the novelty of more than one power source doesn’t wear off. Lightweight sports cars will always remain the purists’ choice, but adding more to an already heavy car doesn’t seem like the end of the world when the trade-off is such crushing speed.
Probably when the time comes to try an SL63 S E Performance in the UK it’ll be specced up beyond £200k, ride a bit too abruptly for our bad roads and feel a tad unnecessary when slightly less potent V8s are also available. Much as was probably the case when a V12 was also in the lineup. Just don’t be surprised, should the stars align on a test drive, to be rather won over by the hybrid. If nothing else, it demonstrates that AMG is still committed to ludicrous performance and making mad Mercedes just because it can. Long may it continue.
SPECIFICATION | 2024 MERCEDES-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE
Engine: 3,982cc, V8, twin-turbo, plus permanently excited synchronous electric motor and 4.84kWh (usable) battery
Transmission: 9-speed auto, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 816 (system output; ICE 612@5,750-6,500rpm plus 204hp electric motor)
Torque (lb ft): 1,047 (system output) (combustion 627@2,500-4,500rpm)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top speed: 197mph
Weight: 2,320kg
MPG: 36.7
CO2: 175g/km
Price: £190,845 (Premium Plus; Ultimate Performance £198,345)
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