New AMG SL 63 v BMW M8 v Audi R8: DRAG RACE

We’ve got our hands on the all-new Mercedes-AMG SL 63, and Mat’s about to see if it has what it takes to bring down some of its closest rivals - the BMW M8, and the Audi R8 Spyder!

So let’s see how the three compare. Starting with the AMG, it’s powered by a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 which is good for 585hp and 800Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic gearbox, and it tips the scales at 2,048kg. But not only is it fairly heavy, it’s pretty pricey, costing from £172,000!

Then alongside it we have the BMW M8. Lift up the bonnet and you’ll find a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet, which is good for 625hp and 750Nm. So it’s up on power compared to the AMG, but it’s also up on weight, tipping the scales at 2,100kg! Thankfully it’ll leave a slightly smaller dent on your bank balance, with the price starting from £142,000.

Then finally we have the R8 Spyder. It’s powered by a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 that can put down 620hp and 580Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and it’s the lightest car here, weighing in at just 1,695kg.

So will the all-new SL 63 win it? There’s only one way to find out for sure… LET’S RACE!

[lars.v]

Considering the SL got less than 35 hp than both the M8 and R8, and weighs a lot more than the R8, it did a fantastic job!

[alexis]

As a hardcore BMW guy, I gotta admit that SL63 is just freaking beautiful

[ALB]

I never get tired of the sound of that Audi V10. Absolutely the best sounding engine. Shame on Audi for cancelling it.

[sapphiros_word]

the SL did better than expected. For that price there’s better options but it is very beautiful. Sad to see the Audi R8 is leaving us forever though

[zioromesp]

Simply Mercedes AMG SL is the absolute top!!! What a great lesson she gave her rivals...

[mrbreathtaker]

The Mercedes did way better than i thought and yes it does look good

[sds]

Coming from a BMW guy, i have to admit that SL is a beauty. Though it is the newest of the bunch. I also have to give props to the M8 and the R8. They are gorgeous in their own right and have aged like fine wine

[osvaldoposta]

Thanks Matt for great content, the SL63 amg is simply the best looking car there...

[bcraftin]

Matt cheated and threw a tantrum until he won the drag race! SMH BIG UP to the SL63. 👍🏽

[criszara]

If we can talk between the SL63, M8, R8 we have to admit that Mercedes is crazy because has less power and more weight....

[afnwc]

How about a poll on who thinks Matt will ever accept a loss without cheating until he wins 😂😂

[spooks]

Gotta love how Matt finessed his way to a victory all while doing his school girl laugh😃 classic

[No-Name]

The Mercedes have impressed everyone with having the least power and weighting similar to m8 it's very close well 👍 done

[calvinndlovu]

Watching from South Africa Johannesburg, the SL is amazing I was not expecting that 😮 I'm so impressed mercedes benz you are always the best ❤

[MAC_NELO]

I remember this rooftop drag on TOP GEAR so vividly. James aka Mr Slow, Richard and Jeremy were the guys. What a nostalgic moment 😂😂

[jajahmal]

Would love to see this race in dry conditions! 😊

[yanis_s]

Mercedes are the masters of V8 engines and the sound! Brutal!

[Killllluuuuuua]

All three cars are stunning but the elegant amgs are my absolute favourites

[AngiizwaNtwana]

I’ll remain the Mercedes fan boy forever.

[Aaraa-tb]

shouldve shown the fastest drag race times for each car instead of the times just for the last race. But on another note that SL is hands down the best looking car by a mile, has the perfect balance between elegance and sportiness.