2017 Mercedes SL63 AMG Review - The Perfect Mercedes for Porsche Boxster Money?

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In today's video I am driving a somewhat overlooked Mercedes - the SL63. The SL as a whole seems to be rather forgotten now that we have the AMG GT, but does it still have a reason to exist over the cheaper and more youthful AMG?

#Mercedes #AMG #SL63

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[peterbratu]

Bought a very rare version of this car from 2013 with carbon ceramic brakes, designo matte paint, ABC suspension, limited slip diff, distronic plus, ventilated seats, etc, only 22K miles - for less than £40K. Just came back from a 2000miles trip through the Alps and I have to say it never missed a beat. The only car so far which I can drive for 600miles in a day and don’t feel tired or have a sore back.

[WaypointComics]

Jay, I have to say that that is one stylin', profilin', limousine riding, jet flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin' and dealin' son of a gun Ric Flair shirt! have a nice day :)

[beemer]

I absolutely love my SL63, I think it is one of the most amazing, fulfilling cars ever produced. Your reference to “muscle car” is spot on, it is a throw back to AMERICAN muscle car feel and performance with German engineering quality, fit and finish. The sound is amazing, the hard top convertible is a must have compared to canvas. This is a car you will never get tired of, haven’t used my 911 Turbo or Continental Gt, since I got it.

[RedC]

I bought the SL400 new in 2015 (the first gen R231) and I still own it. I never really understood the SL AMG versions after the AMG GT was brought out, especially as the AMG GT was cheaper. To that end they were giving massive incentives on new SL's which I took advantage of. Even with these huge incentives they still didn't shift enough. Which is a shame as I love mine. I always wished I'd bought the 500 instead of the 400, that was until I got it remapped and it's now the car it should have been when it left the factory and is an absolute joy to drive, so approaching 6 years on I still have it. It's the only convertible I'd consider because of the solid roof, so the plan on the new SL being a soft top makes even less sense when you consider the GTC roadster exists. It is very surprising how good the "entry level" SL's are. You're welcome to take it for a spin as a comparison.

[Arkay]

When the facelift of the current SL came out I knew it was going to be outshined by the AMG GT, however I'm glad to see the classic SL still got it where it counts, and then some.

[theobabajooni]

“It’s like Mike Tyson practicing a few doors down.” Easily the best sentence of automotive journalism I’ve heard.

[nigel.w]

7-speed Multi Clutch Transmission in the SL63 model of the R231 generation launched in 2012 and running to 2020! Not to be confused with the 7-speed auto in the SL350/400/500 pre-facelift models, which was replaced with a 9-speed auto in the facelift SL400/500 models from 2016-20. The facelift SL63 continued to use the 7-speed MCT.

[fivestarcomms]

Brilliant review, I bought mine new in 2019, best "smiles per mile" ever

[markcarter]

A drive in an SL is always an event. They don't have to be new, or the snarling AMG variant, to put a big smile on your face.

[richardbrayshaw]

I've got a 2009 3.5l V6 that wriggles and squirms its way down fast country roads on 99 octane fuel, and would easily keep up with a boxster, so I can only imagine what this V8 beast would be capable of. The SL-class is an undervalued, rock solid car and I won't be swapping mine anytime soon.

[peterbratu]

You are correct, the gearbox is not a dual clutch - but much better - multi-clutch! It can shift to any gear at any time in tens of milliseconds.

[richardcollins]

I picked one up at Christmas, as a daily drive, after putting myself on the good list. Learning to live with it in the winter was terrifying, 6 months on it is the perfect mix of power and luxury. I agree with the comment below, most smiles per miles ever. Great Video Jay.

[frankdahl]

A simple remap for 98 RON, 93 PON here in US, yields 140 more HP and Torque which feels just about right for this roadster.

[ricardohunte]

The SL - has to be one of the best GT cars out there. A very sweet ride indeed.

[mike]

It’s really an overlooked car since the AMG GT came out, but what a great all-around ride. As with all AMG models, you must buy them 3-4 years old to avoid the early depreciation cliff that they all fall off

[Naspirated]

“A proper AMG needs a proper engine” yes, totally agree, to hell with the new 4 pot c63 🤢

[carlickio]

Have always thought these have been hugely underrated. Would love to see an SL65 review!

[peterdelamare]

I ran a new R231 SL350 for two years and found it a very surprising package. It handles like a much smaller car and I couldn’t make it understeer on public roads or roundabouts. Even around Silverstone it was surprisingly fast and cornered flatly and turned in so well.

[Fozzymandeus]

Thought I’d comment as I own a 2013 SL350 and a 2010 Boxster! I daily the SL. It’s fab in all weathers and very relaxing. Great for dealing with traffic and fun enough when there’s none. But the Boxster is a much more special experience every time you drive.

[rrd_]

I have one of these - standard power is 585bhp and 900Nm torque. The performance pack (red callipers) increases the top speed to about 190mph. Brilliant car - I love mine!