2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 - Brutal Beauty

SL63 AMG or LC500?

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The SL, the embodiment of Mercedes heritage. In more recent years, though, it’s lacked a little luster. HOWEVER, all that has changed with this new generation. So thanks to Mercedes-Benz of Milwaukee for letting me have a go in the new SL63

And here’s the recipe for the new one

Neck snapping looks
A mind-blowingly powerful engine
And one of the best car sounds made today

But if you need a little more details this is what’s going on. Under the long hood you have the 4 liter bi-turbo V8 making 577 hp and 590 lbft. All that power goes through the snappy AMG 9 speed I love so much and makes its way to all 4 wheels as standard

In this range-topping 63 tune 0-60 is good for 3.5 seconds

And yes, that’s quick, but if I’m honest it could be 6 seconds as long as it continues to make this sound

And as long as the shifts still do this

This SL actually ONLY comes as a V8 AMG so drama and performance comes as standard. But that also means the 55 trim starts at $140k and this full 63 tune starts at $160k

But here’s the thing - even though it only comes as an AMG, to me this feels more like a GT car than a full-pedigree sports cabriolet

Yes, it’s quick, yes the transmission is sharp, yes the chassis and damping keeps it composed, yes it has 4 wheel steering, and yet, it’s just not got the personality that the GT family brought

But, it’s 5 inches longer than last generation and that means more weight too

HOWEVER

Don’t for one second think that means it’s any less a good car

My favorite car on sale today is a GT car, and after driving this, I may just have to reconsider that top spot.

This SL is still a GT, but it’s more sportscar than it has been for a long time. Incredible engine, phenomenal gearbox, AWD traction, and a thunderous exhaust. And yet it still manages to do the Benz side of the equation too

Dialed back the suspension softens back

The steering lights up

And the engine relaxes

And even with the roof off you have a shockingly civilized ride

I’m VERY impressed with this new SL so far but let’s step outside so we can appreciate the looks of this thing

So clearly I’m a fan of it behind the wheel but this is also one of those cars that you buy and then every SINGLE time you walk away after you park you look back at it…like 4 times

I mean LOOK at it!

It still subscribes to the classic SL recipe
LOOOONG hood with a roof that comes off
However, this guy now comes as a 2+2 so it more directly competes against things like 911s
But around the body you can see evidence that it’s thoroughly modern Mercedes
Panamericana grille
New lower fascia we see in the new C63 as well
Power dome hood
Front fender faux vent
20 inch wheels wrapped in XXX
And just like all Audi convertibles get silver a-pillars, each SL gets a black windshield surround
Retractable door handles
Then the rear quarter smoothly curves into the rear fascia
The taillights are an identical shape to the headlights but flipped upside down
You get a retractable spoiler
And of course, the classic rectangle shaped quad AMG tips

But most notably, the soft top is back..which more fits the look and also keeps weight down. What a stunner, but it’s as good inside as it is outside - let me show you what I mean

So while the behind the wheel experience can be very AMG, the interior is pinnacle Mercedes. Gorgeous design, excellent materials, and even with the rag top, the cabin isolation is impeccable

The toperation controls, along with pretty much everything else, is controlled in the screen
The screen itself though is brilliant
It’s the new MBUX system which is lovely
It’s totally customizable
It shows you cool stuff like telemetry
AND it has this handy feature where you can adjust the angle of the screen
Yanno..like to keep the glare off when you have the top down
THEY THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING!
Of course you get your normal stuff like ACP, digital cluster, HUD
Your 360 cameras are excellent
Your safety suite is comprehensive
And you get great luxuries like heated and cooled seats, massage
Heated steering wheel
AND the awesome air scarf for those cool fall days
But one of the favorite things is the AMG steering wheel
Customizable buttons for drive modes and individual features
MBUX control, media control, and autopilot control
And yes, while it’s now more a 911 competitor with a 2+2 cabin, it’s also more 911 in the sense that the rear seat is pretty unusual

This interior takes all the AMG performance and swaddles it in luxury that only Benz can

[dwnshft]

Special thanks to our Patrons for their support of the channel! SL63 or Lexus LC?

[bliglum]

Been a long time since we've had a good looking SL. Very nice.

[Straightarrow]

I’m the same way about my C-class I get out the car and I can’t help to walk backwards, and just admire. Damn, what a car…😊

[hockeymann]

Perfect that it's not a sports car. In my opinion, one of the most desirable AMG Mercedes Benz in recent history. I'd go to the other German company for a sports car, Benz does the best velvet hammers. It's kind of their thing.

[gkstanfield]

So jealous yours was one the first SL drives…these are gorgeous..!!

[glennleslie]

I absolutely love mine. The tech can take a while to learn but other than that, perfection.

[theboys]

AMG High compression engines equal $ for service after a few years of spirited driving. Still, very beautifully car especially with the rag-top.

[start]

My pops just got his and man its awesome

[rc]

This is nearly identical to mine. It took a second to get used to the tight interior, but I've always looked back at it as I walk away, and now the cabin seems big enough. Come for the engine note, stay for the wicked acceleration and tight handling. Mine is turning 0-60 in 3 seconds flat. It's not my track car, or my tow vehicle, just a pleasure car for me and almost everyone else that buys one. Any reviewer that assumes this would be a daily driver and sole car does not understand the buyer.

[RideOrDie]

This car be insane is they had either a twin turbo 5.5 v8 with around 650 hp 650 tq or a 6.3 single turbo v8 with 700 hp and 700 tq or even a supercharged 4.0 v8 with a 2.0 liter blower 600 hp or a 5.5 v8 with a massive 3.0 liter supercharger and 700 hp and 680-700 tq and 285 front tire and a 315 rear tire

[jamescosby]

Loving Mercedes is like a dream. "Sound system is my cup of tea! Alittle Depeche Mode skating at cruise control will be fantastic. BTW..I always tie my ladies nylon/pantie to my rear-view mirror! lol.
I'm a firm believer of, "The Best Or Nothing"! See you soon!
Thanks for the Great video!

[SquidzitAce]

We have a 2020 AMG E53 cabriolet. I like to call it a sporty cruiser.
We are looking to trade it in for an AMG SL 43 soon.
We're older, not in a big enough hurry to consider an SL 63. 😅

[thomasm.]

I have an SL55AMG, the real beauty, real understatement and drives nice. That time, an SL started at 65, 000EUR as V6, and today it starts at 125.000EUR as an I4. This example SL63 is around 215.000EUR. Sorry, way too expansive...

[johnp]

Not a fan of the large screen in a sports car

[garlicbreathandfarts]

Nice car, but the upkeep costs way too much.

[johnbehneman]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! GREAT VIDEO !!!! TOTALLY AWSOME RIDE!!!! SO MUCH FUN!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!!! PERFORMANCE IS ALIVE AND WELL IN 2023!!!!

[mamdouhmoustafamegahed]

So much beutiful car's special design

[jackmarston]

Theres nothing better about a sports car vs a GT. Theyre both fast, both have style, but the road isnt a race track, so why sacrifice luxury and tech for a few extra tenths of a second? Im good. Using launch control this car reaches 60 in 3 flat the 1/4 mile in 11.1 @ 125. But really shines at even higher speeds because it just doesnt slow up and hits that governed 196mph quick. Im very good with this GT.

[thegrimmer]

6:45 It misses on being practical. Back seat is wasted volume fulfilling regulations rather than adding function.

[jackmarston]

What year was this car? Mines a 23 and the hood has an amg badge not the mercedes badge.