MERCEDES BENZ SL AMG Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

After five years on the market, the SL received a well-deserved facelift for the entire range, and that included both AMG versions, the SL63, and the SL65.

The SL started as a premium roadster for the German carmaker, but later on, it received more powerful engines and special treatments from the AMG department. For the car's fifth generation, introduced in 2011, the motorsports specialists developed new or improved drivetrains and braking systems. But they were constrained to the older five-speed gearboxes, which could withstand up to 1000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. Further developments on the AMG Speedshift MCT 7 allowed the dual-clutch transmission to cope with the same twisting force, while the rest of the range was fitted with the newer 9-speed automatic.

For the SL63 version, the German carmaker introduced a new grille that sported a double horizontal slat, supporting the big three-pointed-star badge in the middle. The apron received an updated design with wider air-inlets on the sides that sported black trims on their upper sides. A lip-spoiler under the apron guided the airflow inside the engine bay to help cool it and also reduced the ground-effect that could trouble the car at higher speeds. At the back, a small lip-spoiler adorned the trunk lid, while on the lower side, a double twin-exhaust with silver trims confirmed the car's high-performance designation.

Like its SL65 AMG sibling, the SL63 featured a luxurious interior with high-bolstered seats covered in Alcantara. The Air-scarf system that blew warm air to the occupants' necks was standard, while the driver was spoiled with a flat-bottom, three-spoke steering wheel covered in the same expensive material.

Under the hood, the hand-built 5.5-liter Biturbo V8 provided enough power and torque to rocket the car from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) in a mere 4.1 seconds.

The SL-Class received an important update in 2016 when the 65 AMG was introduced to the market. It offered a thrilling performance and exclusive luxury. It was a true, open-top, GT car.

After Mercedes-Benz started to build the 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox, it was difficult to install more powerful engines on its cars. The previously used 5G-Tronic was able to cope with up to 1000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque, while the new 7-speed was not. Further improvements led to the AMG Speedshift MCT 7, which was able to deliver the desired performance. The rest of the SL-range was fitted with the 9G-Tronic gearbox.

The 2016 SL 65 featured an upright grille and all-LED headlights. Some AMG treatment was noticeable at the front bumper and the side sills. A small spoiler on the trunk was included in the aerodynamic package. The SL65 was fitted as standard with multi-spoke ceramic polished forged wheels.

Inside, the two-seat roadster featured sport-bucket seats with high bolstering. The airscarf system, that blows hot air behind the occupant's necks, was standard. For the driver, the SL 65 AMG offered a three-spoke steering wheel.

For better handling, the AMG engineers didn't cut any corners. The car was fitted with adaptive suspension, based on the Active Body Control system. The rear self-locking differential was included on the menu to help to launch the car. As expected, the double-clutch gearbox offered the option for launch control.

Mercedes-Benz decided to downsize the AMG engines but kept their big numbers on the tails.

Mercedes-Benz SL was fitted with a range of different engines, from a small 2.8-liter to the massive, 7.3-liter V12 unit installed on the 1999 SL73 AMG. But times were different, and there was no need to produced huge engines to get big numbers for power and torque. Moreover, a big engine was heavier and destroyed the car's handling. So, the German carmaker ordered smaller engines with bigger outputs from AMG.

The 2012 SL63 AMG was the first to feature the new front fascia, with twin blades on the grille. Its aggressive styling was complemented by a pair of redesigned headlights LEDs eyebrows. The A-shaped lower grille profile was already a trademark for the AMG vehicles, and it was adopted for the SL-Class as well. On the sides, the vents behind the front wheels hosted the chromed V8 Biturbo badge. At the back, a small lip-spoiler on the trunk-lid and four rectangular exhaust were proof of the power of what just passed you.

Inside, the coupe-convertible vehicle was enhanced with AMG stylings, such as the carbon-fiber and aluminum trims, which perfectly matched the black leather-wrapped dashboard and the sport-bucket seats. Special attention to the details was noticed on the gear-selector, which featured a hollow handle.

Under the hood, the AMG specialist installed a 5.5-liter V8 and a pair of turbochargers. The SL63 was offered in two different power outputs: 537 hp or 564 hp. The latter was available with the AMG Performance pack. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox with a wet-clutch system.

The SL lineup was one of the most famous ranges in Mercedes-Benz's range, and after the establishment of the Mercedes-AMG brand, it took over the production and the branding of special models, such as the mighty SL 65.

With over fifty years of presence on the market, the SL stretches its nameplate to the famous 300 "Gullwing" of the '50s. Even though it was never sold in large numbers, such as the more common C-Class or S-Class, it was a powerful brand ambassador for the three-pointed-star carmaker.

The new generation, dubbed R231, was available with AMG branding for the SL 65. It featured an upgraded front fascia with LED daytime running lights on the upper side of the headlights. Moreover, a line of LEDs adorned the apron, flanking the specific A-shaped lower grille, while the main grille sported a double horizontal slat that supported the three-pointed-star badge. On the sides, the vents on the front fenders were adorned by two chromed slats and the V12 Biturbo lettering. Last but not least, the SL 65 featured a lip spoiler on the trunk and quad rectangular pipes under the bumper at the back.

The cabin stood out from the crowd with its high-bolstered sports seats. They were offered with the airscarf feature that blew hot air into the occupant's necks. A tall center console divided the cabin and hosted the gear selector and the Command infotainment unit control. The aluminum paddle-shifters came fitted as standard on the sport, flat-bottom steering wheel.

Under the hood, Mercedes-AMG installed a hand-built V12 powerplant that provided enough oomph to make the roadster jump from naught to 62 mph (0-100 kph) in four seconds flat.

The fifth generation of the SL had few AMG special products in its lineup. Before the mid-life cycle facelift had a supercharged 5.4 V8 unit, which was replaced in 2008 with the bigger 6.2-liter V8 unit. For some, it sound like a downgrade, but the new, naturally aspirated engine, was rev-happy. The SL 63 AMG wasn't slow at all. The 525 hp and the 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque are good values. It had a new, 7-speed Automatic AMG Speedshift (dual-clutch), compared with the 5-speed automatic gearbox from the SL 55. But the fact is that the new SL63 was slower with 0.1 seconds in the 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) sprint than the model it replaced.

The SL 63 AMG braking system is matching the engine performance. The front wheels are equipped with internally ventilated, perforated 360 x 36-mm composite disc brakes with six-piston aluminum callipers, while at the rear comes from internally ventilated, perforated 330 x 26-mm brake discs with four-piston fixed callipers.

On the exterior, the new front grille evokes the first SL, from 1955, with a horizontal chromed line and the big, three-star badge in the middle. The retractable hardtop (marketed as Vario Roof) was featured on the vehicle.

The standard specification also includes nappa upholstery, carbon-fibre trim and AMG sports seats. The optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating system is a new addition. For entertainment, the SL 63 AMG featured NTG 2.5 telematics system.

The hard-top convertible 2008 SL65 AMG was one of the vehicles with the highest torque in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. But besides the high-performance drivetrain, it was a luxury roadster as well.

In March 2008, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the second facelift for the SL-class. It was unusual for a brand to build two facelifted versions of the same generation. Between 2001 and 2008, there were new pollution and safety norms that were changed and the customer's expectations were higher.

The 2008 SL65 AMG featured a new headlights design, whit the former double-rounded unit discarded. A new shape and a new grille with one horizontal slat were characteristic of the SL65 AMG. The front bumper was taller, with a wide air-intake in the center and two side-pods where the fog-lights were installed. On the front fenders, the SL65 featured two exhaust vents and a V12 Biturbo chromed badge. Four oval exhausts in the rear completed the image.

The driver was reminded every moment that he was driving a beast. On the instrument cluster, inside the speedometer and the tachometer gauges, the manufacturer placed the AMG and the V12 Biturbo logos, respectively. There was a new steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters behind it, and two round groups of buttons on the left and right spokes. A new infotainment unit was added.

For the technical department, the AMG chose a bi-turbo unit mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. It was the older 5G-Tronic unit, which was able to handle the massive 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft) torque. The newer 7G-Tronic could not do that. The front brakes were equipped with 390 mm (15.35”) brake discs while 360 mm (14.17”) discs provided the deceleration at the rear.

In 2008, just before the world financial crisis burst, Mercedes-Benz launched one of the wildest SL models ever: the SL 65 AMG Black Series. With a V12 bi-turbo engine under the hood, it could shred tires like nothing due to the massive 1000 Nm (738 lb ft) of torque. The transmission is via a 5-speed automatic gearbox with three settings: Sport, Manual 1 and Manual 2, the latter being claimed as 20% faster than the M1 setting.

Sporting a front end similar to that of the latest SL 63 AMG with a single-slate grille, L-shaped HID headlights and redesigned front and rear bumpers, this aggressive vehicle is a living statement of AMG quality. Despite its similarities to the SL 63, the car features unique style elements such as wider wheel arches and side skirts, not to mention the fixed carbon fiber roof. Front wheel-arch encased side vents and double exhaust flanking an air diffuser are part of the extra features, to name only a few.

Performance of this extreme SL was matching that of any supercar of its era. The 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) sprint took 3.9 seconds and the top speed was 320 kph (199 mph). But Mercedes-Benz claimed it wasn't a supercar but a luxurious GT with a wild look. Even a big wing was offered as an option to enhance aerodynamics. Or just the aggressive look. Either one works.

For stopping power, Mercedes installed big 390 mm (15.3 in) ventilated discs up-front with six-pot calipers and 360 mm (14.1 in) disc brakes on the rear.

Mercedes-Benz refreshed the entire SL-Class lineup in 2006 and unveiled the SL65 as its contender for the fastest rocket-launcher on wheels roadster in the world.

Sometimes the question about how much power is too much power arises among the petrolheads. The SL65 AMG had the answer for that and proved that 612 hp was too much. Worth mentioning that the carmaker had to limit the engine torque to 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft) because the gearbox couldn't handle more. As for the tires, they couldn't keep up with that monstrous, twin-turbocharged V-12 engine which was, by the way, too heavy for the roadster.

The 2006 AMG version featured a unique design for the front bumper, with a wide, A-shaped grille on the apron. From its sides, the roadster showed its 19" light-alloy wheels with a five double-spoke design. In the rear, a quad-exhaust with oval-shaped pipes poked through the rear diffuser under the bumper. Like the rest of the SL range, the 65 AMG sported the refreshed taillights with wider, smoked, reversing lights.

Inside, the owner had to see why it paid more than twice the money for an SL320. The carmaker installed a luxurious yet sporty interior with high-bolstered seats and white dials inside the instrument cluster. Strangely, the steering wheel looked too bland for the car's price tag. Two white bumps on the upper spokes showed the driver where to press to change the gears. A set of carbon-fiber trims adorned the center stack and the center console.

While it was slightly quicker than the SL600, the SL65 AMG featured larger brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and four in the back. The five-speed automatic gearbox could barely handle the massive torque, while the 285/30 R19 rear tires were just too narrow.

After 19022 units produced from the SL55 AMG between 2001 and 2006, the facelift brought major improvements to enhance the car's look and performances.

The SL55 AMG was the most powerful car that left the Mercedes-Benz factory lane in 2001 when it was introduced on the market. Meanwhile, the SL65 was introduced to the market with even more power. Still, the customers considered that the SL55 was a better choice.

The revisions for the 2006 SL55 AMG brought a new grille, inspired by the SL65 AMG. The front bumper was redesigned and looked more aggressive than before. Due to its involvement in the Formula 1 Championship, the German car-maker decided to offer an aerodynamic package that was F1 inspired on the front splitter and the side sills.

Inside, there was a new steering wheel and new options available, including the heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control and a push-button start on top of the gearbox stick. The driver didn't need to place the key in the dashboard to start the car.

Most of the major changes were made to the technical part of the car. The front disc-brakes were carried-over from the SL65 AMG. They were bigger and with 6-pot calipers instead of the older 8-pot units. The engine was re-tuned and received a new compressor, along with a bypass, that allowed the car to run as a naturally aspirated engine. For the 2006 model, Mercedes-Benz decided to keep the old and reliable 5G-Tronic gearbox.

The SL65 AMG broke the power barrier of the SL55 AMG, which was the most powerful production car in the world when it was introduced in 2002, and it had the torque limited.

The SL roadster was a huge success for Mercedes-Benz. It was a mix of beautiful styling, a wide range of engines, and a flagship that rocked the supercar world. It also had the glorious name of the legendary SL model that helped its sales. The fast, sleek, roadster received the big, twin-turbo V12 engine from AMG in 2004.

From the outside, there were few clues to let others know that it was the top version of the SL. A front apron with a wide center grille and angled spokes resembled the form of an F1 car. On the bumper's sides, a pair of air-exhausts were placed to help to cool the radiators. Behind the front wheels, another pair of air-scoops were installed to extract the air from the wheel-well. In the back, the rear bumper featured a diffuser in its lower side, with the four oval exhausts.

The early versions featured some luxury features such as leather seats and an infotainment unit with navigation. Over its life-cycle, the car was transformed slowly and received better amenities, such as a bigger screen, heated and ventilated seats, and radar-based cruise control. To cover and uncover the car it took just 16 seconds.

The 6.0-liter V12 engine was helped by a pair of turbochargers to develop 612 hp and a massive torque of 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft). Since the 5-speed automatic gearbox could not handle more than 1000 Nm, the engine was limited to that value. Otherwise, it was able to develop up to 1200 Nm (885 lb-ft).

The SL 55 AMG was the fastest car in the world fitted with an automatic transmission at the time of its launch. Its power and performance transformed the car into a high-performance GT.

The fifth generation of the SL was introduced at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show. The most important change over the previous generation was the introduction of the retractable hard-top instead of a canvas top. The SLK success was a convincing recipe, which was adopted by the luxurious GT vehicle.

With a raked front fascia and windshield, the SL looked more like a sports car, but its luxurious interior and soft suspension transformed it into a true GT vehicle. The retractable hard-top was a novelty for the SL-class since it made the car both a coupe and a convertible. But the AMG version was less of a GT and more of a sports-car.

The early versions featured some luxury features such as leather seats and an infotainment unit with navigation. Over its life-cycle, the car was transformed slowly and received better amenities, such as a bigger screen, heated and ventilated seats, and radar-based cruise control. To cover and uncover the car it took just 16 seconds.

Over 19.000 units were produced between 2001 and 2006 when the car received a facelift. Its 5.5-liter supercharged engine was mated to a standard 5G-Tronic automatic gearbox. Without a speed limiter, the car was able to reach 202 mph (325 kph) on a test-track.

In 1998, at the Turin Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the updated SL range: the R129 series. One year later, one of the best versions, the SL55 AMG was unveiled.

The times when a bigger engine meant a faster car were almost gone in 1999. The European customers didn't look only for higher output. They required a better handling and a smoother ride. For these aspects, the SL55 AMG was considered by many as a better car than the more powerful SL73 AMG. While the lesser version featured a V8, the latter was fitted with a V12 unit, and the car was 160 kg (351.7 lbs) heavier.

From the outside, the SL55 AMG featured a narrow front grille with horizontal slats. The new, rectangular, headlights were fitted with integrated turn-signals on their outer side. On the front fenders, behind the wheels, the AMG installed a specific air-vent to release the air from the front wheel-wells.

Inside, the car featured a luxurious interior with leather upholstery and wood grain on the dashboard, center stack, and console. The five-dial instrument cluster offered information about six car parameters and an elegant analog clock. A small LCD was installed on the bottom of the centrally mounted speedometer.

Power came from a 5.4-liter V8 engine with three valves per cylinder. It was mated to a standard 5-speed automatic gearbox.

The horsepower battle between Mercedes-Benz and its main rival, BMW, led to the creation of this unique roadster fitted with the monster engine: the SL 73 AMG.

BMW didn't have anything in its stable to compete against the SL, so Mercedes-Benz made an intelligent move and transformed that advantage into an even bigger one. Even though it knew that the V12 powerplant was very heavy and the SL fitted with it didn't handle the curves as well as the V8-powered ones, it still did it. And the result was one of the most expensive vehicles in the carmaker's stable.

In those days, Mercedes-Benz didn't want to scream its performance vehicles throughout its all body panels. So despite being the most potent version of the SL Class, it was subtle. At the front, the bumper was similar to other AMG-versions of the carmaker, and the grille was still chromed, albeit it was available as an option in black. On the front fenders, there were two small V12 badges, which were also available on the SL 600 version. And yet, the monoblock AMG wheels and the SL 73 badge at the back of the roadster were the only noticeable differences between this monster and the rest of the range.

The interior was garnished with all the bells and whistles the carmaker had in its basket. The ESP was standard, and the AMG lettering on the speedometer and the button for the adaptive suspension were also included. It was, actually, a suspension with two settings: sport (hard) and comfort (soft). Since the carmaker knew that its clients asked for high-power vehicles, but without giving up the comfort, it installed bolstered bucket seats. Still, they were far from being sports seats.

Under the hood was a manually-assembled 7.3-liter V12 powerplant. Later on, the engine found its way into the Pagani Zonda hypercar. Its 518 hp (525 PS) and the massive 553 lb-ft (730 Nm) torque were sent to the rear axle via a limited-slip differential via a five-speed automatic. Only 85 units were produced.