MERCEDES-BENZ SL63 AMG Review

At the center of our Mercedes SL63 AMG’s magnesium and plastic roof structure, sat the Magic Sky Control. This is a panoramic roof whose name isn’t that far off from reality. Touch a button and the transparent glass instantly turns dark. The system works perfectly and once you’ve played with it, you’ll want it everywhere. Even in your bedroom.

The glass never goes fully dark, but its tint is all you’ll ever need. Alas, the system comes with a flaw. It’s optional. Not only does Mercedes also offer a transparent version with a roller, but the basic setup sees your car fitted with a painted roof. Not nice.

In fact, the Mercedes SL is a collection of elements that bring comfort. Let’s take the seats for example. Apart from their coziness, these also come with a cooling function you can actually use, a rare treat in the auto world. They also feature Mercedes' Airscarf, so they have something to offer for every mood you’re in.

There are also other typical Mercedes element for which we were thankful - the climate control system’s “defuse” setting, for example.

The AMG button itself is an item of comfort. This is basically a memory setup for the whole car. You can use it to choose your favorite combination for the powertrain, suspension and ESP modes.

And the hardware this button controls is like the cast of a brilliant movie. All the actors here are brilliant with their parts. The Mercedes SL invites you to indulge in GT-style driving. The engine, gearbox, suspension and steering, they all speak “relaxation” as a second language. Forgive us for enjoying being lost in translation.

Few cars with the muscle of the Mercedes SL63 AMG manage to offer such comfort. And that’s not all. The practicality, the easy access, they’ll all here to serve you.

Body and Chassis

The monocoque of the Mercedes SL relies mostly on aluminum to reduce the weight by 275 lbs (125 kg) compared to the previous generation. In addition, the fuel tank cover is made of magnesium, while the A-pillars and the roof frame use high-strength steel. Not only is the SL’ bodyshell lighter, but it’s also 20 percent stiffer than that of the replaced model.

Like we said, most of the weight loss comes from the extensive use of aluminum for the bodyshell. However the shaving process has targeted all sorts of elements around the vehicle. Among others, the windscreen is now thinner, using an acoustic film, the seats are slimmer and the electric system has been redesigned.

Powertrain

Under the SL63 AMG’s hood, we find the M157 5,461 cc twin-turbo V8. The unit delivers 537 HP at 5,500 RPM and a peak torque of 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. Opt for the Performance Package and the boost pressure goes from 1.0 to 1.3 bar via an ECU remap. This brings the power to 564 HP, while the torque jumps to lb-ft (900 Nm).

The powerplant works with an AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission. This replaces the torque converter in an automatic gearbox with a wet start-up clutch. The system is housed in a lightweight magnesium case.

The Mercedes SL63 AMG doesn’t feature a limited slip differential as standard. The role of the LSD is taken over by electronics, even in the “ESP off mode”. You can get a proper, mechanical, locking diff, but only as part of the optional AMG Performance Package.

Road Connection

The four-link front suspension of the previous generation already featured many aluminum components, but the use of this metal in the AMG suspension has now been extended. Even the frame for the front engine, front axle and steering gear is now made of aluminum. As for the multi-link rear axle, this relies on aluminum almost entirely.

The Mercedes SL63 AMG has some extra negative camber on both axles, while the bushings have also been revised compared to the standard SL.

Nevertheless, the SL63 AMG’s greatest suspension trick is the use of a revised Active Body Control. We’re basically talking about damper struts that feature hydraulic elements. This cylinders are placed in line with the steel springs and can modify their length. This, of course, results in variable spring forces.

The Active Body Control monitors the car at all times and adjusts the hydraulic pressure individually. Not only does this allow for fine tweaking of the ride and handling, but it also means there’s no need for a roll bar.

In addition, the system lowers the car at speed, while the driver can also lift both axles by up to 2.2 inches (55 mm) at up to about 20 mph (30 km/h).

AMG also offers a Performance Suspension, which comes with 30 percent stiffer damping characteristics.

The Mercedes SL63 AMG is gifted with the go-fast division’s speed-sensitive sports steering. The electric power steering varies its assistance according to the suspension mode chosen.

Stopping power

The SL63 AMG features ventilated and perforated brake discs. Up front, we have 390 mm rotors with six-piston fixed calipers, while at the back we get 360 mm discs with single-piston floating calipers.

In addition, you can tick the AMG Carbon Ceramic box when configuring the car. This means your SL63 AMG will stop thanks to 402 mm front rotors and 360 mm rear discs - the rotors are about 40 percent lighter compared to conventional ones.

The Mercedes SL is definitely willing to spoil you. Otherwise, there would be no reason for it to wear a Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system. Perhaps its simply offers this because its SLS AMG sibling does. We don’t even care. All we’re interested in are the 12 speakers and the 900 Watts. We’ve always found Bang & Olufsen to be a touch above other premium producers like Burmester or Meridian. The verdict from our ears confirms this conclusion.

The SL itself is an audiophile, since its front frame members are used as resonance elements. They call this the FrontBass system and you can also brag about it in front of your friends. Oh and if you don’t want to go all the way up to the Bang & Olufsen system, you can always go with the Harman/Kardon system.

Alas, the overall infotainment score of the Mercedes SL isn’t exactly sky-high. This is due to the size of the central display. Seven inches of screen simply isn’t enough in 2013. We’ll soon have smartphones bigger than that.

Nevertheless, you’ll be able to talk to your SL via the voice control feature. This allows you to control the audio, navigation and phone.

We’ll step outside the car now and tell you that you can have your Mercedes SL63 AMG in a matte color. Oh and there’s also exterior carbon fiber package.

Alas, there’s one unfair point you’ll come across when configuring the Mercedes SL63 AMG. We’re talking about the $9,000 AMG Performance Package.

First of all, some of the bits included here should come as standard. We’re talking about the limited slip differential and the ECU remap that raises the power and torque. Sticking to the electronics area, we wouldn’t mind having the speed limit raised to 186 mph (300 mph) as standard either.

As for the remaining items, we’re talking about a red finish for the calipers, a new steering wheel, as well as carbon fiber for the engine cover and rear spoiler.

Halfway through the production process of a Mercedes SL, there’s a specialized worker that makes a call to Heaven. Each car is assigned its own German guardian angel, which sits a few inches above the vehicle. Blue eyes, blond hair, all the details are there.

We don’t know if this is actually true, but that’s what our SL63 AMG test car made us feel. Throughout the drive, the vehicle always felt ready to protect us. In this thing, when the ESP is on, the rear wheels are totally enslaved. Even in the wet, the electronics kept the V8 in a leash. You really can’t slide out of control in the SL63 AMG unless you want to.

The SL can be gifted with Mercedes’ distronic plus adaptive cruise control with pre-collision braking. In addition, we get active lane keep assist and blind spot assist. Both can use individual braking to avoid collisions.

When it comes to passive safety, the 2013 Mercedes SL’s aluminum structure is one fifth stiffer than the steel shell of its predecessor. What’s more, the SL comes with a list of airbags consisting of: front bags, headbags, as well as thorax and knee airbags. These work together with the Neck-Pro active headrests.

As for child occupant protection, the Mercedes SL features standard child seat recognition. However, the Isofix fastenings are optional.

When talking about pedestrians, Mercedes’ SL comes with a pop-up hood - when an impact is detected, the rear side of the hood is raised by 3.4 inches (85 mm).

No official safety body has tested the Mercedes SL. However, the automaker explains that it paid attention to the requirement of the Euro NCAP, as well as those of other institutes.

Carmakers brag about all sorts of stuff, but we tend to believe this. Just think about the way in which Mercedes has listened to advice coming from emergency rescuers - prior to a crash, the SL can perform various operations that support the emergency actions. For example, it can automatically unlock the doors or push its steering wheel upwards.

People seem to get the wrong impression that a gentleman should “walk but never run”. Well, the Mercedes SL63 AMG begs to differ. This roadster comes with a dual personality that makes up its best asset.

The SL63 AMG has a magical effect on long distances, treating you with a superb GT attitude. It doesn’t even care if you fold its top. This is one of the best foldable roof vehicles we’ve ever driven. If the weather allows it, you can drive it in open-air mode for many hours. And even when the sky protests, you‘ll be able to use its clever roof to let the light come in.

This Mercedes also tickles your senses with a never-ending torque story. Sure, it doesn’t have an ultra-sharp response, but it packs enough heat to cause pleasant disturbance.

And, for all its firepower, the SL63 AMG is a pretty practical machine. This is the one asset that makes it win the battle with the Mercedes SLS AMG. Of course, it’s hard to believe that the two will ever share customers. In fact, the SLS will most likely go out of production in 2014.

What’s more, the AMG bits and pieces are well built into the SL. However, engineering can’t buy character and this exposes the dark side of the Mercedes SL63 AMG.

With a starting price of $216,725 or EUR159,400, this is one purchase you’ll feel. And when you’re playing at this level, you may want to feel something a bit more special. Call it drama, call it noblesse, but it’s somehow missing.

Speaking of missing requirements, the Mercedes SL would probably expand its reach by a great deal if it would add another pair of seats. Even a “+2” arrangement such as that of the Porsche 911 would do.

In the end, the Mercedes SL63 AMG takes the SL’s melange between the German way and the American spirit further in a brilliant way. Let’s look at that long hood once again.