Test drive | Mercedes-AMG SL 63: change of register

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is arguably one of the most significant cars to ever see the light of day in Europe. The coupe, produced between 1954 and 1957 in just 1,400 examples, was fashioned with numerous innovations developed on the track to enhance its magnificent, timeless appearance. By entrusting the design of its latest SL to its performance subsidiary AMG, Mercedes-Benz wants to inject verve into its roadster. A sort of homage to his ancestor, but also an exercise which can prove perilous.

Design

You see, Mercedes-Benz will never be able to produce a car like this 300 SL again. The multiple limitations governing the design and production of modern vehicles are clearly too restrictive for a work of this kind. However, this new SL vintage distances itself from its predecessor produced until 2020. Its stylistic posture is very close to that of the recently renewed AMG GT coupe. Its long snout magnifies its central front mechanism and is completed by sharp headlights and a grille with vertical strips to mark its membership in AMG. The profile is also eye-catching with the fleshy wings, but also this purity of lines ensured by a retractable rear spoiler. The short overhangs pick up the proportions in parallel. The rear is wide, which is accentuated by the horizontal lights and is completed by the angular exhaust pipes which break up the curves.

On board

The convertible is first defined by the digital aspect of its interior. A large vertical screen, which becomes hot when the sun shines, is at the forefront. Its angle is variable to promote readability in sunny weather. It is supported by digital instrumentation housed in a box. Haptic and tactile keys define the controls, in addition to touchpads on the steering wheel. This configuration is far from optimal, but you get used to it after stumbling a few times. In addition to these observations, we really like the turbojet-shaped nozzles as well as the meticulous finish of the doors embellished by the metal speaker covers. Two rear seats are also added, a first since 1989 for this SL. That said, they play extras because of the almost non-existent legroom.

Under the hood

The grandiose hood opens like a jewel box to reveal a fairly compact V8 placed behind the front axle. It is a hand-assembled machine with a displacement of 4 liters and supplied with air by two turbochargers for a total horsepower of 577 hp. All this seems very alluring in premise, an observation which is confirmed upon firing. This eight-cylinder has a vibrant rich sound, layering its low, cavernous tone with the turbochargers releasing air through their pressure relief valves. Fortunately, there is nothing deafening in the performance. In terms of performance, it remains the example to follow with its flexibility and fascinating progressiveness for a supercharged engine. It’s a shame that its partner, a nine-speed transmission with a multi-plate clutch, is so temperamental at low speeds and slow in its selections in manual mode.

Behind the wheel

The acronym SL means “Super Leicht” in German or “very light” in the language of Molière. If this adjective suited the 300 SL with a tubular chassis, the same cannot be said of this SL 63 which weighs around 2000 kg. This convertible therefore uses refined hardware to hide these kilos: directional rear wheels, multi-link double wishbone front suspensions and hydraulic roll control system. Along with standard all-wheel drive, the vehicle undeniably leans more towards grand touring, despite the proven sporting identity. The suspension handles bumps in an exemplary manner and the agility is surprising, especially when entering a corner thanks to particularly lively steering. The task is, however, carried out in a rather serious manner and with a certain detachment, nevertheless ensuring ease of approach to this SL.

Embedded technologies

This SL relies on the manufacturer’s MBUX system for its technological offering. Benefiting from a beautiful resolution image and fluidity in the animations, its readability is beyond reproach. Whatever Mercedes-Benz says, its intuitiveness is still lacking, despite its few years of service. It requires a level of attention that is far too high for tasks that can be described as routine. The absence of physical controls only accentuates this complexity of use and the touch pads placed on the spokes of the steering wheel help little with navigation. The control of the ventilation system is nevertheless still present at the bottom of the screen, which allows quick access, and we like the road behavior adjustment dials on the steering wheel. These are configurable, guaranteeing a quick way to configure while driving.

The verdict

We can only admire the devotion of this SL, guardian of a tradition, to keeping this German niche alive with a wide range of abilities. Its mechanics, which mark the inevitable end of an era, are expressive and eloquently harmonize with driving in the open air. Its road behavior also reflects the AMG team’s keen awareness of the complex balance between sportiness and comfort. However, we cannot ignore the $215,000 required for the initial investment, which obviously makes it inaccessible for many budgets, but also vulnerable to attacks from extremely talented and less expensive rivals. The sensory aspect of his performance leaves something to be desired and his quest for speed, which could be considered superfluous by many, somewhat waters down his identity, by wanting to do too much.