2016 MERCEDES BENZ SL 63 AMG (R231) 5.5L 7AT (585 HP)

Vehicle Overview

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.