Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is a legend reborn
Legends never truly disappear – they fade, but often make comebacks in new forms or with renewed relevance. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, for example, became a legend shortly after its debut in 1952, following its success in racing, including a one-two victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and an incredible sweep of the top four spots at the Nürburgring Grand Jubilee Prize for sports cars.
Naturally, a nameplate with that legacy was always destined for a revival. It comes back in the form of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 roadster, which, despite boasting a cleaner, more modern stance, still nods to the iconic model, thanks to a long wheelbase, short overhangs, long bonnet, and sculpted wheel arches.
Being an AMG model, the SL 63 gets an AMG-specific front grille with 14 vertical slats inspired by the old 300 SL racer, flanked by LED headlights and slim LED rear lights. In a move back to tradition and performance, the previous metal retractable roof has been swapped out for a lightweight soft top, shaving off around 21kg. Not only does this improve handling and agility, but it can also open or close in about 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60km/h.
Regarding wheel options, it comes with a range of aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels with diameters of 19, 20 or 21 inches. Interestingly, the 20-inch option comes fitted with plastic aero rings, a clever touch that helps cut weight and improve efficiency.
Then there’s the interior that can accommodate up to four passengers. Nothing in here looks unfamiliar, it’s very much in line with what we’ve come to expect from AMG. In AMG fashion, you get electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints (AMG Performance are offered as an option), a second-generation MBUX system, which debuted in the new S-Class with exclusive menu items such as ‘AMG Performance’ or ‘Track Pace’. A thoughtful touch that's also seen in the new CLE Cabriolet is the standard Airscarf system. It gently blows warm air around your neck, making open-top driving more comfortable on cooler days.
Under the SL 63’s long bonnet lives a mild-hybrid 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine that sends 430kW and 800Nm to all four wheels via a 9-speed autobox and the brand’s 4Matic+ system. With all four wheels putting down power on the tarmac, the roadster darts from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 315km/h.
With a price tag of R3,943,156, the SL 63 doesn’t come cheap, but then again, legends rarely do. Even from a distance, it stands out as a true engineering marvel, thanks to its ability to blend performance, luxury, and heritage in a way few cars ever achieve.
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