The new Mercedes-AMG SL is set to arrive in Australia this year. Available in the top-spec AMG 63 4Matic+ variant, the 2+2 soft-top roadster features all-wheel-drive and a suite of luxury, technology, and safety features.
Power comes from a bi-turbo, 4-litre V8 that delivers 430kW and 800Nm and which punches the SL to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds on to a top speed of 315km/h. That power reaches the 21-inch AMG 10-twin-spoke forged wheels via a nine-speed multi-disc automatic transmission.
This intelligent 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system provides fully variable torque distribution to the front and rear axles. Active rear axle steering is standard. The AMG Dynamic Plus package is also standard, including AMG dynamic engine mounts, the RACE driving program including Drift Mode, plus an AMG electronic rear axle locking differential.
Debuting on the SL 63 is AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active, hydraulic anti-roll stabilisation.
The new SL is fitted standard with a front axle lift function, which can raise the front axle by up to 30mm and can be activated by softkey or via stored GPS data.
A newly developed AMG high-performance composite braking system is optional for the SL 63, and there’s a new Digital Light system too. It incorporates a light module with three powerful LEDs in each headlamp, refracting and directing light through 1.3 million micro-mirrors to create a resolution of more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle.
The chassis is designed as a lightweight composite aluminium structure and consists of an aluminium space frame with a self-supporting structure. Aerodynamics include active elements front and rear, including the active air control system Airpanel, which comprises two distinct louvres located in the lower and upper air intakes in the front apron. In normal driving all louvres are closed, reducing drag and directing air specifically towards the underbody to further reduce front lift. Only when the demand for cooling air is particularly high do the louvres open and allow maximum cooling air to flow to the heat exchangers.
A retractable rear spoiler, integrated into the boot lid, actively changes through different angular positions.
The SL 63 features an electrically operated soft top. Opening or closing takes about 15 seconds using a switch panel in the centre console or the multimedia touchscreen, and operation is possible at speeds up to 60 km/h.
Inside, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ is, as you’d expect, luxuriously appointed. AMG sports seats upholstered in Exclusive Nappa leather, come complete with an Airscarf neck-warming feature. The standard Energizing Package includes both heating and cooling for the front seats, while a Memory Package includes eight-way electric adjustment and three memory settings.
The AMG Performance steering wheel is also heated and includes integrated rotary dials to control AMG-specific driving features. There’s a standard head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality for navigation, an 11-speaker Burmester surround sound system with an output of 650 watts, ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours, dual-zone climate control, and a mechanical wind deflector to minimise airflow through the cabin when driving with the roof stowed.
There’s an 11.9-inch tablet-style central display housing the latest generation of the Mercedes MBUX multimedia system. This also supports full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging system is supplied for compatible devices.
Safety systems and features include the Driving Assistance Package Plus including Active Distance Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, route-based speed adaptation, Active traffic-assist, Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. It includes a total of eight airbags, including sidebags for rear occupants.
A tyre pressure monitoring system is standard, as is Guard 360° Vehicle Protection Plus, which includes an anti-theft alarm system and an interior monitoring system.
The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ is priced at $374,900 (MRLP) and available to order now.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (June 2023)
11 June 2023