Mercedes-AMG SL 63 2016 Review

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a facelifted version of its SL convertible to Australia. In doing so, the German marque has scratched the headlining V12-powered SL 65 and appointed the mildly-fettled SL 63, at $368,715 before on-road costs, to flagship duties.  So, does the throbby V8 leave you wondering whether another four cylinders would help the cause? Not exactly.

Winner by default has never felt this good.
Top down, with the bellow of a sonorous V8 engine satisfying the senses and opulent Nappa leather doing its bit to pamper occupants, there is a reason cars like the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 should exist. They simply make you feel great.

Thanks in part to a mid-cycle re-shuffle, the SL 63 is now the jewel in the Mercedes-Benz SL crown. It comes after local stakeholders decided to discontinue the previous 6.0-litre V12 flagship, the $480,000 SL 65 that found just six buyers in the preceding four years.

The loss of four cylinders is partly redeemed and offset when you jump behind the twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 that powers the SL 63. With 430kW and a mesmerising 900Nm on offer, it’s hardly what you’d call underpowered.

The longest-running nameplate in Mercedes-Benz history, the SL is a quintessential roadster. We’ve already sampled the sixth-generation Sport Licht model in various forms, but let’s be honest: it is an experience best savoured with a purebred V8. And when you’ve got a choice of two V8s – the SL 500 and SL 63 – you want the one that makes the most noise, right?

One of the big changes to come from the 2017 facelift is a much needed reduction in price. At $368,715 (plus on-road costs), the SL 63 – though you could still argue it is ludicrously expensive – is $29,895 cheaper than before.

Standard features include staggered AMG 20-inch wheels, AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, leather upholstery, Harman Kardon Logic 7 600-Watt surround sound with 11 speakers, AIRSCARF, heated and ventilated sport seats, KEYLESS-GO Package, automatically retracting electro-hydraulic vario-roof, Ambient lighting and a digital TV tuner.

On the performance front, the SL’s big powertrain comes paired with an AMG locking rear differential, AMG high-performance braking system and an AMG sports exhaust system.
Safety is similarly five star, thanks in part to six airbags, PRE-SAFE, ATTENTION ASSIST,

Active Bonnet, Flashing adaptive LED brake lights and a reversing camera.
In addition, all Australian SL models come standard with Driver Assistance Package comprising Distance Pilot (DISTRONIC) autonomous intelligent cruise control with Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.

The SL sits on an aluminium-intensive chassis fitted with the Mercedes-Benz Active Body Control system which essentially varies the ride height, pitch and roll according to driving mode and speed.

The range-topper misses out on the new nine-speed automatic fitted to other SL models, instead employing a carryover seven-speed MCT unit. Withstanding that, tweaks to the 5.5-litre twin-turbo engine have enabled engineers to shave two-tenths off its 0-100km/h claim, which now stands at 4.1 seconds.

The hand-built bent-eight elicits one of the most thunderous, chest-thumping notes of any V8 on the market – especially with the top down – while bringing almost maniacal forward surge.

Depress the push button start and the engine erupts to a cacophony of combustion, all piped through square-finished rear tail pipes.

In ordinary circumstances the 63 isn’t highly-strung or unwieldy like many performance cars. There’s no lurchiness from the transmission and the throttle is calibrated so softly that even your nanna could drive it to the shops.

Similarly, the car’s steering, ride and handling are available in softer, everyday tunes thanks to the SL’s standard drive-select parameters, which are available across Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Individual and Race settings.

Adaptive suspension keeps things in check in all modes. It is completely liveable in Comfort mode and resists the temptation to crash even in the perkiest Sport Plus setting.
Likewise, the car’s steering is light enough for around-town duties, a factor complemented by decent front and rear vision. So, yes, the SL will masquerade as a several-hundred thousand dollar shopping bus if you wish.

The engine, again, is a highlight. Bury the right pedal and the responding acceleration is simply brutal. There is no delay, no unwanted wheel spin; just head-tossing forward shove as the rear Michelin Pilot Sport rubber is plied to the ground.

What separates the SL 63 and more dedicated performance cars like the Porsche 911 Cabriolet are things like the slightly dim-witted transmission, which is more accommodating in fast driving when you make use of its steering wheel-mounted paddles, and the steering which, while reactive to driver inputs, lacks weight on initial turn-in.

As for scuttle shake, or other usual convertible foibles? There is no such thing in the SL.
Elsewhere, the 63’s lateral grip is immense for such a powerful car. A locking differential doles out performance in adequate, manageable serves, ensuring the car is controllable – especially in unison with its extensive suite of driver-assistance measures.

The brakes are well modulated through the pedal and offer immense stopping power when the need arises.

And despite what you may think, the big V8 on test was respectable in its fuel use, consuming 12.5L/100km over 450km worth of mixed conditions. We say that on the strict condition you don’t go plunging for that firewall with the right foot; doing so will see much higher figures.

The basic refinement is reinforced by a cabin that is quiet and serene with the top up, and yet equally luxurious with the top down; just a faint lick of wind in the hair as you cruise along, even at highway speed, with the windows up.

Getting the electric hard top roof to open and stow away is similarly functional, and you can do it at speeds up to 40km/h. The entire process takes about 18 seconds one way.

The cabin feels strong and sturdy, but a quick cross-reference with newer, volume-selling Mercedes product reveals it’s hardly the latest word in technology or design.

While supple suede materials adorn the steering wheel and A-pillars and splashes of carbon fibre dress up the dashboard’s centre fascia, the interior otherwise feels a couple of generations old. For example, the centre fascia is laden with a good 30 or so buttons and the rotary dial-operated touchscreen isn’t as functional as rivalling products.

Elsewhere, the sumptuous leather chairs are soft and comfortable on longer journeys, offering heating and cooling functions and incorporating an ‘air scarf’ function behind the head.

And ingress and egress is quite good by supercar standards. The one exception is the car’s high-set door sill, which is fine while getting into the car but tends to impede progress when getting out. Still, it’s no deal-breaker.

The 504-litre boot will house one full-size suitcase with the top up (364 litres with the top down), but if your significant other is a heavy packer, you’ll struggle to fit everything for a weekend away. Perfectly reasonable cause for taking two cars.

2016 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG pricing and specifications:
Price: $368,715 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 5.5-litre twin-turbo petrol
Output: 430kW/900Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 236g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Ferrari California T (from $409,888 plus ORCs)
>> Porsche 911 Cabriolet (from $239,000 plus ORCs)
>> Bentley Continental Convertible (from $443,700 plus ORCs)