Mercedes-AMG SL 63 E Performance review

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Seventh-gen roadster adopts latest hybrid tech for next-level performance boost

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Mercedes' decision to twin the seventh-generation SL with its second-generation GT has opened the door to a whole new level of performance for the luxury roadster. And charging through that gap is the 805bhp plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance.

The SL is of course already available with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 416bhp called the Mercedes-AMG SL 43, as well as the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 powerplant developing 469bhp in the Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4Matic+ and 577bhp in the SL 63 4Matic+.

The S E Performance's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 and electric motor combo is also used by its fixed-roof sibling, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance.

Performance PHEVs capable of fewer than 10 miles of EV range are few and far between. But the SL 63 S E Performance does go toe to toe with the likes of the PHEV Bentley Continental GT as well as the hybrid Porsche 911.

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DESIGN & STYLING

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mercedes amg sl 63 03

The 'R232' generation of SL was a real watershed moment for the model, seeing as it's twinned not with a limousine but with a sports car.

As such it doesn't change all that much compared with other SL models. The biggest difference has to do with the PHEV batteries. They rob the SL 63 of 103 litres of boot capacity, leaving the car with just 110 litres overall. But with two optional rear seats within a snug cabin, it’s still capable of accommodating luggage, both when its fabric roof is raised and lowered.

ENGINES & PERFORMANCE

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mercedes amg sl 63 02

On open roads, the combined reserves of internal combustion engine and electric motor provide the car with towering performance. With the roof lowered, you also get to experience a deep and unfiltered baritone blare of exhaust, which is an integral part of the driving appeal, up close.

The new petrol-electric drivetrain not only brings an added 228bhp and 457lb ft over the existing range-topping SL 63 4Matic+, it also adds 225kg to the kerb weight, at 2125kg. It’s not a limiting factor, though. The SL 63 S E Performance balances its dual role as traditional sun-seeking upmarket roadster and rapid open-top grand tourer with aplomb.

But while it never comes across as being quite as precise or as heavily focused as its coupé twin in terms of outright handling, the four-wheel-drive SL 63 S E Performance is among the fastest roadsters you can buy right now, as evidenced by its official 0-62mph time, which is just 0.1sec slower than the GT 63 S E Performance and 0.7sec faster than the SL 63 4Matic+.

RIDE & HANDLING

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mercedes amg sl 63 05

With around 30% less torsional body stiffness together with a narrower front track and 275/34-profile front tyres, it possesses a different, slightly more comfort-oriented, driving character to the GT 63 S E Performance, which is clearly sharper to drive. It’s a predictable move, fully in keeping the positioning of the SL.

With the windows up, wind buffeting within the cabin is well controlled. Though with a top speed of 197mph, it needs to be hurricane-proof.  

MPG & RUNNING COSTS

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A 4.8kWh (usable capacity) lithium ion battery resides in the boot, giving the most powerful SL of all time a claimed electric range of up to 8.1 miles.

VERDICT

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mercedes amg sl 63 04

This SL 63 S E Performance is compromised on practicality compared with its traditionally powered siblings but at the cutting edge of drivetrain technology. It is certainly enticing, but there's only so much performance you can use on the road.

And while it's far more than just a rapid boulevard cruiser, it's inherently less suited to track-day driving than the GT 63 S E Performance.