For almost 70 years, the SL badge has thrilled sports car enthusiasts with bold design and big
performance, which has included success on some of the world’s most iconic racetracks. Now, the
model that set the template for generations of sports cars is back – this time as a 2+2 soft-top roadster
complete with a suite of luxury, technology, safety and, of course, incredible style.
The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ represents a return to the roots of the classic SL badge, which
wowed the world on its release as a road-going racing sports car in the 1950s, and was also the model
that introduced eye-catching gullwing-style doors.
Dubbed the “sports car of the century“ in its original 300 SL guise, and brought to life in a number of
subsequent iterations, it will hit New Zealand roads in June to once again show the way in contemporary
roadster design and performance.
“With the new SL, we have created a repositioning of the iconic SL design. The expressively modelled
exterior conveys a light and purist impression and brings sensual beauty and extravagant design into
perfect harmony”, says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group.
The new body shell was created – as with the first SL released in 1952 – literally on a blank sheet of
paper: Not a single component comes from the predecessor SL, or any other model such as the AMG GT
Roadster.
The chassis is designed as a lightweight composite aluminum structure and consists of an aluminum
space frame with a self-supporting structure. The design guarantees maximum rigidity and is thus the perfect basis for precise driving dynamics, high comfort, optimal packaging, and sporty body
proportions.
Compared to the previous model series, the torsional rigidity of the body shell structure increased by 18
per cent. The transverse rigidity is 50 per cent higher than the already outstanding value of the AMG GT
Roadster. The longitudinal rigidity is 40 per cent higher.
An intelligent material mix including aluminum, magnesium, fibre composites and steel enables the
highest possible rigidity at a low weight. The windscreen frame, for example, is made of steel, serving as
roll-over protection in conjunction with the roll bar system behind the rear seats, which extends at
lightning speed if needed.
The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 features an electrically operated soft top, replacing the metal vario roof
of the previous SL model. A 21-kilogram reduction in weight and resulting lower centre of gravity has a
positive effect on driving dynamics and handling. The space-saving Z-fold configuration makes it
possible to dispense with a conventional soft-top compartment cover. 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.
The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine is assembled purely by hand at the company’s site in Affalterbach
according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle. In the SL 63 4MATIC+, it develops 430 kW and
maximum torque of 800 Nm for a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of as little as 3.6 seconds, while the top
speed is 315 km/h.
For this model, the engine received a new oil pan, repositioned intercoolers and active crankcase
ventilation, while the intake and exhaust ducts have been optimised. Increased output was achieved
primarily through higher boost pressure and greater air flow, as well as modified engine software.
It’s paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, specially adapted to the requirements of the
new SL to combine an emotionally appealing gearshift experience with extremely short shift times.
