Mercedes-AMG SL 63 driving report

D he infotainment system as such does not necessarily contribute to experienced driving pleasure in an automobile, at least if the driver understands it as such. With calibers like the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, however, things look a little different. Why? Now that the Comand system now has a SIM card as standard (how many years after the competition from Munich?), It signals in real time which roads are free and which are not.

And Free travel is exactly what you need when you fall into the thickly upholstered multi-contour armchair, pull the door and press the start button. Then huge bass avalanches fall from the four tailpipes, the double-charged V8 engine with 5.5 liters of displacement breathes with a heavy rattle. It has survived the facelift, so it should only be replaced in the next generation of the luxurious two-seater in favor of the more efficient four-liter unit.

Anyway, now it's thick pants. The test car rests on matt black forged wheels with mixed tires - 19 inches at the front, 20 inches at the back - which cost just under 2,800 euros extra. There is also the performance chassis for 1,785 euros, which offers two damper characteristics.

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Daimler

The SL 63 packs a punch.

Mercedes-AMG SL 63 : Five driving programs

Mercedes actually delivers five different driving programs as standard, from Comfort to Race, the main task of which is to add to the basic drama of the SL, which weighs more than 1.8 tons. Basic drama? Yep, because the AMG variant already lets you feel from the first few meters that it doesn't just want to cuddle.

Should the SL 400 and 500 keep their socks on in bed, the 63 is bare. Already in comfort modeIf it rolls harshly, the 585 hp engine craves accelerator pedal movements, the maximum torque of 900 Nm lurks, waiting for the right moment to attack. It comes quickly, perhaps too quickly for the inexperienced, because at 2,250 rpm there is an alarm, full alarm. It's good that the control electronics are quick and rigorous. Those who dare can choose the sport handling mode and those who like to whiz through the Alps in a wingsuit in the morning before breakfast can switch off the ESP completely. Then only the mechanical limited-slip differential, which is now standard, helps channel the power of the eight-cylinder.

Now a race track would be great to play a bit, but that's not in sight right now. In any case, very few AMG-SLs are likely to meet again at track days, although they would probably not be so stupid. The two-seater looks very stiff, steers in an agile manner and offers good feedback that the holding forces are right. Yes, the steering may work more sensitively elsewhere, but there is no displacement elsewhere. And that's always in the AMG, really always.

Power before agility in the Mercedes-AMG SL 63

That means: Here agility is subordinate to power and not the other way around. So be careful with your right foot, the Mercedes always keep it under tension, but only accelerate slightly progressively. And with all the banging in and out of the bends, don't forget to enjoy every gear change. Acoustically, of course, as usual, because every step of the redesigned seven-speed automatic transmission is accompanied by archaic double-declutching snaps.

Daimler

Despite all the violence: it stays calm in the cockpit.

Accelerates faster

But also because newly programmed electronics now shorten the response times to shift commands and more powerful hydraulics reduce gear changes. Incidentally, this should reduce the time for the sprint from zero to 100 km /h from 4.2 to 4.1 seconds, which actually doesn't matter. So: apply the brakes (works pretty well, but please be ready before turning in, otherwise understeer may follow), then downshift, turn in,back on the gas, wondering that the body roll remains so low (oh yes, the active chassis) and accelerate out sensitively, perhaps garnished with very gentle power oversteer so that you still stay in your lane.

With the open On the roof, it all turns out to be great fun, the wind deflector and side windows can stay down for aesthetics. All right, and a little for the sake of masculinity. The high belt line and the steeply inclined windshield ensure a storm-free zone behind the steering wheel. Oh yes, the convertible top now opens and closes even when the SL is already 40 km /h. It is strange, however, that you have to stop first to start the procedure. The automatic actuation of the trunk cover seems much more sophisticated. No more, there are a lot of green back roads on the navigation map. By the way, it doesn't cost anything extra. Well, for that Mercedes-AMG wants at least 161,691 euros for the entire SL 63. And 25 cents.