Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG SL

Now that the V12-powered SL65 has been discontinued, the Mercedes-AMG SL63 assumes the role as the most potent version of the SL, that classic 2-seat roadster introduced more than 60 years ago. The Mercedes-AMG SL63 continues to be powered by a hand-built twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 that produces 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, and its top speed remains electronically limited to 186 mph.

Although it’s an exceptionally powerful machine, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG SL63 is more of a potent grand tourer than a sports car, equipped as it is with abundant technologies and modern comforts. Folks interested in the SL63 should also take a look at the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, the Jaguar F-Type R Convertible, and maybe even the Mercedes-AMG GT roadster.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG SL63 is blisteringly quick, able to hit 60 mph in four seconds flat. At the same time, this potent Mercedes roadster maintains a graceful dignity. It’s a grand touring machine, after all, one that’s beautifully equipped for a weekend trip through the mountains with supple Nappa leather, carbon-fiber interior trim, an analog clock, a flat-bottom steering wheel and abundant safety technology.

While you may struggle to catch a Porsche 911 Turbo on a twisty mountain road, the SL63, aided by its locking rear differential and a Sport version of Active Body Control, acquits itself quite well on curvy asphalt. There are five driving modes — Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Individual and Race — with each successive mode more aggressive than the other. The SL63 also has automatic double de-clutch blip-throttle downshifting, which makes it sound as if the driver knows what he’s doing when attacking an unfamiliar road.

The 2019 SL63 isn’t as modern inside as the screen-driven Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet, but it’s nevertheless quite luxurious. Besides rich Nappa leather, the AMG-built SL63 has carbon-fiber interior trim and a 3-spoke flat-bottom Sport steering wheel, which is available with Dinamica inserts for added grip during performance driving. And while there’s plenty of room inside for drivers 6-foot-4 and shorter, interior storage space is not abundant. It’s best to put your gear in the 13.5-cubic-foot trunk. Options include AMG carbon-grain aluminum trim, one of the eight available trim levels that lend the open-top 2-seater a more personal touch.

The front end of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG SL63 is highlighted by a twin-blade radiator grille that was new last year. It’s wider at the bottom, and the width of the vehicle is further enhanced by its large cooling ducts, front splitter and power-dome hood. The rear bumper has a diffuser that was new last year, plus taillights that are all red. Side skirts painted in a matte silver further distinguish the SL63.

As was true last year, an AMG Night Styling package continues to be available, with darkened trim that gives the SL63 a sinister appearance. The Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, with inserts in the rear apron and side skirts, also is available.

LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL
This is standard on the SL63. By minimizing the spin of the inside rear wheel while the vehicle is exiting a turn, the differential helps the SL63 accelerate out of corners sooner and harder. It also improves vehicle stability in acceleration from a standing start.

SPORT SUSPENSION
Active Body Control, with active springs and shocks, is standard on all SLs, but the AMG-built SL63 also has aluminum knuckles and links to reduce unsprung weight. AMG adds camber to all four of the 63’s wheels for greater cornering grip. The traction control also has a Sport handling mode.

Standard features on the 2019 Mercedes-AMG SL63 include its twin-turbo V8 engine, a limited-slip differential, the 2-piece power-retractable hardtop, Nappa leather upholstery, heated 12-way-power seats, dual-zone climate control and a power trunk. What’s more, there’s a high-res central display with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, plus a powerful Harman Kardon audio system with dual USB inputs and Bluetooth.

With regard to safety, the SL63 has eight airbags and rollbars that deploy automatically in a rollover. Active Brake Assist provides autonomous braking at a range of driving speeds, and a Pre-Safe system will automatically tighten the belts and close the front side windows when vehicle instability (and a likely crash) is detected. Another nifty feature is the Airscarf, a neck-heating system that promotes top-down driving in cool weather. The SL63 also has a system that detects if the driver is drowsy.

Track-tuned AMG Performance Suspension ($1,500) significantly enhances the handling behavior of the SL63, as do AMG’s expensive ($8,950) High-Performance Ceramic Composite Brakes. Also available: red-painted brake calipers ($700) and Magic Sky Control (a $2,500 panoramic roof that varies in transparency with electrical current), plus a $3,750 AMG Carbon Fiber Exterior Package, 20-inch forged wheels, red seatbelts and in-car Wi-Fi. A $2,250 Driver Assistance Package includes Pre-Safe Plus, Active Brake Assist (with CrossTraffic Assist), active cruise control, blind-spot assist and lane-keep assist. Soft-close doors ($450) are also an option, as is Designo Nappa leather upholstery ($3,100).

The Mercedes-AMG SL63 is powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 that makes 577 horsepower and propels the car to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. Top speed of this rear-wheel-drive Mercedes roadster is electronically limited to 186 mph. The only transmission available is a 7-speed paddle-shift automatic, which has clutch plates instead of a torque converter to better handle the massive torque and to upshift more crisply. A start/stop system minimizes engine idle time to save fuel.

5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8
577 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
664 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250-3,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23 mpg