The Mercedes SL-Class is one of the oldest Mercedes models reaching back to the mid-1950s with the 190 SL which was the very first SL model to come out. Since then, Mercedes was busy making one SL model after another until 2016 when they discontinued the SL due to a lack of market demand. However, Mercedes brought back the SL as the sole AMG model for the 2023 mode year.
This means that the new SL is the sole AMG product that embraces performance, agility, and excitement. The SL 63 AMG is the top end of the food chain which means lots of power, lots of torque, and lots of dollars. In this article, we will tell you all about 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL63 and why you ought to consider one as your next purchase.
The SL63 is only available as a soft-top convertible which is the very first time Mercedes did that. They did this in order to save weight and to encourage SL buyers to drive the car with the roof down. The SL63 gets the familiar 4.0L BiTurbo V8 with lots of power and a Mercedes 4MATIC AWD system for optimum power delivery.
Design-wise, the SL63 looks really attractive and exotic. It is not cheap by any means, but that is to be expected from a car that offers as much power as the SL63 does. It is a strict two-seater which means that it isn’t the best family car out there.
2023 Mercedes-AMG SL63 – The Powertrain
The Mercedes SL63 comes with a well-known 4.0L BiTurbo V8 that offers 577hp and 590lb-ft of torque. This engine is capable of pushing the SL63 from 0mph to 60mph in just 3.5 seconds while the top-speed is limited to 155mph. This engine is mated to a 9-speed Mercedes torque converter gearbox that shifts gears seamlessly.
EPA fuel ratings are rated at 16MPG combined, 14MPG in the city, and 21MPG on the highway. The SL63 AMG is now equipped with the Mercedes proprietary 4MATIC AWD system which is a first for the SL-Class in general. All in all, the SL63 AMG is a car that offers an engine all AMG fans know and love.
Thankfully, Mercedes didn’t go through the downsizing route with the new SL as they did with the new C63 which offers literally half of this engine. As such, the powertrain in the SL63 is one of its greatest party tricks as it offers a lot of power and it sounds amazing.
2023 Mercedes-AMG SL63 – Design and Driving
As far as design is concerned, the new SL does take inspiration from the existing Mercedes range as its front headlights resemble those on the new A-Class and the new CLS-Class. However, the SL63 is a Roadster which means that it comes with a huge front hood as was the case with the AMG GT Roadster. The interior is second to none as the new SL gets the very latest Mercedes tech.
This means a large center screen with an incredibly advanced virtual cockpit combined with high-quality materials, AMG seats, and amazing ambient lighting. The driving experience is tuned towards performance which is no surprise at all, but the S63 still retains qualities you’d come to expect from a superior Grand Tourer car.
This means that the SL63 gets a fairly stiff suspension setup, but its damping is tuned to not break your back. As such, you can change how the SL63 feels to drive using the familiar Mercedes drive mode selector technology that is now as advanced as it ever was with the ability to change many parameters and set up the SL exactly how you want it.
2023 Mercedes-AMG SL63 – Reliability and Common Issues
The 2023 SL63 is still way too fresh for us to properly gauge how reliable it is which means that we will have to wait a few years before we can come to a complete conclusion. However, there are some issues known to plague the 4.0L BiTurbo engine found in the new SL63.
Those include issues with the injectors and possibly issues with the turbocharger. Either way, the 4.0L V8 is able to stand the test of time without any issues if you take proper care of it.
2023 Mercedes-AMG SL63 – Value and Practicality
The starting price of the new SL63 AMG is rated at around $180,000 which is a whole load of money and is a lot more than the previous SL. However, that is to be expected because the new SL is a complete package. It gets the newest technology Mercedes has to offer in addition to the best luxury features and the best engine.
Practicality is as poor as it gets because the SL gets only two seats and relatively large trunk space. It is not a car made for families, it’s a car you take out on the weekends to feel good about yourself.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the 2023 Mercedes SL63 AMG?
If you like fast 2-seaters, there really aren’t too many cars out there that can compete with the new SL63 as this AMG product aims to satisfy those wanting to buy a great cruiser car and a great sports car. With such a great engine, the SL63 is never going to feel boring and many people would pick it over the Porsche 911.
However, if practicality is a big deal for you and if you can’t live with a 2-seater, the SL63 is a hard pass.
Why is the new Mercedes SL63 only available as a soft top?
The Mercedes SL used to be known for its hard-top convertible top as that was the better choice. Now, Mercedes only offers the SL with a soft top in order to save weight and encourage people to drive with the roof down.
Mercedes also says that the new soft top is as quiet as the hardtop, but isn’t as complex or as heavy as the hardtop.
Is the new Mercedes SL63 better than the Porsche 911?
The Porsche 911 has always been (in my opinion) a lot better than any SL model that ever came out. However, with the latest SL63, these two are really neck and neck. The 911 is the more dynamic car and feels a lot more planted, mostly because it is a RWD car and is a lot lighter.
I guess your purchasing decision is going to be based on badge loyalty and how much you want to own a 4.0L BiTurbo AMG engine.