Nothing says, “This is my personal reward for having done well,” like an AMG SL Roadster. The term "roadster" originates in the United States, where it was used in the 19th century to describe a horse suitable for traveling and not just working. This elite convertible or hardtop fits this epithet well. Presumably, you have other vehicles for pedestrian tasks, because an AMG SL roadster makes it clear that no matter where you are going, you will enjoy the trip as much as the destination. You like speed and power but feel no need to sacrifice anything to have it. When the car is an AMG SL 63, you are clearly communicating that you want it all.
The AMG SL model line consists of the SL 43, SL 55, and SL 63. The SL 43 is powered by a 375 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 connected with rear-wheel drive. The SL 55 skips the expected 6-cylinder step and instead offers a 469-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 driving all four wheels. The SL 63 is powered by the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and AWD system but is now tuned to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, peaking at 2,500 rpm. All models control their power through a dual-clutch 9-speed transmission. This top trim achieves 0-60 acceleration in 3.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest “animals” in the segment.
You can configure the drive to your mood with Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Race drive modes. There is also a Slippery mode, which optimizes the throttle and AWD systems for low traction surfaces, and another custom mode you can configure yourself. Standard 4-wheel steering increases the car’s agility in parking lots or perhaps when shuffling your stable of vehicles at home. Encountering hilly terrain, including steep driveways, won’t hold you back with an available front-axle lift system that can raise the front-end ride height with the simple touch of a button. The system even links to GPS data to raise the front automatically when the data indicates it should.
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While the SL line had a folding hard top in the past, the latest design reverted to a soft top, which is lighter, allows for more trunk room, and simply looks better. However, AMG has taken several steps to let you enjoy having the top down in a wider range of outside temperatures than you might initially suspect. Subtle body shaping and details mitigate wind buffeting, and the bespoke Airscarf features heating vents combined with heated seats that can keep the driver and passenger surprisingly comfortable when the outside gets chilly.
While capable of great speed and acceleration, the SL 63 rewards you at any speed in a way no other high-end roadster can. Every material used in the cabin is upscale, from the satin finish on the turbine-vane air vents, the dazzling perforations on the aluminum Burmester surround system speaker grilles, to the microfiber lining the roof interior and windshield pillars. Naturally, the fit and finish is second to none.
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Though the SL series was a 2-seater for many decades, the latest design sports a second row of seats, rendering the SL series a 2+2, for more companions to enjoy the experience. The interior options have also expanded with seven colors for the Nappa leather seats, door panels, and matching lower dash, including some quite striking ones such as Sienna Brown, Red pepper, Sage Gray, and Tartufo (a kind of saddle brown), among others in this “horse of a different color.”
The 12.3-inch center touchscreen looks completely at home in the elegant dash and benefits from the acclaimed MBUX operating system. The interior impresses at night with a programmable ambient lighting system that includes preprogrammed, multi-color combinations such as Miami Rose, Malibu Sunset, and Fresh Cyan.
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If you are looking for more unique color and material choices, Mercedes-Benz offers the MANIFAKTUR program for the SL 63. This program features distinctive colors, details, and finishes in limited numbers to give customers the highest possible individuality and exclusivity.
This post only skims the surface of what the AMG SL 63 offers, and the only way to truly appreciate this automobile is to pay a visit to Mercedes of Plano to see it, touch it, drive it, and simply breathe it. It is a car for the very few, but those few will likely be very happy with their decision.
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