Base SL 65 AMG 2dr Roadster
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Affalterbach Additions Transform Benz's Heavy-Hitting Droptop Saint-Tropez is a charming town in southeastern France nestled along the Mediterranean Sea. Internationally recognized as a summer playground for the wealthy and famous, it is also famed for its "clothing optional" beaches where more than just noses and shoulders get burned in hot weather. While still a couple months shy of warm weather and the influx of tourists, Mercedes-Benz chose to get an early start on the topless party by flying us to the Côte d'Azur for some seat time in its newest high-performance droptop, the 2013 SL63 AMG Roadster. Our first taste of the new SL-Class was behind the wheel of the standard SL550 in Spain less than two months ago. The two-seater impressed us with its stout chassis, strong engine and lavish appointments - but it failed to stir our emotions. The base SL long ago steered away from being a driver's car, and its latest incarnation proved no different. It was, in effect, just a very capable and posh GT. But the SL63 AMG, boasting upwards of 557 horsepower thanks to a burly twin-turbocharged V8, still seems promising. Its luxury appointments are nearly identical, yet it wears AMG attire and its entire powertrain has been upgraded to appease warm-blooded automotive enthusiasts. Do fresh duds and a new muscular system make a more compelling athlete? We roughed in the French Riviera to find out. An aluminum unibody cuts nearly 250 pounds from the curb weight of the convertible. First introduced in the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (designated "Sport Leicht," or "Sport Lightweight" in English) entered its sixth-generation with the introduction of the R231 at the Detroit Auto Show this past January. Aside from its polarizing appearance, the big story was its lightweight aluminum unibody – all previous models were constructed of steel. The corrosion-resistant alloy is one of today's primary weapons of choice when battling mass. And, according to the automaker, its use cuts nearly 250 pounds from the curb weight of the convertible without compromising structural rigidity or safety. The new lightweight chassis is shared by the SL550, the SL63 AMG and the SL65 AMG. Aside from a big jump in pricing, the primary difference between the three siblings is their powertrains – each step up the hierarchy introduces approximately 100 additional horsepower. More specifically, the SL550 (base price $106,375) features a twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 rated at 429 horsepower. The SL63 AMG ($146,695) is configured with a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 rated at 530 horsepower, while the rare flagship SL65 AMG (est. $200,000) boasts a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 rated at 621 horsepower. Special cosmetics and appointments are appreciated, but the real game changer remains the superb AMG powertrain. To visually differentiate the SL63 AMG from its lesser brethren at more than ten yards, Mercedes has fitted it with an AMG body kit. The front fascia gains a larger air dam, unique LED daytime running lamps and an AMG radiator grille features double louvers in silver chrome. On each side are unique …
Full Review
Affalterbach Additions Transform Benz's Heavy-Hitting Droptop Saint-Tropez is a charming town in southeastern France nestled along the Mediterranean Sea. Internationally recognized as a summer playground for the wealthy and famous, it is also famed for its "clothing optional" beaches where more than just noses and shoulders get burned in hot weather. While still a couple months shy of warm weather and the influx of tourists, Mercedes-Benz chose to get an early start on the topless party by flying us to the Côte d'Azur for some seat time in its newest high-performance droptop, the 2013 SL63 AMG Roadster. Our first taste of the new SL-Class was behind the wheel of the standard SL550 in Spain less than two months ago. The two-seater impressed us with its stout chassis, strong engine and lavish appointments - but it failed to stir our emotions. The base SL long ago steered away from being a driver's car, and its latest incarnation proved no different. It was, in effect, just a very capable and posh GT. But the SL63 AMG, boasting upwards of 557 horsepower thanks to a burly twin-turbocharged V8, still seems promising. Its luxury appointments are nearly identical, yet it wears AMG attire and its entire powertrain has been upgraded to appease warm-blooded automotive enthusiasts. Do fresh duds and a new muscular system make a more compelling athlete? We roughed in the French Riviera to find out. An aluminum unibody cuts nearly 250 pounds from the curb weight of the convertible. First introduced in the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (designated "Sport Leicht," or "Sport Lightweight" in English) entered its sixth-generation with the introduction of the R231 at the Detroit Auto Show this past January. Aside from its polarizing appearance, the big story was its lightweight aluminum unibody – all previous models were constructed of steel. The corrosion-resistant alloy is one of today's primary weapons of choice when battling mass. And, according to the automaker, its use cuts nearly 250 pounds from the curb weight of the convertible without compromising structural rigidity or safety. The new lightweight chassis is shared by the SL550, the SL63 AMG and the SL65 AMG. Aside from a big jump in pricing, the primary difference between the three siblings is their powertrains – each step up the hierarchy introduces approximately 100 additional horsepower. More specifically, the SL550 (base price $106,375) features a twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 rated at 429 horsepower. The SL63 AMG ($146,695) is configured with a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 rated at 530 horsepower, while the rare flagship SL65 AMG (est. $200,000) boasts a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 rated at 621 horsepower. Special cosmetics and appointments are appreciated, but the real game changer remains the superb AMG powertrain. To visually differentiate the SL63 AMG from its lesser brethren at more than ten yards, Mercedes has fitted it with an AMG body kit. The front fascia gains a larger air dam, unique LED daytime running lamps and an AMG radiator grille features double louvers in silver chrome. On each side are unique …
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Retail Price
$212,240
MSRP / Window Sticker Price
| Engine | 6.0L V-12 |
| MPG | 14 City / 21 Hwy |
| Seating | 2 Passengers |
| Transmission | 7-spd w/OD |
| Power | 621 @ 4800 rpm |
| Drivetrain | rear-wheel |
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