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Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE: Most powerful SL ever

Mercedes-AMG's new SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE sports a handcrafted 4.0L V8 biturbo engine and a rear-axle electric drive unit that produce a combined 805 hp and up to 1,047 lb-ft combined system torque, making the roadster the most powerful SL to date. It can do 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 sec, so pop the top, hang on tight, and enjoy the ride. Top speed is 196 mph. The car's triple-layer power soft top Z-folds to form its own rear deck in 15 sec.

The car features the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G, the world's first automatic 9-speed multi-clutch transmission that uses a wet startup clutch and magnesium casing. It also comes standard with AMG Active Ride Control suspension (with active roll stabilization) and active rear-axle steering.

The 201-hp permanently excited synchronous electric motor in the rear is integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and limited-slip rear differential. The lightweight, high-performance battery is also located in the rear above the rear axle. Mercedes says this compact design has numerous advantages.

The electric motor acts directly on the rear axle to convert its power more directly into propulsion for that extra boost when starting off from a standstill, accelerating, or overtaking. If wheel slip occurs at the rear axle, the drive power of the electric motor is also transferred to the front wheels as needed for more traction. The mechanical connection of the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive makes this possible via the driveshaft and drive axles of the front wheels. The positioning at the rear axle improves the weight and axle load distribution and forms the basis for dynamic handling. An AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system is fitted standard and features bronze-painted six-piston fixed calipers at the front and one-piston floating calipers at the rear.

Active aerodynamics were also adapted to the electrified drive technology in the SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE. The optional AMG Aerodynamics Package features an active aerodynamic element concealed in the underbody in front of the engine, which further contributes to balanced driving dynamics. This carbon profile is an exclusive, patented AMG development. It responds to the AMG drive programs and automatically lowers by approximately 1.6 in. at a speed of 50 mph. This creates a Venturi effect, which sucks the car to the road and reduces front-axle lift.

Another active component is the standard retractable rear spoiler seamlessly integrated into the trunk lid. It changes its position depending on the driving situation. The AMG aerodynamics team adapted the control software for the higher performance of the SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE and modified numerous parameters that are taken into account, including vehicle speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and steering speed. Above 50 mph, the spoiler assumes five new angular positions to either optimize handling stability or reduce drag.

AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active roll stabilization is also fitted standard. This technology reduces body roll and represents a wide range of driving modes. Active hydraulic elements replace the conventional mechanical torsion anti-roll bars and compensate for rolling movements in fractions of a second. The adaptive shock absorbers also have two hydraulic connections -- one is on the compression side of the damper, and the other on the rebound side. The damper chambers on all four wheels and the lines are connected directly via the control valves of the adaptive dampers.

The SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE is also equipped standard with active rear-axle steering. Depending on the speed, the rear wheels steer either in the opposite direction (up to 60 mph) or in the same direction (above 60 mph) as the front wheels. The system provides both agile and stable handling. Other benefits include easier vehicle control at the limit and less steering effort due to the more direct steering ratio at the front.

The development of the lithium-ion energy storage system was inspired by technologies proven in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team's Formula 1 hybrid race cars. The AMG high-performance battery combines high power that can be called upon frequently in succession with low weight to increase the overall performance of the SL roadster. Added to this are the fast energy draw and high-power-density battery.

The high-performance battery offers a capacity of 6.1 kWh, enabling 94 hp of continuous output and 201 hp peak output. Charging takes place via the 3.7 kW on-board AC charger at a charging station, wallbox, or household socket. The battery is designed for fast power delivery and draw rather than longest possible range.

The AMG 400-V battery has a direct cooling system. A high-tech coolant based on an electrically non-conductive liquid flows around all 560 cells and cools them individually.

As in the premier class of motorsport, maximum propulsion is always available when the driver accelerates aggressively -- for example, when accelerating powerfully out of corners or overtaking. The electric power can always be called on and frequently reproduced via high recuperation performance and needs-based recharging. Mercedes says the independent battery concept "enables the optimal balance between dynamic performance and efficiency."

The driver can select four different levels of recuperation using the right-hand AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel button. With the exception of "Slippery," this applies to all drive programs. The highest level of recuperation allows for "one-pedal" driving, much like an all-electric vehicle. Depending on the driving situation, over 100 kW of power can be fed back into the battery.

The eight AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs -- "Electric," "Battery Hold," "Comfort," "Slippery," "Sport," "Sport+," "RACE," and "Individual" -- are precisely tailored to the new drive technology and offer a wide range of driving experiences from efficient to dynamic. The programs can be selected via the central multimedia display or the AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel buttons.

The exterior of the SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE features unique visual elements. At the rear of the vehicle, this includes an integrated charging port door for the hybrid system, "SL 63 S" model badge highlighted in red, and distinctive grooved trapezoidal twin tailpipe trims. "E PERFORMANCE" badging on each front fender indicates the exclusive hybrid drive.

As with the wider AMG SL model portfolio, numerous paints and equipment details are available for personalization. The MANUFAKTUR program also offers an extensive selection of exterior and interior customization options. Curated exterior design packages can further refine the vehicle's appearance. Wheels in 20 and 21 in. are available in a variety of designs and finishes.

Inside, the interior is designed to support dynamic driving as well as maximum comfort. The cockpit design, right down to the central display in portrait format, is focused on the driver and creates a harmonious overall impression. The practical dimensional concept with 2+2 seating offers generous interior space.

One of many highlights in the interior is the electrically adjustable AMG sports seats. These offer exceptional comfort and a high level of lateral support. The optional AMG Performance seats with integrated headrests and ventilation openings in the seat backrests are even sportier. Three massage programs offer enhanced comfort during long journeys.

The large selection of upholstery choices also reflects the range of options -- from comfortable to performance-oriented. Single and two-tone Nappa leather are available, as is particularly elegant MANUFAKTUR upholstery in Nappa leather with diamond quilting or the sporty combination of Nappa leather and microfiber with contrasting stitching in yellow or red.

The SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE will arrive at dealers later this year in the U.S. Pricing has not been released, but it should start around $200,000.

Source: Mercedes-AMG

Published February 2024

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