SL63 and SL55 - The Best and Loudest AMGs in YEARS! / Full review
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The new #MercedesAMG #SL is the best car that #AMG currently make! It’s got a V8 that sounds incredible, it’s fast and dynamic, and it’s utterly gorgeous inside and out. But, it’s a car that is really misunderstood. Because even though the History of the SL is an illustrious one, it’s one that just isn’t linear in evolution, certainly nothing like the Porsche 911.
Today is the Ultimate review for the SL, which means we’re going to cover its full history, and then drive both V8 models in the SL55 and the SL63! Heck we will even drive the 300 SL, and compare to the 911 for good measure!
The SL is now Built by AMG making the SL for the first time in its 70 year history, an AMG only vehicle, just like the SLS and GT. But the new SL - has a very difficult job. Not only must it make sense of the varied and confused history of a sometimes sporty, mostly boaty, 2 or 4 seater - it also has the job of replacing the GT Roadster, and the S63 Cab which are now history!
Big shoes for any car to fill. So how did AMG go about it? First thing is design - heavy AMG GT inspiration, and other Mercedes coupes. New body shell is more rigid than the outgoing AMG GT roadster that it replaces, as it uses intelligent material composition of aluminium, steel, magnesium and fibre for rigidity.
The drivetrain itself feels like a condensed E63/GT63 format - so not a rear-transaxle like the GT, rather 4matic all wheel drive paired to the V8 and 9 speed MCT gearbox in the front. The V8 is the one found in the new AMG GT, S63, GT63 et all - the trusty 4.0 bi turbo V8 with two power levels:
SL55: 469 BHP, 700NM, 0-60 3.7
SL63: 585 BHP, 800NM, 0-60 3.5
The roof returns to fabric top like the 300SL, so a lighter z-fold three layer roof, operable up to 37 MPH. It has noise insulation and a heated rear screen, and maintains a much better side profile than the previous car, which it’s also 21kg lighter than.
The 55 gets adaptive steel suspension, whereas the 63 gets electronic limited slip diff and AMG active ride control suspension - This gives two additional hydraulic elements and control over all four spring struts, pump and valves allows for a wide roll spring rate. And more crucially, semi active roll stabilisation as seen in the new AMG GT.
To try and understand the SL’s so called new direction - we will also go through its full history detailing:
- The original w194
- 300 SL coupe and Roadster
- 190 SL roadster
- R113 SL Pagoda
- R107 SL
- R129 SL
- SL60 AMG, SL73 (engine from Pagani Zonda)
- R230
- SL65 Black Series
- R231 SL
- AMG GT
We will also see how the SL fairs with kids, fitting a teenager and a toddler in the back. And I’ll give you a full run down of the interior, including tech like massaging seats, and the amazing digital light projection.
Mercedes have also started a customisation or PTS program called “Manufaktur programme” for the SL - allowing customers to have Paints, and unique interiors - which I’ll fill you in on!
Other reviewers have missed the point, because they’re not AMG customers - yes this might be a bigger and quite expensive new car that is not as dynamic as a 911 - BUT DOES IT BRING THE AMG EMOTION?! That’s all AMG customers care about! We will find out today!
Up next on on RBR is the new AMG SL 43 and MUCH MUCH More!! Subscribe to support us and see them first. :)
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Driving disclaimer:
Please note all driving shots have been filmed either by professionals in a safe environment, or sped up for dramatic effect, or on closed roads. Please drive safely!
This video was YEARS in the making - been content gathering for years, talking to owners, MB museum and more. The edit has taken over 2 weeks, filming just as long! 😅 I’m proud of the result, hope you enjoy!
The Best and Loudest AMGs in YEARS???? really Raz?? Really the loudest?????
Portland, JAMAICA in the Building!!!
great to see all the SL's! thank you.
Great Video! 💯 Thanks for detailed review! 😊
@@karlmarxx6228the real Karl Marx wouldn't want you in one of these. Also yes one of the best new amgs. Whether you can afford it or not, and how that effects you matters little.
This is THE best review of the new AMG SL, or any car, honestly. You really outdid yourself in production value and historical context. Bravo! Admittedly, the price is bonkers, but to be fair, it's an SL on another level. Having seen the GT, the new GT has become my dream car because I'm pretty sure I won't look as handsome with my hair blowing in the wind as Raz. 😉👍
Haha thank you so much man! Comments like this make the effort worth it
I am Italian and I write from Italy (Torino). After about 9 months, I sold my SL 63 out of desperation. From day one my wife and I have been haunted by many creaking noises coming from the dashboard. A colleague of mine from Milan had the same problem. But he decided to sell his SL a month after purchasing it! We went to the dealership several times but, apparently, all new SLs have this defect due to a design problem with the dashboard. My historic Mercedes dealer (I have been a Mercedes customer for 20 years...), one of the last times I went to complain, let me test a brand new SL 63 ready for sale (it had 19 km). Result? An even noisier dashboard than mine! It seems to be a manufacturing defect and there seem to be a lot of complaints. A great shame because, as Raz says, the new SL 63 has a simply fantastic sound, perhaps the best ever. I have been noticing a significant drop in quality of new Mercedes for some time now.
Quality is mega downhill
My CLS does a similar thing when i play music and the bass is on.. its annoying and its not like im going to take it all apart to find the issue..
I am sorry to hear you had this problem. I’ve had my ‘22 SL55 for eight months now and it is rattle- and creak-free and I am VERY sensitive to these noises.
First time I feel like the great Raz is trying too hard to be sale person for Mercedes rather than being himself!! Know few owners who complain about poor qualify of the new SL! But what I know for sure this is not the best sounding AMG car ever but any means! ONE BIG LIE.....
@@geek92253??
This is a brilliant video, thank you! I am very close to “pulling the trigger” on a 55 and for me, I would have loved to have seen more of you driving/reviewing the 55 to see if there’s any noticeable difference in the way it drives and sounds … We never got to see a full review of your 55 (which I was so looking forward to!) because it disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived! I’m curious as to why you parted with your 55? Your videos and content are the “best” on KZhead (in my opinion) and I really value your reviews … Keep up the good work! 5 Stars from me!! 👍
You're so right - that engine sounds absolutely glorious!! BUT it's such a shame that it doesn't have the drift-mode option! Maybe that will come on the GT version?
Huh, why would anyone need a “drift mode” for a “road” car? Surely this would only be beneficial to someone who could afford to buy an SL to use as a track car and, could then also afford to spend another £1000+ to replace the trashed tyres after each track day!! And why buy an SL (GT Car) for track days anyway when the ultimate “track day” car has to be a 992 GT3 RS!! An AMG SL Roadster was never designed to be a track day car but who knows, maybe, they’ll produce a new more dynamic AMG SL-R or a new AMG GT-R Pro to satisfy those very “few” customers who might actually prefer one as a track day car over a GT3 RS? I doubt that will ever happen!
Is it my imagination or does the SL55 sound better than the 63...?
@@okeyezeilo6187imagination.
Well said mate! “When you’re feeling down and having a bad day…the SL is the car that you drive.” That says everything!
Saw the title and hit the like button before even watching! Dying to watch all the SL history!
Enjoy!!!
Amazing video. Really well done. Graphics and integration of old and new is absolutely impressive. Well done as usual!
Going for so many Auto channels throw the years, i can tell you that you are The Best channel of one my dearest passions, Cars! And the Only One that i have and watch!
Thank you! 🙏
That was a great review. Love the history of the SL. SL 63 is a great looking and sounding car. Thank you 💪💪💪😎😎😎👍👍👍
Great video, well done!!
Amazing job with this review!!
Absolutely amazing result! This video truly adds to the canon of Mercedes Benz history. I love seeing the roots of my AMG S63, the DNA exposed and explained. Thank you for the very, very hard work of all of that editing.
This is the first video I’ve seen of yours. Have to say, first class! Great content and graphics VR and tech. I’ve subscribed!
Amazing video. Really well done.
Thank you!!
Hey. Just want to say that this is a fantastic review, lots of care, time and thought went into it and it really shows. So good. Having driven the new SL 55 r232 I can easily say it’s toe to toe with the 911 GTS cabriolet.
Awesome videos mate, i love watching your work keep it up. I am hitting the like button a million times so you can get your own studio one day!
Wonderful review Raz. Always appreciate your content. I just have a gripe with RHD cars
Absolutely incredible production. Really blew me away!
Amazing review 👏🏻👏🏻
Great review!
Great job as always Raz. Your definitely one of the the best KZheadr in business in reviewing vehicles. 👍👍👍In US there’s some good deals regarding a used 2022 SL63 with low mileage.🤔Considering buying. Have already 2022 E53 AMG .
100% I am getting an SL 63 . It is stunning and the noise ❤
You always make the best vids except this time you had wrong reference photos on R231 but I still loved it.
Wow, this is one of the best KZhead content I’ve ever seen. You can literally feel how much heart you put into this. The car I don’t need to comment, it’s AMG as it should be and it was for a bunch of years. Stunning!
Brilliant review detailed and to be honest it helped that you loved the car, striaght to the point on all aspects and points all that would be asked and or questioned by any potential buyer. 55 on its way here !
Great video! Must have been a huge effort! One small remark regarding the gearbox topic, you've pointed out. The multi-clutch vs. torque converter is not the reason for differences in shift times (if there are some). The reason for that would just be the application of the gearbox. The shifting itself is done by planetary gear sets, brakes/clutches and a hydraulic system. That mechanism is the same in both versions. The main difference between the MTC vs. a normal torque converter will be recognisable while launching (and towing which is not interesting in this example).
That sounds lovely!!
I've hired one of these for my stay in Miami next year. Buzzing is an understatement!!!
THe one I have the most fondest of is the R107 - my uncle had a 1976 450 SL. Grew up by riding int eh back seat with my cousin bro, as his two big sisters would take us out in that for movies and summer drives. I got to drive it as an adult which was special. It was the light maroon color.
Imagine if they weren't so heavy they'd be legendary
The earlier versions of the SL55 R230 had 493bhp (not 460) while the final version in 2006 had some 510 bhp...
I'm pretty sure the original SL didn't have a budget iPad knockoff on the instrument panel. Porsche has not gone crazy like this and you still get lovely analog switchgear and analog gauges in the Cayman at least.
Nobody drives the switchgear or screen, buddy
@@Del_987duh
I‘m pretty sure you still use a Nokia because you just love analog. People who buy a SL don’t want a pure racetool with analog switches. They want a Mercedes with the maximum of technology and a big motor.
Sadly, new 911 will have screens only!
Yet it works smoother than an iPad for what it does. It's hilarious to hear all the salty broke people here complain about such trivial shit. It's OK not to be able to afford one. I won't make you look stupid at the red-light either in your old AMG 😂
Great review, thank you. Is there a boot on this thing ? How big ? Golf clubs size ? Were questions I was wondering
Great video! No reviewer does more work or capture the sound better than you. I can’t wait for your review on the 43 as that’s what I’m considering in a couple of years when it depreciates more. The taxes in my country for big engines are insane and I always wanted something with S class level tech with a smaller engine
43 review is coming very soon! Being edited as we speak 😎
Best looking Mercedes on the road today
I would love to see a side by side comparo between that and the AMG GT
I like how you have apparently read the manual before you made the video - I assume that's how you know about the double-tap to open the roof?
Guy owns the car.
V8, pops and bangs.. I love it!
So...I am fortunate enough to own both the new SL 63 AMG and an older Porsche Turbo 911. I absolutely love Porsche and also have a Taycan Turbo which I will never part with. However, the SL 63 AMG is NOT more nimble that a Turbo, or any other Porsche. That having been said, at this stage of my life, its the SL 63 that is the car I want to drive. Both of these cars have handling, acceleration and precision which far exceeds the upper limits of what is sanely possible on American roads. So, for me, it is the comfort and related GT qualities which are paramount, and this is where the SL 63 outshines the Porsche. The MB is the superior cruiser - full stop. Panache is rather subjective - ride quality is not. MB SL 63 has both. And the car is as quiet with a soft top (if not quieter) than my hardtop Turbo 911. The soft top is that well engineered. If I was a younger man who still went to the track (Monticello mostly), it would be the Porsche all day long. But this new SL is special, not perfect, but special. It threads the needle of GT and supercar. It doesn't dominate either class, but blends these qualities perfectly. So, I would recommend the SL 63 over the Porsche for those who want great capabilities while cruising while keeping your chiropractor visits to a minimum.
New model SL prices seems to come down quite a bit for almost new ones with just few miles, certainly gonna consider buying a stock car that is directly available with big discount on list price
Carving out an elegant space for the instrument panel was a great design choice. Kudos to AMG for a willingness to avoid the stuck on ipad gauge cluster. Great design and performance on these new SLs.
No mentioning of the 6.2 V8?
Why? It's obsolete.
MAN U SAID IT ALL
So I have been looking at used 55 and 63s. I have noticed there are a lot of lemon titles out there for the new SL. Is there any information on why or what is going on with the SL?
Ah it sounds wonderful.... that V8 is such a lovely engine 🔥
Curious for your take on the proposition of a Maybach Version of the SL....Probably an interesting take to me, in terms of the fact that it the Mercedes-Maybach SL with an AMG Engine.....hope it would come through.....and I hope you can drive it. Yea, it won't come cheap nonetheless
Does the sl55 also have a rear torsion axle like on the sl63? Is this just an option available as an option for both versions?
Deciding to get a 2022 Sl 55 AMG or 2020 AMG GTR? I want to use it as a daily driver. What's your recommendation?
I ❤ them both!!
Nice, me personally I don't like soft tops. really do think that hard top looks better, example ferrari's & McLaren's spider. Hopefully they do hardtops in the future, there's got to be a huge market that prefers the same.
The R129 has to be the best one, those AMG's were something else.
👍👍👍perfect
I just spent three weeks driving the new SL 63, touring nine countries in Europe…the car was awesome…the only main issue I found to be very disappointing with the car was its turning radius. I cannot believe Mercedes has made such a fundamental snafu with the new SL.
Rear torsion axle which makes it very manoeuvrable. Is this axle only at the s63?
Bro ypu got rear wheel steering stop capping😂
The new GTs will be based on this car so i imagine there will be alot of similarlities. I mean sit inside the new SL and new GT and theyre exactly the same inside.
Just curious in comparing a SL63 with the Ferrari Roma...Direct comparison??? Your opinion please.
The best thing about KZhead premium is not having to listen to the shitty sponsors. Better yet, my premium is free lol
I was looking for a 2025 Lexus LC500, BUT after seeing various Mercedes SL55 roadster videos, I think that I'd rather save up longer and purchase the greatly superior SL55.
Sl65 amg for me. The current gen is a good looking car but the rear end looks a little awkward
65 looks outdated and ugly now.
@jackmarston2515 yea I no ...but that's the one I like veeeeeee 12
the center screen looks twisted and somehow to the wrong side^^
That screen is great and works smooth.
Let's go!
bravo
Is it me or sound volume on this Video is Low?
How does SL63 compare to AMG GT R Roadster? I value your opinion. Thank you!
New SL is a bit quicker, but not as loud.
Whay happened to Raz’s new SL? 😢
Is there a wind deflector?
Yes, of course
Million dollar question? How do you like it compared to your 911 Ts?
Not sure it’s fair to call this a DB12 competitor to be honest. It’s a nice car but for me DB12 is a level above. Also pricing in the US/CA has a decent gap between the two cars.
What's the level above? The shitty British engineering?
Great Video, but: come one Ras! AMG SL commercial? Too much plastic! (Door handles, side plate, steering wheel etc.) Internal: technical overkill. Where are the nice solide buttons? In the Office I look the hole day in the screen and Smartphone. When I drive home I want analog stuff. I think that’s one reason why they sell so less pieces.
Such a stupid comment.
A great video and I had been hoping for a lot from this car, but price and the synthetic exhaust sound have disappointed me so much I won’t even bother to go and look at one, such a shame…. New cars have completely lost their way and it only gets worse after that in Ev land.
You forgot to mention SLS Amg was the closest to 300 sl👍
GUEST WIFI (TRUST ME BRO) at 1:51 cracked me up ...
Why don't we have the 2008/09 SLS AMG because is a gull-wing?
Difficult to get my head round difference between AMG GT convertible and these 🤔 Its like Mercedes is competing with itself.
When I was a kid, I was obsessed with SL history. Thank you for this history lesson 😍 some day, I want to own every SL model - I saw that as a kid, one friend had them in a glass stable, and I thought I want that someday 😀
The 55 is a bit disappointing, it’s too underpowered, the 4WD makes it quick but Car wow did a test against the 2005 SL55 and on a roll the 05 one pulled hard on the new one even with that 5 speed. Should’ve had the outgoing GTS tune at 510hp other than that I think they’re great, the noise as well it’s such a selling point, roof down with that noise behind you.
55 has same motor and turbo like 63, just different program. Im sure some magic's guys can tune it for not much bucks ;D
@@benzoesansodu5866 I know yeah, all a common engine platform but more the fact you have to do that to make it faster than the 05 car, new SL should've come with 510hp from factory like the old GTS tune. But as you said, an inexpensive ECU map and you'll have the 500-550 easy
@@jpracing893 and with a tune and a pulley you can make 600+ on the 05... and supercharger torque is way more instant vs even the new 'hot-v' turbos, either way you're getting smoked on the highway by a 20 year old car with half the gears lmaooo. stuck culture.
Chat wants a 12 cylinder.
Curious why don’t you use “Chapters” my man to break up these long videos? Do some research on it, I think it will help. Amazing content such a lot of work went into it. Once this car depreciates like crazy I will look to buy one I think they really nailed it.
Because there’s a narrative running through the video. When you break it up you lose the essence of the edit.
@@LCOF not true at all my man. Does not stop one from just watching the video as it is now, but it does say help when one just wants to check out say the driving portion, or come back later.
I already said it and I’ll say it again. It’s such a shame that this guy has less than one million subscribers. Starting with the information he handles and accesses partly for the sake of his videos, video production, and more. Such a shame
Lovely car, but the infotainment looks like windows media player from 2007...
What your car have? A CD player? 😅
It is no problem being MB biased. It is rather a problem though, when you (deliberately) "ignore" details that - in this price range - clearly suck. Just like the large, piano black section of the center console. You mention the settings available via the two knobs on the stearing wheel, while deliberately ignoring the piece of crap, almost useless touch sensitive parts. It does not hurt sometimes to be objective or at least try to pretend to be ...
As an owner I wish I knew what you were talking about. It's like you don't know anything at all.😂
Your mic sound is always very low!
Rear Seats❌️Rear bench✅️
these are great but the s coupe was perfect
Maserati GT and Bentley convertible have full rear seats adults can sit in, WTF MB,wake up!
I see many reviews comparing the Porsche 911 to this Merc. The Porsche hasn't won here. It's just subjective option preference. If the Porsche is quicker, it's negligible. If the Porsche has better interior, it's opinion. If the porsches roof comes off quicker....who cares. The Merc IMO looks far more delicious, especially from the back. Put a wannabe slightly chubby pornstar next to the dee-licious Nestee Shy and you have Nestee Shy Merc V Chubby bummed wannabe Porsche. Options that are extra make a car. I felt after looking at multiple reviews that the interior options on Nestee Merc were far better and at night time the lighting in the Merc is just awesome. I've had a porky previously so I do love Porsche. The freckled Walsall chap at Carwow is biased I feel. Anyway. I'm buying the Merc..... the 55.
1:06
I miss properly integrated displays, these are just hideous and lazy. It doesn’t flow with the interior at all..
I disagree. And since I can afford one and you can't, guess who's opinion matters more?
I thought the youngest child was going to say REDRUM, REDRUM, REDRUM. 😮
13:27 that face reminds me of when kevin from home alone saw his brothers girlfriend. woof!!!
so those head guys at AMG listened to this glorious v8 sound and thought 'yeah imma take 2l 4cyl instead of that' 🤡🤡🤡
They need to go back to the old design.
😎😁😁😁😁, yes i like🇵🇹🇪🇺🎉🎉🎉🎉
Too big, too heavy . Long live the earlier amg roadster
SL's back looks like that unexperienced girl trying to do dogstyle...
I'd really love if they made a fixed roof version of the SL
What a waste of a back seat! Maserati GT & Bentley have a back seat adults can actually use? I never understood why Porsche and now Mercedes’ or any car have back seats you can’t use for passenger?
They could of had this engine in the new C63. But Nooooooooo 😢
Sign of the times. Huge amount of time looking at an effing ugly tablet.
So! I just did 3500 miles in one of these in Europe, so I feel that I am entitled to chime in here: 1. The car does look good, but it is very big. In Europe, on European roads, it is especially too wide. 2. One of the biggest problems on this car is the size of the doors. They are enormous, and the hinge is the simplest design. MERCEDES definitely should’ve done something differently in that regard. Either a fancy forward tilting hinge like on the older.CLs or even on the 1990s Lexus SC cars. What really would’ve made a huge difference is the Aston Martin like door hinge design. Otherwise, it seems like MERCEDES was just trying to save as much money as possible. 3. This car is very heavy and absolutely needs Carbon ceramic brakes. If you were planning to do any kind of spirited driving, without the carbon ceramics, it just does not have good enough, and big enough of a braking system in my humble opinion. 4. Base Burmeister system is total crap in this price category. It is significantly weaker than the B&O (non Naim) in the Bentley or BMW’s Bowers and Wilkins. 5. 9 speed MCT trans is really showing its age. To me, it seemed 100% inferior to both the latest versions of the ZF 8 speed let alone to the 8 speed dual clutch in most recent Porsche and Bentley cars. 6. Steering feel is just OK. Rear wheel steering is much needed and very welcomed! 7: base seats are devoid of side bolster adjustments and massage function but wre very comfortable for long distance driving. 8. There’s definitely plenty of storage room for a vehicle in this category.. 9. I disagreed with Doug’s assessment of the most MBUX. To me, it is very much inferior to the most recent BMW system. 10. Not having a real button to put the top up and down is absolutely maddening. It is a pain in the butt to operate and I certainly do question long-term reliability of this function. 11. The engine, in my opinion, feels too laggy for a 2023 car. Again, in my humble opinion, it is inferior to both the VAG 4.0 TT and BMW’s 4.4TT engines (I do own cars with both of those engines, so I am speaking from personal experience). 12. The new premium smart headlights on the European car worked exceptionally well. Although, from what I understand, some of the features are not available for the US market, which is very unfortunate. 13. Because of its weight, substandard brakes, touring leaning suspension set up and dim witted transmission, the car’s Performance definitely fell apart once we got to the Alps and the Dolomites. 14. Some of the materials seemed very cheap and low rent on such an expensive vehicle. It seems that Mercedes is playing the same game that the NISSAN was playing once Carl Ghosn took over there 20 years ago. Maybe a lot of other consumers will not notice the many cutting and corner cutting measures that MERCEDES is trying to implement, but I certainly did. 15. Even outside of the fact that there is no real button to lower the convertible top, it seems like the whole operation takes a bit longer than it does in the Audi R8, or even a Porsche 911 cars. In conclusion, Is this a better in sportier car than the previous gen, i.e 2013 to 2021 cars? Absolutely it is. Is this a car I would buy over the 911 GTS - absolutely not.
Pretty much a negative comment. As for the simple door hinge, do you want even more weight and complexity on a moving part, not to mention more expense? The 63 is sharper. But you clearly prefer a scalpel. Your contrarianism is showing. 😊
@@LCOFhinge would add like 14oz, maybe? The car has sone positives but many more negatives. Overall, I do not like 90%+ of the Mercedes product at this point. I have bought one new AMG in the last 10 years (2023 E63 Wagon final edition) and I do find the car, overall, disappointing. I do like BMW and Porsche mostly. And that’s what I have been buying as a result. Lambo too, of course. The only 2 AMGs that I would like to add to my collection are the 2014 SLS BS and the 2012 C63 BS. That’s it.
Conclusion, the fact that you don't know that there is indeed a button for the top function shows you don't know a thing about this car. Totally makes what you wrote here worthless and time wasting.
The button to drop the top down is right there on the dashboard. Just click on it. Afterwards click and hold for 15 seconds to open/close the top. Read the manual, everything is there.
You can open the top with the key also
Arcade game inside. It’s a sports car ditch 200kg of all that crap
Yeah no. If I wanted that I'd get something else.