GT vs SLS: AMG Black Series Head-to-head Review | Henry Catchpole - The Driver's Seat
Mercedes’ SLS AMG Black Series and AMG GT Black Series are two of the wildest, rarest, most expensive (and longest-named) cars ever to emerge from Affalterbach. But the reason they feel so extreme might not be the one you imagine.
Think AMG and traditionally you think monster engines. And yes, both of these cars have very impressive V8 hardware under their long, wide bonnets. But with legislation pushing AMG (along with everyone else) towards downsizing and turbocharging in the engine department, it feels like there has been a shift in focus over recent years towards the handling of its cars. It’s been noticeable throughout the AMG range, but nowhere is it more evident than in the Black Series where this trend arguably started with the SLS.
Although they have 622bhp and 720bhp respectively, these are not just straight line super heroes; Both these Black Series creations have a real road racer vibe to them. Inside they might not feel quite as stripped out as a Porsche 911 GT2 RS or a Ferrari 458 Speciale, but the suspension set up feels every bit as focussed. What’s more, the retention of certain creature comforts inside gives both Black Series cars a surprising sheen of usability to go with their huge performance and extreme tyres (particularly in the case of the Cup 2R rubber on the GT).
The end result is that AMG has produced two of the most exciting cars of recent years. We hope you enjoy the visual contrast of the two particular examples in this film - seeing them on the road together certainly felt very special and we want to extend a huge thank you to the owner of the AMG GT Black Series for letting us use his car. If you’d like to follow him on Instagram, then just search for @zencardriver
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Thank you for all the lovely comments! Really nice to have this film out in the wild. Huge credit to Glenn for the amazing edit and Ben and Jason for the fabulous drone work. I can confirm that Cup 2 R tyres feel pretty intense on the road… particularly in the wet! What a pair of cars.
You are an absolute legend Henry! Best channel, best presenter - you guys really do get it. Cinematography, iconic cars, knowledgeable presenter, engine sounds, faint music, no cheesy jokes, we’re an easy lot to please 😁
Where is this filmed Henry ?
The SLS was probably the most iconic Mercedes of the 21st century.
I think that title belongs to the G Wagon.
@@titaniummechanism3214 close second, in its own class for sure 🔥
SLR McLaren
It is my dream car
@@titaniummechanism3214 G Wagon has been around for way longer
That “old” SLS has such a timeless design
I was also thinking this, could not believe it was that old!
No it doesn't, looks old.
@@KINGPINmediaMaybe to you, but it’s no doubt, one of the most charming designs IMHO. There’s designs that no matter how old they are, they still look and feel relevant. Not even the new AMG GT can come close to the organically beautiful and classy nature of the SLS AMG.
I literally thought at first that it's a new car :D.
Good blend of curves and corners
Henry's and Hagertys attention to detail is second to none. Look at the white Levi's t-shirt he's wearing in the SLS and the black one he's wearing in the GT
Sigh
The SLS was such a piece of art/ car. Beautiful video production. Perfect roads.
I know it sounds like a silly point to make, but for me, the fact that he wore identical t-shirts in black and white to match their respective vehicles, shows an attention to detail in the production that makes these videos so enjoyable to watch. Not to mention, the quality of the review itself - I feel like I've driven these cars (almost!) and yet I've never even sat in one. Bravo!
This was filmed and produced beautifully. Bravo guys. I have a AMG GT C and love it. NEVER selling it.
Of course you would never sell it because it’s on lease 😂
@@G0ddEityawesomedo not die with jealousy. Live with love ❤️
@@G0ddEityawesome what does it matter? He's the one laughing...at you
Agreed!
Keep it up and enjoy it! Bravo, bruv!
The AMG GT is a decent supercar, I especially like the GT R. But the SLS is just something else. Very high on my list of (somewhat) attainable dream cars!
SLS 💪 N/A V8 ftw!
preach, brother!
And gull-wing doors! (the best ones)
Hallelujah!
sls black looks so much better
Add twin turbos 😂
That 6.2L v8 is one of the all time great engines
Another Catchpole piece of perfection from Hagerty! Thank you very much for that beautiful visual and audible caressing of the senses ✨🫶🏽🤍
You forgot the grand daddy of them all: the SL65 Black series with the turbo V12.
That's in no way superior to either of these 2
A fantastic car which is stunning to look at, but quite a dog to drive with the slow shifting 5 speed and no easy way of putting power down. He mentioned it in the video but didn't show a picture of it
Yes!!! People forget that that torque monster can put a lot of modern as well as old supercars to shame!
If Henry Catchpole narrated a video about grass growing, I'd still watch it. This guy is the David Attenborough of our generation!
Completely disagree
WAAAAY back in 2013, my wife bought me the Exotic Driving Experience out in Vegas for our anniversary. I chose the 458, R8 and the SLS. BY FAR, the SLS was, and still is, THE best automobile I have ever driven in my 50+yrs of muscle cars and motorcycles. Excellent video my friend, thank you very much!
What a great gift. Marry that woman.
After a particularly stressful day today, watching this on the telly as I sat down for dinner brought me a sense of calm and peace. I've been reading Henry's articles on evo magazine and watching his videos for a number of years, don't think I could ever praise them enough. Always nice to see someone looking genuinely happy to be behind the wheel and with such softly spoken words. A class act.
The GT Black Series is not only the fastest road car around the NS, it also did that with a compromised lap. There were atleast 2-3 places where they braked cause the track was still damp… Both are awesome, the GT BS when it comes to sheer lap times and the SLS when it comes to Love. This car is beautiful in every regard. What a masterpiece. This easily joins the league of the 300sl, CLK GTR, CLK DTM AMG and the SLR. PS: the GT Black Series almost always comes with ~+40hp more. All dynoed ones i have seen were around that number
A car Batman would drive
Yup, there’s easily another 5 seconds + on the table if they want to do it again in warmer temps
That SLS' NA 6.3L V8... There's simply nothing like a big ol' AMG NA V8. Simply lovely.
Twin turbo
GT Black Series is way faster and looks ready for any track with the insane rear spoiler but the SLS Black Series design is timeless and the engine sound is just insane. If I had to pick one, SLS all the way.
Another masterclass by Mr.Catchpole 🏆
Oh my heart. One of the most iconic cars ever made with the most iconic automobile journalist in my humble little book. WE LOVE YOU HENRY.
Props to the cam crew Great shots
No one is making car content like Hagerty at this moment
Henry is brilliant! Love the attention to detail and the criticisms he’s not afraid to utter. Cinematography is brilliant.
The cinematography and color correction and narration of this is INCREDIBLE. Thanks Henry. Thanks Hagerty.
Amazing photography in this episode, a joy to watch. And Henry's narrative complement it perfectly as usual. Well done
0:29-0:30. You can hear the grunt. That’s the characteristics sound of a merc AmG v8. If you’re very patient and have good ears. You can also hear that grunt in the m272 and m276 engines. The grunt.
Henry's way with words and sense of calm to make you pay attention without going too crazy is other worldly. Thank you for the amazing content for all of us who share the same passion for cars 🙏
Always love Henry Catchpole's video. Beautifully cinematic, always.
Love watching your reviews Henry. Unique style, really class act. Good job.
Hi Henry. Your camera crew is doing a killer job, with exquisite editing, an overall cinematic experience 💯
Good to see you again Henry…you deserve a far bigger audience as you are magical at description….we can understand who good a cars simply by listening…and the video effects are just outstanding. Keep bringing special moments to us.🙂🙂🙂🙂
I've always loved MB AMG models. They are the reason I decided a car can be fun with an auto transmission. Plus the older models were super reliable and with regular car could have gone several 100K miles. I hope these modern AMG models will live up to that reputation.
Best automotive content at the moment! Absolutely stunning review
Ugh as a huge amg fan this video is perfect thank you Henry and hagerty as always
The Hagerty visuals and editing are always unreal. Beautiful scenery and amazing camerawork. 😍
Drone shots are insane!!! Keep it up.
Every time I think about selling my SLS, a video like this pops up and I think to myself. You are going to miss that car like crazy if you do sell it. Thanks for making decide to keep the car, at least for a few more months!
SLS all my life, what a magnificent car with a timeless design! congratulations on the video guys, I felt like I was in the cinema watching 007.
Beautiful video Henry! Such a privilege for you to put your hands and feets in these two......
This is the first Hagerty video I've watched and this is beautifully shot. Exactly the sort of car content I'm after
Welcome to one of the best car content online
Quality content guys, commendable stuff
The production quality is lit 🔥
Bravo on the presentation team
Great video. Drone footage is on point.
Henry and Jason should do a collaborative video
I loved the video, unless I missed it, these things really should have a credits list somewhere because this was superbly made and really bought Henry's words to life.
Another quality video, as we’ve come to expect from Henry and the team. I felt compelled to comment……. wholly due to the t-shirts. Nice touch!
These videos are works of art !! Cheers from Brazil.
"So it's successor has a lot to live up to" That transition and entry of the GT Black Series was perfection.
Those cars were just make you want to drive, stunning pieces of machinery and another amazing video
We need Henry to do a new and old V12 Vantage version with Aston Martin!
I enjoyed the switch from the white Levi's shirt on the white car, to the black Levi's shirt for the black car. Subtle, but awesome detail that helps set Hagerty videos apart from the crowd!
I've never liked the look of the GT Black as it always seemed to have been designed by Mansory or some such company who just ad pointless bits to a car, but this black colour really suits the car. And SLS Black is just immense in it's presence.
The drone shots in this vid are amazing
Amazing one, thank you so much
SLS for me hands down because of that sound alone. Not to mention it looks better from every angle imo. It is perfection when compared to the new one for me. This was cinematography heaven to my eyes. Epic job from the hole team. Henry bang up job as always. Cheers
Love the FPV shots
again, the B-roll of this channel was epic
The aerial shots are absolutely crazy
SLS black is still one of my favorite cars. Looks amazing and really seems like a genuinely great car to drive
The visuals in this video are stunning, i have no idea why this video isn’t at 10 million views
I was debating which one to go for. Thanks for doing this review. Very helpful purchasing advice this.
😂
Was just looking to replace my £1500 MX5 & this has really helped
What a video.... Everything outstanding!
If I watch your channel, I have the vibe off the old top gear. Just stunning and beautiful made
Some of your best work young Henry, but oh did you break some hearts. The current Black Series is available in Aus for $1.5 mill +, hate to think what that bloody timeless classic would be worth.
the SLS looks like it could've rolled off the assembly line today. TIMELESS design
Incredible piece on spectacular machines.
*and omg those drone shots, fantastic stuff
I've noticed a lot of these "extreme" cars catering towards their aging consumers by getting softer.
@@twinturboray I agree about how much bigger cars have grown but they have also become safer and greener. As for aging consumers I recall Chinese students in US colleges buying the SLS Black Series (especially in gold) along with Lamborghinis, GWagens, etc. Although there might be fewer of them post-pandemic, the current generation still drive such cars when in the US--perhaps similar to their counterparts in Switzerland.
@@twinturborayNew Lotus is slightly heavier than Evora while it's also a bigger car (although the older one came standard with four seats). But just like its predecessor, Emira most likely will get lightweigh version for those who are not satisfied with the base. The actual heavy pig is the new AMG-GT, I hope the data they shared about the weight is wrong (1970kg).
The new one looks like a German version of the ACR Viper. Gorgeous!
Wonderful pick..and the subject and how things are going for AMG..ALL THAT WITHOUT A PASSIONATE PRO LIKE YOU WOULDNT HAVE REACHED US IN THIS WONDERFUL WAY..WISH U THE BEST
Two of the most unique and best road cars available. Love them both
That exact SLS AMG in white, it sets my heart on fire. What a dream it'd be to have one.
omg bro, who filmed and edited this 🤯 insane work for the people who made this 👏🏽
Awesome cars, awesome video
Great FPV drone shots! Whoever did that
Can’t wait to get my first Hagerty magazine. Love the content.
I gotta say the current Hagery videos production value has reached the point, where its hardly countable. Incredible work you all. I salute.
When he says these cars are big, that’s an understatement. These cars are truly massive in person. In a good way tho 👍🏽
Looking back, the SLS is still an amazing car. It has something special around it, that only maybe the Carrera GT has had the last 25 years.
This film looks amazing on my ultrawide monitor. Thank you.
Nice video thx
I hope Lamborghini invited Catchpole out to the Revuelto premiere, waiting for that video to drop.
What a gorgeous film my god
SLS AMG Black Series is probably my number 1 dream car 👍🏼
Beautiful video Henry and Hagerty, and of course, beautiful cars, there are some Merc`s i love more than others, the SLS is in the `love` category, were i a wealthy collector (who would absolutely use them), the SLS would be in the lineup. Ive come to trust Tim Burtons judgement on both of these cars, he actually drives and enjoys it, not a pure collector for investing, as someone who loves driving far more than just looking at cars, these are two cars id love to play around in and learn their quirks of behavior and how to get the best out of them on track or backroads, both look like an amazing experience, decades of work perfecting them, getting to experience these cars vicariously through Henry is as close as ill get, but if anyone was going put it into words and images for me to experience, Henry is the man. Bravo sir. All hail the algae rhythm 🎶💃🕺🎶 Dan & Candy 🧙♂🍄🐶❤
An incredible video, loved the comparison. The AMG GT has never really grabbed me where the SLS Black Series has. I can appreciate the AMG more now but Id still opt for the SLS.
Dear Henry, could you provide us with the roadnumbers used for filming this beautiful comparison please?
What a film. Fabulous.
These drone shots!
Editor: How many drone angles? Henry: YES!
I got an AMG GTS but sls hits different, the sls black is my fav mercedes period. Excellent video btw
I like this topgear inspired editing
Man, this video reminded me how much i love cars. And although i wouldn't have a supercar in black, the GT Black in this midnight black would be my choice.
Love Henry's videos- that SLS is giving me many reasons to destroy my bank account's stability...
finally that's what we needed 😍😍😍
The SLS was originally supposed to be the next generation Dodge Viper. It always makes me chuckle how much the motor press adores the SLS as an icon, but would have ignored it as a Dodge.
Neat noises from the AMG GT but it can’t beat the noise of the thundering 6.2L in the SLS !
like the subtle change of t-shirt to match the car colour
Wow this car is amazing the AMG Black series love it l going to buy in the new year a car like this ❤❤❤❤❤ love it