Creating a modern-day version of one of the most storied sports cars of all time is an epically daunting challenge. But the designers and engineers charged with putting a modern spin on the alluring 1950s-era Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster embraced their task with gusto.

An iconic name plate

The original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL took the world by storm in 1952. Unlike anything that had come before it, the powerful but remarkably lightweight sports model stormed to victory on many racetracks, leading to the moniker of “sports car of the century”.

The road-going version of the SL made its debut in 1954 and became an instant classic with its long bonnet, low-slung shape, and exceptional performance. Add the unprecedented drama of gullwing-style doors on SL coupé models that hinged skyward rather out to the side, and its iconic status was assured.

A new frontier

Fast-forward to the modern day, and it was clear that to honour the SL legend, nothing less than a clean-sheet design would do. The all new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ roadster – the first to bear the Mercedes-AMG badge - doesn’t share a single panel or component with its predecessor.

As a result, the all new AMG SL 63 sits on a lightweight composite aluminium structure that guarantees maximum rigidity – not only necessary for agile driving, but also contributing to exceptional comfort. Liberal use of lightweight materials including aluminium, magnesium and fibre composites adds even more body strength. Meanwhile, steel is retained to strengthen a windscreen frame which serves as a protective measure in rollover accidents, along with a pop-up rollbar system behind the seats.

Power and prestige

Beneath that long bonnet is one of the most finely tuned examples of modern Mercedes-AMG expertise – a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine developing an exhilarating 430 kW of power and maximum torque of 800 Nm. Like others of its ilk, the engine is hand-assembled at AMG headquarters in Affalterbach according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle, and personally signed by the engine builder.

Combined with the specially adapted AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission and an AMG-tuned 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, that very special powerplant motivates a sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in an absurdly rapid 3.6 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 315 km/h.

The AMG SL 63 will be blisteringly quick in a straight line. Add in active rear-axle steering, an AMG electronic rear axle locking differential, AMG dynamic engine mounts, AMG-tuned suspension with active anti-roll stabilisation, a high-performance composite braking system, and an active rear spoiler, and it’s highly likely to keep you smiling around corners too.

First class comfort

A defining feature of the AMG SL 63 Roadster is its 2+2 seating layout, which allows two rear-seat passengers of up to 150 cm to enjoy the ride in comfort. If the extra seating isn’t needed, the front-seat occupants can plug in a wind deflector behind their seats to minimise air turbulence in the cabin. Another key element is the electrically operated fabric roof that folds unobtrusively into a panel behind the rear seats, and can open or close in around 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60 km/h.

If there are plenty of callbacks to the original SL roadster in the exterior design of the AMG SL 63 – such as the wide grille and bonnet-mounted ‘powerdomes’ – then the interior, conversely, is a feast of thoroughly modern technology, style and luxury.

There are creature comforts, such as heated and ventilated front sports seats upholstered in supple Nappa leather^[1], which also include the opulent ‘Airscarf’ feature that blows warm air onto the necks of front seat occupants, making top-down driving feasible even on chillier days.

Over many decades and generations, the SL has always been a leader in technology and design, and the stunning interior of the modern AMG SL 63 doesn’t disappoint. It embodies the latest in minimal design, with a pair of beautifully crisp digital screens acting as a portal for a raft of functions and settings as well as the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system.

There’s also a premium 650-watt, 11-speaker Burmester surround sound system, wireless smartphone integration, a head-up display for the driver, dual-zone climate control, and a heated AMG Performance steering wheel including integrated rotary dials to control AMG-specific driving features on the move.

That includes the ability to dial up driving modes from Comfort through to track-focused Race mode, when the inbuilt AMG Track Pace system can assist with advanced mapping and timing functions.

As you’d expect, there’s also a raft of standard safety features including a total of eight airbags^[2] – including side airbags for rear occupants – and the feature-packed Driving Assistance Package Plus. In addition, customers can choose from a range of optional paint finishes, wheel designs and interior trims to help them personalise the SL to suit their taste.

With the DNA of the original 300 SL pumping through its petrol lines, plus legacy genes from succeeding generations of SL’s and a raft of modern performance wizardry, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ is more than a homage to the classic: it’s an ideal combination of the glory of yesterday with the absolute best of today.

Discover the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ here or take a closer look in our Digital Showroom.

By Steve Colquhoun


[1] Leather upholstery may contain some areas upholstered with synthetic ARTICO material to increase durability and reduce long-term wear and tear.
[2] Driver assistance and safety systems/features included in Mercedes-Benz vehicles are driver assistance aids only and the driver at all times remains solely responsible for maintaining proper control of the vehicle and monitoring the driving environment.