2023 Mercedes-AMG SL63

The previous Mercedes-AMG SL 63 had begun to lose its way somewhat. While still a deeply desirable car, it had become too bulky - both in the way it drove and in the way it looked - and certain aspects, like the clumsy transmission, had begun to age. In one go, the new SL 63 has righted all those wrongs. The new 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system is a wiser choice for a car with 577 horsepower, and there is a soft-top roof to save weight. It looks far better than the older car, too, and the 2+2 seating layout gives it a similar level of versatility to the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. The significantly less expensive SL 55 offers most of what the SL 63 does, but in a world where more is more, the top dog of the SL range will be the only choice for those with the wherewithal to obtain it.

After arriving for the 2022 model year in the USA, not much has changed for the new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 roadster. It now has the option of a grey soft top, and customers can also go for Manufaktur Style exclusive Nappa leather upholstery in Crystal White/Black.

The starting price of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is $183,000. That's the MSRP, so it excludes any options and the destination charge of $1,150. At $184,800, you can have your roadster in the Performance sub-trim, which adds a front-axle lift system.

The only option we'd add to the SL 63 is the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package for its array of driver-assistance equipment, including adaptive cruise control. There aren't many other options since the SL 63 is otherwise fully loaded. Perhaps the greatest threat to the SL 63 comes from within; the SL 55 also has a characterful V8 but will cost over $40,000 less.

We're fans of the new Mercedes-AMG SL 63's interior. While not everyone will immediately warm to the ultra-modern dashboard layout with dual digital displays, it does create a high-tech, fuss-free design. However, it's not devoid of character like so many modern car interiors. The turbine-like air vents, gorgeous upholstery in various colors, and sporty seating position make you feel like you're seated in the best drop-top Mercedes has to offer. For something so quick, the SL 63 also does a remarkable job of pampering occupants with its massaging front seats that also have heating and ventilation. The roof can be lowered at the touch of a button, and the infotainment system has every possible function to keep your devices connected.

For this generation of the SL, Mercedes decided to install two small rear seats for the vertically and laterally challenged. Even smaller adults will feel cramped in these seats, but for shorter trips and for kids, they do make the SL far more practical than it was. The good news is in the front row, though, where interior space is far better. Here, the 2023 AMG SL 63 has a pair of luxurious yet supportive seats that can accommodate even taller people. A memory system for both these seats is appreciated, as are the heating, ventilation, and massaging functions.

The cargo space in the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 measures 7.5 cubic feet, enough for around two carry-on suitcases and some other smaller items. An optional cargo system with a movable load floor increases the volume to 8.5 cubic feet.

Inside, Mercedes has incorporated as many storage options as can be expected from a sports car. It has a center lidded armrest where you can stash phones or wallets, along with two covered cupholders. The glovebox is small, but the door compartments are more useful. Of course, you can also use the rear seats to store shopping bags and the like.

Most materials used inside the SL 63 are of the expected high quality, with only a few harder plastics in areas you are less likely to touch, and there are numerous interior colors. Nappa leather in Black, Sienna Brown/Black, Red Pepper/Black, or Sage Grey/Black is standard. For $1,900, you can upgrade to Style Exclusive Nappa leather in Tartufo/Black, Crystal White/Black, or Macchiato Beige/Titanium Grey. Selecting this nicer upholstery requires adding the microfiber headliner, too, further increasing the price by $1,600.

The only trim inlay that's standard is Black Piano Lacquer, but we'd go for one of the less fingerprint-prone alternatives like AMG Aluminum ($750), Dark Chrome ($750), or AMG Carbon Fiber ($2,850). The standard steering wheel can be replaced by an AMG Performance one finished in Nappa leather and microfiber for $500. Customers can also stick with the standard upholstery and separately add a microfiber headliner in black, beige, or grey for $1,600.

The SL 63 is one of those cars you drive home from the dealership and spend hours with, familiarizing yourself with every gizmo and setting. This is a truly feature-packed roadster, with only a few missing driver-assistance features as standard, which we'll unpack in the safety section. Both front seats are power-adjustable with a three-position memory system. These perches also have heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. A removable wind deflector, dual-zone climate control, and an Airscarf neck-level heating system keep occupants comfortable with the top down, even in cooler weather. The car also has remote start, a heated steering wheel, a 64-color LED ambient lighting system, illuminated door sills, hands-free access, keyless go, an electronic trunk closer, and a garage door opener.

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) software forms the backbone of the SL 63's infotainment. It powers the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 11.9-inch center touchscreen interface. To eliminate glare from sunlight on the center screen, it can be tilted electrically. There are also Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for certain functions, but they aren't the easiest to use. The infotainment package includes Bluetooth, voice controls, biometric authentication, navigation with augmented video, wireless phone charging, in-car Wi-Fi, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and multiple USB-C ports. There is a ten-speaker Burmester surround sound system with 650 watts of punch, but this can be replaced with a 17-speaker Burmester high-end 3D system with 1,200 watts.

The quickest of the Mercedes-AMG SL range, the 63, rips from 0-60 mph in only 3.5 seconds. That said, the SL 55 is only three-tenths behind, so there's not much in it. The SL 63 is the fastest model of the lot, with its top speed of 196 mph.

All this performance comes from the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT 9G automatic transmission directs the power to the fully variable AMG performance 4Matic+ AWD system. A wet start-off clutch replaces the torque converter to reduce weight and optimize responses, while rear-axle steering is also standard. An AMG electronic limited-slip rear differential and the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active anti-toll technology are standard.

With so much technology on board, it is a relief that the SL 63 doesn't feel like piloting one oversized computer on wheels. The steering is accurate and quick, although feel is largely absent from the helm. The rear-axle steering helps to make quite a heavy car feel more agile, and it's hard not to be moved by the sound and power of the eight-cylinder mill. The new AWD system also gives you more confidence to exploit the engine's power. On smoother highways, the SL 63 is a decent cruiser, although it's much firmer than the older S-Class Cabriolet.

The V8 engine in the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 can't perform miracles and returns predictably poor gas mileage. Official EPA figures for the AMG SL 63 work out to 14/22/16 mpg city/highway/combined.

The fuel tank capacity is 18.5 gallons, so the SL 63 will cover nearly 300 miles in a mix of city and highway driving.

No safety review of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 has occurred yet. This may never change, considering the car's price. Fortunately, Mercedes doesn't build unsafe vehicles, so the SL should hold up well in an accident.

The SL 63 has ten airbags, including head airbags for all seating positions and front knee airbags. It also has dual pop-up roll bars, active brake assist, crosswind assist, blind-spot assist with exit warning, a surround-view camera system, parking assistance with parking sensors, pre-safe/pre-safe sound, and electronic stability control.

The $1,950 Driver Assistance Package bundles 13 driver-assistance features together including adaptive cruise control, congestion emergency braking, active blind-spot assist, and evasive steering assist.

A single recall has affected the 2023 Meredes-AMG SL 63 so far. This was for a loss of drive power from a potential fuel pump shutdown. The 2022 model was recalled for the same thing plus a steering wheel hands-off detection software error. We'll know more about the reliability expectations of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 once it's been on sale for longer.

The warranty for the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 runs for four years or 50,000 miles.

Whereas the previous-generation SL became a bit ungainly to look at, the new one represents a far more chiseled appearance. The Panamericana grille, with its vertical slats, identifies this as a member of the AMG family, and the sharply angled active LED headlights with LED daytime running lights look modern and confident. Around the side, the SL 63 has 20-inch AMG twin-five-spoke alloy wheels, but these can be replaced by other wheel designs measuring up to 21 inches in size.

he Z-fold power soft top is almost 50 lbs lighter than the hardtop roof on the previous SL, and it can be lowered in around 15 seconds. The curvaceous rear fascia features sleek taillights that sit flush with the body, and there are four square tailpipes lower down. A multistage active rear spoiler is standard, but only the Performance sub-trim comes with the standard front-axle lift system. The exterior can take on a more sinister appearance if you add the optional AMG Night Package with its darker elements.

Although we feel the SL 55 offers the best balance of power and price in the range, the top SL 63 is still a superb roadster. It is a sharper driver's car than its predecessor, yet it is mostly comfortable enough for the daily commute, provided you can stomach the hefty gas bills. While closer to the 911 Turbo Cabriolet than before, the Porsche remains the dynamic benchmark, although the SL 63's thunderous powertrain with that charismatic V8 sets it apart. The new interior looks fantastic and is filled with luxury comforts, although the reliance on touch controls has gone too far in a car where anything distracting the driver must be seen as a negative. Still, this is a successful return to form for the SL 63 - if you can afford it.