2017 Mercedes SL63 AMG Review - The Perfect Mercedes for Porsche Boxster Money?

Thanks to CarVertical for sponsoring today's video. Get 10% off their comprehensive car checks with this link:
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In today's video I am driving a somewhat overlooked Mercedes - the SL63. The SL as a whole seems to be rather forgotten now that we have the AMG GT, but does it still have a reason to exist over the cheaper and more youthful AMG?
#Mercedes #AMG #SL63
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[@WaypointComics]

Jay, I have to say that that is one stylin', profilin', limousine riding, jet flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin' and dealin' son of a gun Ric Flair shirt! Whoooooooooooo! have a nice day :)

[@draycotewateris5056]

And the car? 🚗

[@WaypointComics]

@@draycotewateris5056 there was a car!? 😉

[@wetlookfashion4883]

WOOOOOOOO

[@keithjackson4985]

Dude that was funny! 😆

[@machohogan]

I’m having a hard time keeping these alligators down. Woooo

[@peterbratu]

Bought a very rare version of this car from 2013 with carbon ceramic brakes, designo matte paint, ABC suspension, limited slip diff, distronic plus, ventilated seats, etc, only 22K miles - for less than £40K. Just came back from a 2000miles trip through the Alps and I have to say it never missed a beat. The only car so far which I can drive for 600miles in a day and don’t feel tired or have a sore back.

[@visionist7]

That sounds cool. Gissa walkaround video =)

[@ralphroberts7146]

Very rare spec you have. Mine has all the extras except the carbon brakes - it is a fantastic car!

[@luman224]

You, sir, got a great deal on this amazing beast

[@Naspirated]

“A proper AMG needs a proper engine” yes, totally agree, to hell with the new 4 pot c63 🤢

[@xmaxbabilo]

fuck that a 63 used to mean a big basterd of engine ..this 2 litre shit is frankly embarrassing .

[@DaniyalKhan-cp9pv]

Agreed. AMG badge wasted.

[@bliglum]

Wait, the new 'C63' is going to be a little 4 banger? LOL! Lots of fools are going to be parted with their money on that one.

[@andyhunt457]

They are bringing us down gently.....no engine at all in the one after that just motors...pants !!!

[@HoratioHoodoo]

That 4 is def a proper engine.

[@RedC220]

I bought the SL400 new in 2015 (the first gen R231) and I still own it. I never really understood the SL AMG versions after the AMG GT was brought out, especially as the AMG GT was cheaper. To that end they were giving massive incentives on new SL's which I took advantage of. Even with these huge incentives they still didn't shift enough. Which is a shame as I love mine. I always wished I'd bought the 500 instead of the 400, that was until I got it remapped and it's now the car it should have been when it left the factory and is an absolute joy to drive, so approaching 6 years on I still have it. It's the only convertible I'd consider because of the solid roof, so the plan on the new SL being a soft top makes even less sense when you consider the GTC roadster exists. It is very surprising how good the "entry level" SL's are. You're welcome to take it for a spin as a comparison.

[@visionist7]

I had its rival, the E89 for a year almost. It looked and sounded great but it was too heavy to be sporty and too low & stiff to be a GT. The 35i could have used another 100 horses too.

[@silver750iL]

Was your 400 the 333BHP version and trouble free with the remap? I've driven a few recently and favour a 500 but I think a remapped 400 would be very good.

[@RedC220]

@@silver750iL Yes I own the pre facelift version so 333hp. Trouble free since the day it was mapped. I did have to fit new tyres though, the P Zero's simply didn't cope with the extra torque so it now runs Pilot Supersports (MO) which transformed the handling in every respect. Including stopping. I still own it, there's very little I can think of that would replace it.

[@F77777777]

Hi, I have a 2019 SL 450 and thinking of ECU tuning (remapping). It has 369 hp instead of 333, but still I think a good remapping will help. What ECU tuning did you use?

[@encinobalboa]

Spot on. The lesser SLK was not soft top. Why should top spec SL be soft top? Merc needs to listen to their customers.

[@Arkay429]

When the facelift of the current SL came out I knew it was going to be outshined by the AMG GT, however I'm glad to see the classic SL still got it where it counts, and then some.

[@fivestarcomms]

Brilliant review, I bought mine new in 2019, best "smiles per mile" ever

[@Joshua-cu1uz]

You bought this new ..... in 2019. Someone had to 😳. Jokingggg, how’s the depreciation been on that ??

[@gergelyturcsanyi6743]

@@Joshua-cu1uz Do you think he cares?

[@Joshua-cu1uz]

@@gergelyturcsanyi6743 I’d imagine so …

[@zak6931]

@@Joshua-cu1uz how do you think the feeling is of driving a brand new car knowing exactly how’s it been driven?how having a car with full merc warrenty plus loads of extra incentives.how’s having a merc with lastest performance and technology?bit jealous of that bloke ain’t ya pal,work abit harder and you won’t have to worry about depreciation👍

[@Joshua-cu1uz]

@@zak6931 I’m jealous. Ok, you got me well done. Green with envy. My depreciation question was genuine as I am actually curious, historically mercs of this ilk don’t do well. But if you wanna see the bitter side that’s fine, only a bit banter, stop crying.

[@ZKhweziN]

As an SL65 owner... This video made me very happy. :-)

[@Ssh52]

Could we get it here? 😅 👉👈

[@ZKhweziN]

@@Ssh52 lol, I wouldn't mind at all. But I'm in South Africa unfortunately. 😅

[@visionist7]

Colours? Oh and is it this one or the R129? They don't do a normal 600 for this generation, only way to get the V12 is to go for the 65

[@theobabajooni5452]

“It’s like Mike Tyson practicing a few doors down.” Easily the best sentence of automotive journalism I’ve heard.

[@isaacmelgar9647]

I have to say that this is one of the better looking SL generations

[@2JZDestroyer]

it particularly looks like a soapbared version of the r129 if you squint hard enough.

[@justsomeguy1141]

Nope, it's like a fat girl in contour leggings. All sculpted in but ultimately can't hide it's fundamental heft

[@g.espichan]

I think it’s a very good looking car

[@2JZDestroyer]

I've noticed a resurgence of early 2000's era styling of late, the v90 series from Volvo looks a lot like the P2 generation v70s , same can be said of the SL's and Hummer is also back

[@samharper5881]

Yep. Nice clean design.

[@AnDuKn0Thi5MaN]

Quite a refreshing piece and glad to see someone still hasn’t forgotten gems like these… +1 subscriber 👌🏽👌🏽

[@lukegarcia3238]

Entertaining review, seems your getting into your stride with this, easily the best car review show out there

[@RussellSmithOmegaW]

I had not realised until today that the 'SL' on Mercs stood for 'surprisingly large'. :) Also, fantastic shirt. 'WHOOOO!'

[@tedsmart5539]

Cracking review Jay. Please keep them coming.

[@nigel.w]

7-speed Multi Clutch Transmission in the SL63 model of the R231 generation launched in 2012 and running to 2020! Not to be confused with the 7-speed auto in the SL350/400/500 pre-facelift models, which was replaced with a 9-speed auto in the facelift SL400/500 models from 2016-20. The facelift SL63 continued to use the 7-speed MCT.

[@peterbratu]

With multi-disc wet clutch that can shift to any gear in less than 100ms. Can take torque over 1200Nm. A true masterpiece that enabled the M157 engine to deliver its full potential.

[@ricardohunte3086]

The SL - has to be one of the best GT cars out there. A very sweet ride indeed.

[@adampavella1225]

Hm, I would argue CL are better grand tourers, at least in my opinion. I always considered SL to be a bit more sporty, into corners, roof down... CL is the one for long, smooth journeys

[@ricardohunte3086]

@@adampavella1225 Yes, the CL is a great GT too.

[@richardcollins5311]

I picked one up at Christmas, as a daily drive, after putting myself on the good list. Learning to live with it in the winter was terrifying, 6 months on it is the perfect mix of power and luxury. I agree with the comment below, most smiles per miles ever. Great Video Jay.

[@carlickio]

Have always thought these have been hugely underrated. Would love to see an SL65 review!

[@citizenfour9622]

Have to disagree. Merc wants MORE than a 911 for this model in particular! 😳

[@TrollThings247]

There’s one for sale of this generation on auto trader

[@beemer1111]

I absolutely love my SL63, I think it is one of the most amazing, fulfilling cars ever produced. Your reference to “muscle car” is spot on, it is a throw back to AMERICAN muscle car feel and performance with German engineering quality, fit and finish. The sound is amazing, the hard top convertible is a must have compared to canvas. This is a car you will never get tired of, haven’t used my 911 Turbo or Continental Gt, since I got it.

[@user-be7pk8te2h]

How's the reliability of this car? I am considering having this car, thanks!

[@beemer1111]

@@user-be7pk8te2h these are typical Mercedes. Some are trouble free and seem ultra reliable. Another owner will tell you about his many repairs. For me, this car seems very reliable considering it is a sophisticated high performance car. I have done my own oil and filter changes / easy. It does not appear to be a hard car to work on. Other than electronics, MB still maintains a high build quality. I have a 1986 MB 300E, and a 1978 MB 280CE. I do all my own repairs on both cars, and with tools and You-Tube, anyone can do this. The longer you keep a car, the more you learn about it. Eventually you can figure anything out, other than an engine rebuild. The SL63 AMG is going to be a collector car the way things are going with EV’s. I would buy it, drive it regularly, and keep it well maintained. I don’t think you will be sorry. Try to find one with low miles, no accidents, no paint work other than the front bumper. I bought my 2014 a year ago with only 31k kilometers. Be sure the tires are fresh or be prepared to spend $2,000. USD for all new rubber and pressure sensors. Good luck.

[@user-be7pk8te2h]

@@beemer1111 Thank you sooo much for this great advice, it gonna be really helpful!

[@ozeskiman]

Great review on a fabulous car. Any big AMG car always has the goods. This SL comes across as a wonderful all rounder. Time to check out the classified adds here in Ozland..excellent series Jay.

[@davidgagel2175]

Looking forward to your AMG GT drive!!

[@markdschedler]

Most fun video of yours I’ve seen in two years. Fun to watch. I might give up my 2013 Boxster S for one of those, thanks to you.

[@konstantinosmichos5749]

the R129 is the classic SL to love

[@peterdelamare]

I ran a new R231 SL350 for two years and found it a very surprising package. It handles like a much smaller car and I couldn’t make it understeer on public roads or roundabouts. Even around Silverstone it was surprisingly fast and cornered flatly and turned in so well.

[@markcarter9476]

A drive in an SL is always an event. They don't have to be new, or the snarling AMG variant, to put a big smile on your face.

[@993mike]

It’s really an overlooked car since the AMG GT came out, but what a great all-around ride. As with all AMG models, you must buy them 3-4 years old to avoid the early depreciation cliff that they all fall off

[@Octane_Karnige]

Jay always keeping it top notch with the reviews and the swanky shirts 👌🏻

[@5555petros]

The Messerschmitt remark is surprisingly accurate because they were powered by Daimler engines.

[@gametechnology9232]

Great content recently, good work Jay 💪

[@rv9990]

The M157 engine is such an underrated gem!

[@petergouldbourn2312]

Great show James . Great praise indeed for the Mercedes coming from a guy like you who always notices the faults on any car. Pete Birmingham 🇬🇧

[@alonzoharris222]

Beautiful car and nice vid. The M157 is criminally underrated, sounds classy and strong, and is an absolute torque monster.

[@vukasinvlajic152]

I agree. M176 keeps getting constant praise, which it indeed deserves. However, the good ole 5.5 biturbo is on another level. Sounds much better imo and like you said it has torque by the metric sh!ttons. Also highly tunable.

[@johnosullivan2017]

I've got the M278 4.7 TTV8 little brother to the M157 in my 2012 E500 Cab, and I love it. I was set on getting a CLK63 as I wanted the M156. But CLK production ended in 2010, before the M156 headbolt issue was fixed, and MB didn't put the M156 in any soft tops after that. I did drive a CLK63 and was disappointed by the lack of low rev torque compare to US muscle. Then I test drove my E500 and loved the M278...

[@techniqueswithtodd]

Well said all around. It's a MONSTER and it shifts. Great review. as ever. Much respect.

[@rare6499]

Lovely car and a proper engine

[@benmarr352]

Great review and perfect choice of shirt for the car!

[@richardbrayshaw570]

I've got a 2009 3.5l V6 that wriggles and squirms its way down fast country roads on 99 octane fuel, and would easily keep up with a boxster, so I can only imagine what this V8 beast would be capable of. The SL-class is an undervalued, rock solid car and I won't be swapping mine anytime soon.

[@larslundin4757]

Excellent review!👍

[@peterbratu]

You are correct, the gearbox is not a dual clutch - but much better - multi-clutch! It can shift to any gear at any time in tens of milliseconds.

[@MrMinecrafter720]

my brother had this exact car a couple years ago. Wicked quick and sounds amazing 10/10

[@grahammurphy5516]

Best Merc ever its the SEC, but in the Boxster segment, I agree its one of the best.

[@MoaningGit]

I really wanted one of these but after test driving a few cars, I decided on a jaaaaaaaag f-type v8

[@citizenfour9622]

Good choice, even better styling! 👌😎

[@odinikita4821]

Great choice!

[@peterseverin517]

What have you gotten away with after buying it?

[@quacktac]

I did the exact same thing. There's a fury to the Jag that no other car had.

[@beastieboy3926]

earlier 6.2 litre engines can be unreliable and very expensive to repair.This later engine bi turbo = bloody brilliant.

[@twfinc6855]

wife and I got to a nice out of town dinner, roof up, in comfort... when I go for a drive its top down and sport plus.. it has a split personality.. And will blow away almost anything.

[@karlisrubenis]

Best outro sequence and song out of any auto KZbinr.

[@Fozzymandeus]

Thought I’d comment as I own a 2013 SL350 and a 2010 Boxster! I daily the SL. It’s fab in all weathers and very relaxing. Great for dealing with traffic and fun enough when there’s none. But the Boxster is a much more special experience every time you drive.

[@davidofford7002]

Thumbs up from me, for a great test track, a beautiful car, and a really good review!

[@DavidTYoung]

Jolly great review

[@thedrivebygg]

Love the shirt, quite brilliant 👍

[@Lyingleyen]

I love these - especially in black and with a descent air-scarf system for crispy mornings!!

[@grahamcolls8466]

Great review. Personally think I prefer one with the 6.2 NA engine but then they are much older.

[@sparksnvolts6855]

Mate! So happy you like the car as this is my favourite merc. Definitely a minority being a 26 year old and sl’s being my favourite cars. I just feel like despite the amg gt being around I still feel like sl and the s are the flagships. The sl just does everything and it’s so beautiful and over engineered.

[@TheCyab]

You and I are in the same boat & also, I totally agree

[@eze8970]

Thanks J!

[@BrisLS1]

5:55 I love the phrase "drag things out kicking and screaming", ha ha.

[@santillbrezon2161]

Good on you Dennis.

[@biggerbitcoin5126]

That looks gorgeous

[@richarddavies5711]

I prefer the styling of the pre facelift and it’s also £20k cheaper.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Never expected soo much praise I'm very surprised

[@tommyolsen8224]

Love that SL🔥

[@Fluterra]

I drove this on an F1 track alongside the AMG GTS, and I was just as, if not more, impressed with the SL63. The AMG GTC or GTR is a different beast altogether, though. Be sure to test a GTC/R when you do your review!

[@gavinphillips5404]

Great review! An amazing car for 50% less than when they were new!

[@wings9925]

Great film. Great car. Never really considered an SL (for all the usual reasons of misguided preconceptions). Don't understand why 31 people have given it a thumbs down! Very entertaining 👏

[@juergenpona6604]

I love these, but I do think the unloved AMGs were the 65 V12s. I'd love to see a test on the good old CL65 C216.

[@visionist7]

I was a passenger in one, 16 years ago. I was squashed into the back seat like a convict in a luxury prison. Wanker driver had his seat all the way back.

[@TheMusicFan1297]

Uuuh yes

[@csgarage3682]

I have been looking for an SL63 for some time now My next toy fir sure Thanks Jay

[@peterbratu]

Good luck finding one in the right spec. I was searching for more than a year before I got mine.

[@Sazuza2]

If I am to blow 60k on a boxter alternative, I would get one of those new Lotus Emira. OMG that is a sexy lookin thing

[@ApothecaryTerry]

Added bonus on the Emira- it has a proper roof! That, like everything else, is an optional extra on the Porsche ☺ ...seriously though why is cruise control an option. It's standard on an i10. Sorry, off topic. The Emira is definitely going on my shopping list!

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@Jens Laukens It'll definitely be possible to run petrol cars using synthetic fuels, especially since they're carbon neutral. Probably won't be cheap though. I'm hoping I can hold out for hydrogen. As much as I loved my old hybrid (GS450h - same 3.5 engine as the Emira strapped to a 200hp motor...mmm), I still think batteries are a bit ridiculous...it's still digging finite resources from the ground to power cars. Less bad than petrol sure, but not good. In short, I still want an Emira! ☺

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@Jens Laukens That was my point about synthetic fuel really- it'll be an option for occasional use, but you would need another car. Likely cost is meant to be something like 10x that of petrol as I understand it. Electricity is an effectively infinite resource, if we can produce it in the right way. Fusion should pretty much solve that, and then getting hydrogen from water is cleaner by far than producing batteries. It may be a few extra years, but then honestly the current power grid in virtually all countries couldn't power battery vehicles if everyone switched anyway as it stands. Not sure I'd actually want an Emira for life, I have a short attention span- I can't keep a car more than 2 years these days!

[@resnonverba137]

Looks and sounds wonderful.

[@mthorn572]

Loving the Richard Porter-coined usage of "an"!

[@MeditationSoothingRelaxation]

Such an awesome bit of kit.

[@pobinr]

I just sold my Z3M roadster & replaced it with a low mileage R231 SL500 in hyacinth red with cream leather. Not the AMG SL63 admittedly. But not much less power or performance. It's more than enough. In fact I'm in awe of it. The fact it takes an extra 200 or 300 milliseconds to reach the legal speed limit compared to the AMG is immaterial. 0 - 60 in 4.5 is fine with me. I'm loving it to bits. I considered an SLK55. But they're almost as expensive. A great little V8 roadster, but less car for the money. SLK55 £55k new. SL500 £85k new but only £3 or £4k more second hand for the SL. And you didn't mention, these R231 gen SLs are an almost all aluminium engineering masterpiece

[@martinmcdonald4207]

Mercedes always took pride in their SL model. They are bespoke standard of build thus they age very well bolted together and pretty near bullet proof on the realiability front. Probably the best car Mercedes have made since its original SL from the fifties. The finest 2 seater convertable for long distant journeys to eat up continents in, in pure comfort and power.

[@benfeatherstone1067]

the meschmit line had me creasing

[@TheMusicFan1297]

The kind of car I really want at the moment. Lovely Mercedes model, one of my favourites!

[@paullockwood7219]

Simply wonderful. What a car.

[@ianmead7712]

That sounds awesome

[@andyeastham.1119]

James, loving the vids but can we see more of the exterior of the cars in motion please

[@smf1384]

good review, sold. i want one!

[@rrd_970]

I have one of these - standard power is 585bhp and 900Nm torque. The performance pack (red callipers) increases the top speed to about 190mph. Brilliant car - I love mine!

[@visionist7]

Was the performance pack available without the red calipers?

[@johnosullivan2017]

When does peak torque arrive?

[@v-gun9735]

Is Jay correct in that this is a 5.5 litre. I thought an SL63 was a 6.2 litre.

[@JamesH55]

Nice big AMG fan

[@sydneydaramy5453]

It looks beautiful

[@quailstudios]

These roads look so fun to drive on. Where are you BTW?

[@ralphroberts7146]

This is the exact car I have. Some nice improvements over the earlier 231s that I had such as soft close and CarPlay but the car is so good that I can’t get away from them. I sold my 2012 SL63 to go for something different and ended up buying a 2017 SL63 🤦🏼‍♂️ That engine is the best 63 engine Merc have produced in my opinion. Great review!

[@alexalexander1]

Hadn't heard of this author until you mentioned him. Had a look at Nemesis and it looks good, so I've purchased it for Kindle.

[@danielheathcote5625]

A mate of mine and I had the 3 & 5 car ultimate car garage post lotto win - 911 turbo S featured in both for each of us but both of us felt really queasy about it. I’d kick it out for one of these every day of the week! Ticks all of the boxes we wanted to tick as we’d both wanted the cabrio version of the 911 turbo s anyway. This would be great on the autoroute to nice, we both would detour via the Jura and alps - our wives said they’d be very happy going ba club Europe! Thanks for making me and mate smile!

[@713vinh]

Wish you would have shown more of the exterior and interior.. Nice car!

[@carlmaissan4340]

Great review of a great car. I've got its "povo cousin" (R230 SL500) and even that makes a great value weekend cruiser. Surprised you felt it's gargantuan... I was surprised how small the SL felt when I first got it (coming out of an F32 BMW, which is hardly a boat)

[@lawrencefearon6830]

I do believe, surprisingly, that Jay liked this SL63 even more than the SL55. The glass roof convertible experience is unmatched anywhere by anyone but for another SL.

[@DjAlyX1]

I think most of the issue with the SL55 was the gearbox!

[@endaf]

That sl55 needed some tlc, I own one and as soon as he put his foot down I could tell something wasn't right

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Fabulous. Thats a proper GT car.

[@okambambo]

very rarely do I agree with you 100%, today we agree 110%. That sure is an epic car

[@ApothecaryTerry]

You agree with 10% of things that he hasn't even said! Impressive.

[@mrpcb2566]

Looks and goes lovely I'm sure.

[@Cgpp1994]

deserve more subs

[@jsb9317]

Andy Mcnabb’s car, that’s cool. Really enjoyed “Bravo Two Zero”.

[@sensationalfailure]

I love it when you love a car. :)

[@tarmac1697]

Best everyday convertible around, I had a 500 SL when they first went hardtop. I loved it. Wife could drive it easy. And just a good druver

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Nice looking car !

[@younow1511]

I love that colour

[@chrisogrady28]

The idea of getting a convertible just for a summer makes me feel ill. To me cars are something you get to match your personality, and part of the fun us dealing with it's shortcomings in less than perfect conditions. I have more fun in my car in winter than in summer, the roof is still down all the time but I can drift everywhere and need to stay above 30mph to keep the rain/snow out the cabin, great fun!

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

Good review. Are you sure the brakes are steel? More likely cast iron.

[@tmanepic]

I'm surprised, I always assumed the SL, even the AMG variants, were always on the soft side. I never expected it would be so composed attacking a back road

[@machohogan]

What the hell! I stumbled on this page dreaming about 911’s. I subscribe and the first video I watch the host is wearing a Ric Flair shirt! Woooooo! Best car channel ever.

[@rickc2102]

When you joked about a messerschmitt in town, I figure you weren't meaning a KR200, but that's right where my mind went. 😄

[@alexmurray6956]

Hi Jay it seems you liked the SL 63 and pleased you brought to the attention of your subscribers . Perhaps you might also like to try the 2016 onwards Sl400 . This does much what 63 will do but for about two thirds of the price. Yes it’s a v6 but gives out a great noise , 367 bhp and 0.60 in 4.9 secs and lighter with a 9 speed box. Yes there is a compromise over sports car and grand tourer . No it’s not drop dead gorgeous but neither is the wife .But have a look on the second hand market and see how few owners most of them have, same as the wife 😜

[@blackhawksp4453]

10:28 Now that you say it @JayEmm on Cars, Messerschmitt has returned with a modernised version of their microcar: the KR 202 there is an EV and combustion option, maybe its worth looking a bit more deeply into them? Maybe even a revew, hmm :3 ?