NEW Mercedes SL63 Review: 585hp AMG Monster

Is the new AMG SL63 everything the SL55 should have been? And can it be compared to a 911 Cabriolet? Alex Legouix takes a look.
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[@johnsbackwithcommonsense7628]

Police fine you having a mobile phone whilst driving as it's distracting but having a whole TV screen to fiddle with in your face isn't,go figure

[@o02566]

Exactly! Fed up with this screens. After 2 week playing with them you won’t use them anymore!

[@logical_lb3059]

You’re looking down on your phone not looking up

[@johnsbackwithcommonsense7628]

@@logical_lb3059 And where's the screen in your car ?You could be talking on your phone dosen't mean you look down, If you want to make this technical.

[@RayanMADAO]

There's a difference between a screen stuck in front of you and you holding your phone and using it

[@GarryMcGovern]

Why would you want to rip the screen out of your dash and hold it with one hand to your ear? That's really dangerous man...... and would probably invalidate your warranty.

[@ozrenhanzek1874]

This is already a legendary car, allthough a 911 is a class of it’s own

[@danielmiller9012]

I've driven both, the similar priced 911s are better performing But IMO I prefer the looks of this, including interior. I prefer the way it drives too.

[@v12-s65]

@@danielmiller9012 yes the interior is definetely something else with the SL. Also the luxury features speak for mb

[@Im_too_old_for_this_shit]

​@@danielmiller9012 What do you prefer about the way it drives?

[@kylerodgers3608]

But the AMG SL looks soooooo much better - Gordon Wagner is a master of design

[@rewris]

@@danielmiller9012 I would say I agree with this take with my same experience. The idea that Porsche is somehow this own class of automobile is as silly as those who say the feel like BMW is somehow superior to MB, Audi and Lexus' outings.

[@tim4306]

I saw the car yesterday on the road … and I have to say it looks amazing!

[@mcfc6320]

Love this machine. To me, the SL models have been Mercs best cars.

[@Under_Construction100]

I'll be honest, the first time I saw Alex being introduced to the channel I wasn't really looking forward to her solo reviews. 3 solo reviews down the line I quite liked her. Several reviews down the line I simply love her. She's not trying to be Rory (who, by the way is my most favourite) or to be like any other reviewer. BTW, for me AMG GT C over the SL.

[@nwilkerson2365]

I would take the SL55 or SL63 over an equivalent Porsche. This is just a head turner and that interior is equally stunning. You don’t have to be a car enthusiast or know the million nuanced versions of the same car to appreciate this.

[@shaunm9928]

Love your reviews Alex - the honesty and enthusiasm (however expensive the car) makes compelling viewing - thank you.

[@TermlessHGW]

I'm just wondering why women with odd body proportions dress in a way to enhance it even more visually? Not saying she's bad looking or anything, just wondering 🤷‍♂️

[@TD1237]

@@TermlessHGW You're the only person I've seen who says she has odd proportions. I can't relate to your view in the slightest, but that's alright.

[@limericklad2000]

@@TermlessHGW huh? She has long legs. That's generally regarded as an attribute and she dresses to accentuate them. There's nothing odd about her proportions.

[@networkn]

@@TermlessHGW I am just wondering why in 2023 it's still a thing to make a comment like this about a womens appearance. I am hardly the most 'woke' human, but honestly, have you ever commented about Rory in this fashion?

[@jonyu9333]

Time to review the SL 43 to complete the trio review.

[@dash-ryan]

Thank you! Finally, a review that objectively describes this car's flaws! All acceptable at a price of $115k CAD, but unacceptable at a price of $215k CAD. Oh, if the "majority" of people drive a base 911 at half the price, you'll change your mind about this car in any variant.

[@paganizondasroadster1660]

The SL is better and has more pedigree than the 911. Interior and styling.

[@fifteen8850]

Lol ok bud

[@dash-ryan]

@@paganizondasroadster1660 I would agree with you if it was half the price. The C43 has the same interior tech and build quality at 1/3 the price. Styling is better, but bang for buck is higher with the 911 and the pedigree of the 911, it's just as legendary. I really wanted the SL, I love it's looks and interior. But that price is way too high, which this review did highlight. So I bought a C8 Corvette convertible at half the price of the SL. Pure naturally aspirated V8 performance which is intoxicating. And judging by the amount of thumbs up I got yesterday driving around town, apparently I made a great decision, much to the chagrin of my Mercedes sales person.

[@karlfranks35]

And it will depreciate far quicker than the 911

[@jackmarston2515]

Why is it unacceptable? Porsche is a over glorified VW golf, and ferraris/Lamborghini/Aston can't stay out of the mechanics shop lmao. Plus all the tech in this car is better.

[@matthewwolf1216]

The SL's interior is what sets it a part. Powerful and posh. The lighting at night is gorgeous.

[@tajulislam1522]

This is the most handsome looking Mercedes, in its current range. It feels like, the current Merc design philosophy, was built for this car only. On a more side note, you've forgotten the raise the wind deflector. Or does it have one? 🤔

[@chillout1109]

Should you consider it, shortlist it, or buy it? I'll say just go ahead and buy it. The SL63 is a very pretty and very fast GT.

[@MattDiffey]

It'll never cease to amaze me how many auto journalists will dismiss 2+2 seats that are only ever meant to be be able to get small children in the back on occasion or act as extra storage space, like car designers don't realise that the seats are small.

[@auto_huncho]

Great detailed review 👏. I can't help but think that the SL is one of those cars that people don't understand. This is not a 911 rival, think of it as a 2 door 2 seat Mercedes S class built to cross continents and it will make alot of sense.

[@jpl8878]

Sort of. I think the current SL is meant to combine the S class cabrio - which was exactly what you describe except it was a 2+2 - with the previous gen SL which was a 2 seater roadster. Merc wanted to trim the number of convertibles and ended up basically consolidating the S class and SL models into one

[@zix_zix_zix]

@@jpl8878 He is right; the SL has ALWAYS been a luxury GT 2-seater. It was never meant to be a sport car. With the latest SL gen, Mercedes decided to make it a 2+2 - possibly because they saved some space, by introducing the soft roof, and felt that some more cabin space would be good to have (not a bad thought btw).

[@jpl8878]

@@zix_zix_zix I didn't say the SL was meant to be a sports car. I said the current model is a cross between the S class cabrio - which was a large 2+2 full luxury GT - and the previous 2 seater SL. The current generation adds 2 rear seats sits between them in terms of weight and dimensions and adds two rear seats. But those seats are much smaller, the cabin is less spacious, and it lacks the luxury of the S class cabriolet. But it's larger and roomier than the previous SL.

[@jackmarston2515]

​@@zix_zix_zixit's meant to be a sports car and more with aspects of luxury that confuses many while also making the car a half second slower than the 911 turbo. In other words yes it's a sports car but not to the point where it's willing to sacrifice the luxury aspect that mercedes is known for.

[@TheAvgWoman]

Exactly. I am Benz loyalist. I don't want a Porsche. I want a sexy two door Benz that feels a little sportier.

[@o02566]

Great looking car! If I could I would buy both SL and 911! PS. Alexandra and Rory both cool presenters!

[@TD1237]

Lol same.

[@zix_zix_zix]

@@fomora12 Neither is good? Rory probably is the BEST car reviewer right now and Alex is new but really talented too.

[@japookie]

​@LaMelo Ball nope rory is leagues better than alex

[@Wicked_RotF30]

I see the trolls came out, having obviously lackluster lives themselves so they feel the need to bring negativity to 2 brilliant people in Rory and Alexandria. “Stop it and seek help” - Michael Jordan

[@TD1237]

@@zix_zix_zix I agree. Rory is the only journalist who's consistently honest yet engaging af. Whilst I prefer him slightly to Alexandra, I love her as well. Engaging and sensible, plus adds a new perspective to the channel, along with fun dynamics when they're together.

[@Snowkone81]

The Mercedes SL is one of the best convertible grand tourers on the market, but the 911 is one of the best all around sports cars ever made. Almost like comparing apples to oranges, but both are still amazing cars. Having been an owner of both (previous generations), I'd take a 911 over an SL every day.

[@zix_zix_zix]

"I'd take a 911 over an SL every day" - Why?? It doesn't make any sense. The new SL looks better and it sounds better!

[@Snowkone81]

@@zix_zix_zix I prefer the timeless look of the 911, but the SL will sound better. For a driver the 911 is the superior handling car.

[@Azdingue]

" if you stroke the handle , it pops out . " That's what she said Hahahaha 😂

[@Rodrigoxki]

Love this car, good review! But we also know that, in reality, a 992 Turbo S can (I wouldn’t compare these two, but it’s in the video) do 0-62 in about 2.5/2.6s. That’s almost a 50% difference. Not that it matters, but just to mention the gap between the two!

[@jackmarston2515]

Sir, I'll take a .5 slower car with that's more comfortable, has massaging seats, better quality and tech, that's from a stand alone company winning F1 championships year after year, over a over glorified VW Golf.

[@neildisley7779]

Unjustified price tag and some built quality issues, the 911 blows it out the water, and is by far at the top of the sports car tree.

[@Rodrigoxki]

@@jackmarston2515 Well, I’ve driven a 992 Turbo S and a SL 53 (not the 63, though) and let me tell you that handling wise, it’s not even close - the Porsche is miles better. It’s miles faster as well. Build quality is of course better than the Mercedes too. Regarding the F1 comment… well you’re a victim of marketing, and that’s ok! As Enzo himself used to say: win on Sunday and sell on Monday :)

[@kevinmaes4438]

That side profile is impressive. The car looks pretty good too

[@tajulislam1522]

Also Autotrader, please remove these childish comments about the presenter, it's so disrespectful and cringing.

[@johnsbackwithcommonsense7628]

And covering up your Misses is aswell.

[@UpNorthMI]

The noise of those V8s is simply incredible. Just love it!

[@tb114]

Top Speed goes beyond the 'rated' number, it is 204mph/328kph, I reached it in the Autobahn

[@JeremyHartson2000]

If Mercedes would bring back a clutch pedal and rowable gears, they would be the kings. Beautiful car.

[@thezanzibarbarian5729]

£171,000 would put me off straight away and I'd be heading to the Porsche garage looking for a _sporting convertible._ Good review though 8-))...

[@jkliao6486]

I think the SL is in a weird position where targa 4S, which also has 4 wheel drive is probably just as practical, and AMG GT soft top, with that V8, is just as glorious to listen to, and both of them cost less.

[@jackmarston2515]

Won't be anymore amg gt roadsters. This is it. And don't be fooled the 2024 gt63 will be the same price as the SL.

[@Magnus-pm7ic]

This looks like a better convertible than a 911 cab

[@Diirk]

Disagree

[@zix_zix_zix]

Of course it is better; it looks better and it sounds better!!

[@oaguilera81]

I don’t think so.

[@jackmarston2515]

I agree.

[@Goldieridesbike]

Outstanding new video by Alex! Please, bring more!!

[@Rasscasse]

It’s a handsome thing isn’t it. It has a certain elegance I think. I enjoyed a review, good job Alex 👌 I still miss Rory though.

[@Tokyo-tn1ov]

we needed rory for this one tbf

[@davidhuysmans67]

I want a SL400 with a six cilinder engine without 4matic and as you said 200kg lighter. Who needs 585hp in a cabriolet that is ment to be cruising around and enjoying the surroundings.

[@smitpipaliya7525]

After this review I want to add this car to my future collection.

[@costafilh0]

Very nice! But the design should be more unique for this series!

[@audemarspiguet4237]

£171000 for a Mercedes SL??? I don’t care how good it looks, at that price I’m looking at a 911 for sure. Also, somehow modern Mercedes seem to be going up in price (and admittedly in design) but really falling behind in quality, particularly build quality. They seem to use cheaper plasticky materials nowadays, which is a shame considering that Mercedes used to be built their like tanks in 80s and 90s

[@jackmarston2515]

I'm sorry but the porsche is NOTHING BUT a plastic VW. So....

[@malekbayoun1025]

Bring Rory back!!!

[@kreigerbailey3550]

Portland, JAMAICA in the Building!!!

[@philipc239]

The central display reminds me of a Marvel R

[@markpaweena781]

Listen to those revs? It's on the soft limiter!

[@itsomarz9337]

Yeah it’s actually good deep v8 sounds with burbles what do u need more its not a porsche Gt3 man. 😂

[@fifteen8850]

Still better than most Porsche 911 models 😂

[@itsomarz9337]

@@fifteen8850 well said bro !

[@graceomakada5082]

The boot is small which is perfect for such a performance car. I don't think anyone buys that expecting massive boot space for suitcases etc

[@TD1237]

Love the look of this car.

[@MarekzAnglii]

I absolutely hate these types of touch displays. It looks like the car manufacturers wanted to escape actual quality contoured design, and said "Let's just stick an iPad in the middle!" 🤨

[@grgygantz6760]

I don’t know if I really like the display screen. Personally, I would probably find it to be very annoying. Driving a car such as this, I would hope to be able to get away from anything that could keep an electronic leash on me. Other than that the car looks amazing. About seven years ago I had an opportunity to test drive the SL 65 AMG version. It was pretty crazy. We’re going in the second gear. There was so much torque to the rear wheels did actually chirped the tires.

[@Youcallthesebagels_]

Considering this is a 4300 pound GT car, it’s a track weapon and ran a 2.52 lightning lap by car and driver.

[@nastystew6942]

That was the 55 right?

[@staLkerhu]

"Track weapon" With that weight, you wouldn't be able to do more than one lap on the Nürburgring with full send. Tyres would squeak for their lives in 70+ °C...

[@jackmarston2515]

​@@nastystew694263

[@jackmarston2515]

​@@staLkerhusorry but it is. Spend the day at the AMG driving academy and you'll see your ignorance for yourself.

[@staLkerhu]

I would never call an almost 2 ton pig a "track weapon", no matter how fast it is. Also, I would NEVER go anywhere near to something with AMG in its name. 🧐 @@jackmarston2515

[@DanielSadjadian]

That V8 sounds glorious, AMG did a great job considering all the regulations they have to comply with.

[@billyabroad8057]

Great review! I'll take the lambo though. Old guys in SL's and Corvettes liter my city.

[@Shyted]

Think I’d have one over a Porsche, looks like a great place to sit. The performance side isn’t important to me.

[@jackmarston2515]

You'll need a track for the 911 turbo to outshine this car. And even then it won't outshine it by much. But what this car does better than porsche it does by a mile.

[@youngballerlifestyle]

Getting an electric car should go a long way in saving earth from pollution, imagine a society that burns low on Fossil fuels and it's clean, big ups to all the companies and men out there putting in their all to archive this greatness 💯

[@limegpt]

Price seems kind of insane. It makes more sense at 130k

[@jackmarston2515]

Why?

[@user-hi3fc9ks5t]

I tested both 911Gts and sl63, i bought the SL, cars are personal , there is no right or wrong , nothing is perfect. I am just use to Mercedes and my wife too.

[@katsungchan3599]

4matic is nice and all, but i long for the days when they make cars with nickname like "Widowmaker"

[@bawintermage8351]

The best thing about driving a GT is having bottomless power reserves mated to a premium interior and nimble yet refined handling. A Real GT is meant to be driven long distances , while you soak in the panoramic vistas snuggled in comfort.

[@_Atomic_impact]

Listen to these revs… Well sounds more like a rev limiter 😅😅

[@andras.89]

911 coupes all day long, but this one as for convertible. Would be a nice garage line-up. ps: I dont like "touchy-touchy" "buttons" at all in the interior. Bring back the fine knobs, buttons, switches. Steering wheel "button" operation is a nightmare here, too.

[@spuniqcars]

Mercedes can make a "spider" version of this fabulous roadster. In spite of losing two seats...

[@Rocashu]

this color is everywhere, and it has to stop. I saw a new dacia duster in this color, always horrible

[@andrewhudson7481]

So true! This would look ace in a dark metallic, or even a classic German silver

[@javanphua4959]

would still pick a 911 Turbo S all day

[@jackmarston2515]

VW 911 turbo s lol.

[@Jirozi]

Love the reaction on the comments! ❤

[@fist003]

yeap, still not convinced that this is better than the 911.

[@pavaskyjagmohan4198]

How can anyone be happy with a 4.0 L v8 when AMG was prime with it’s 6.2L. And to some extent, the 5.5L BiTurbo. It’s not like they need to go to the 4.0 L…they could’ve just reworked the 6.2 and 5.5.

[@sivuyiledumalisile6308]

This engine is much better than both the 6.2 and the 5.5 in all aspects. The turbo lag is much less in this engine than it is in the M157 and the tuning capacity is much superior as well. These engines can push more than a 1000 hp without even touching the engine internals. The M157 can't even do 900 hp without you having to change the Connecting rods.

[@sunilnijran1515]

Where's Rory?

[@RideTheTrack]

I honestly think the SL55 is better than any 911 besides maybe a Turbo

[@sillimilli3802]

In what sense? As a GT, sports car, looks or overall all-rounder

[@andrewhudson7481]

Cabriolets are simply NOT about sharp handling, they’re about effortless power, looking good and showing off your chiselled features. This is hands down better at that. I love the 911… as a track car… but not the cabriolet, which looks lumpen and ungainly.

[@richardbaxter7343]

HI Alex. Noted on the lumpy suspension in comfort mode, but it is NOT a sports car meant for B roads, it's a grand tourer. Its natural habitat is the motorway..

[@ninoloso]

I think the AMG GT was targeted at the 911 not the SL range

[@Vikseemungal]

Great looking car , I feel like the iPad center consoles aren't going to age well.

[@jackmarston2515]

Why?

[@chadtyers]

Does it come in all wheel drive

[@donjuan150]

Awesome engaging review! I like that its more of a muscle car than a 911.

[@donjuan150]

@@fomora12 Why??

[@rocketflyer6568]

Nice looking car, and appears to be fun to drive. As for the 911, I couldn't care less if it was the greatest car on earth 10 times over. As long as it continues to look like a hopped-up, squished Beetle, I'm not interested.

[@dstewusa7054]

Lovely car Beautifully built and engineered But…the twin turbo V8 sounds a bit naff on full send. It actually sounds great when cruising on modest throttle openings, above 5k it really falls apart and has a synthetic sound. Each to their own I guess

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

The SL63 isn't a sports car, it's a GT car and a very good one. How fortunate you were to find a road without a pot hole, now the norm in the UK.

[@rewris]

So the infotainment system has the latest MBUX system (which is probably the best in the business for the last three years), which is easy to use and packed with all the features you'd expect, Android auto, Apple CarPlay, and has a practical feature of being able to minimize glare and this all equals "gimmicky". Interesting take.

[@Netryon]

The more politicians fit into fits car, which is not really a 5000 truck and truck drivers who do know local vacation law, the more you get what you want. Trunk is what they meant - it has spoilers, so strong lifters and good race track cornering. Easy to get one if your work place is close to used cars market, but you aren't driving it in winter.

[@mikeyi1364]

Nice review, just to get in to the Category of the 911 turbo is special enough.

[@cartime8498]

I need this😍

[@jonathanc247]

I like the look of the car but that big display screen is way too distracting!

[@Qugie]

4:56 Stuffing the pockets don't stop it from being Flat :)

[@rickypattersonymail]

A solid review. Everything covered that needed covering, BUT the door handles comment. Hmmm

[@naharnoordin]

Finally the comfort sport cabriolet. A hardtop is better. More space for 4 adults pls. SL doesnt hurt ur spine like the porsche.

[@ardonjr]

Description under the video is incorrect: "Is the new AMG SL65 everything the SL55 should have been?" But as she mentioned the SL65 doesn't even exist.. its a SL63

[@robsmall6466]

Might want to change that first word bud 😅

[@ardonjr]

@@robsmall6466 Thanks for the notification, I changed it.. ( not a native English speaker here (from Netherlands))

[@robsmall6466]

@@ardonjr No problem. Thank you for Max and other things 😉🙂

[@alexluke84]

Waiting for the SL73e 😎

[@clivematthews95]

This is SUPERB 👌🏾

[@TeaVR]

Mad money. If you want open top motoring with a 4.0 bi-turbo, there’s the outgoing C63 or the AMG GT.

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

Very nice car but the price tag is too high IMO, depreciation will hit you very hard with this one. Myself I am more into driving experience so my vote goez to Porsche but if you are looking for a luxuary cruiser that SL63 is a dream car

[@jackmarston2515]

Only time you'll get that extra put of the porsche in on a track. You don't have a track in your back yard do you? Cause if so...can I use it?

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

​@@jackmarston2515actually I do live in Switzerland, absolutely zero race track, they are illegal 😢😢😢, but awesome moutain roads 😊😊😊 2 minutes from my door, and guess what I bought a 991.2 Turbo S convertible a month ago and it's a blast to drive and those roads and I can tell you sometimes when nobody is around, late at night, you can throw it pretty hard

[@taidee]

Just looking at the engine and therefore weight distribution between the SL and a 911, also the overall weight , the difference is such that I don't there's a buyer especially at this price level who would be one or the other between the two. I don't really see them competing except for someone who just has a lot of money but not driving needs.

[@ThompterSHunson]

5:06 If I wasn't broke AF, I would buy the car only to say to the ladies _"stroke my handle, baby."_ 😂

[@paulchambers2379]

I'm a merc fan, I have one. But I'm not a fan of the front. It looks like the new mustang.

[@GaragemdoCaio]

What I really don’t get with these cars and the 911 is the decision to put seats on the back. It seems such a waste of useful space. I owned a 911 and known lots of people who has or had it. No one, I mean, no one EVER used the back seats other than storage. So why not make it a two seater with either more boot space (on the merc) or even convert those useless back seats to some cool internal storage on the 911. Anyways, I think the GT is still my preference but nice looking car nonetheless.

[@popcornfps]

You can never satisfy Porsche fanatics it's like a cult

[@mryeahisaidit]

It looks like someone pissed off a mazda miata 😳🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😔😒😔

[@NathiChabangu-uu4yg]

But this has actually came in mind but it's funny how nobody talks about the 911 Turbo because I think that the SL 63 would actually compete proper with the 911 Turbo because well we all know the Turbo S is monstrosity without a doubt.

[@mntbayandaimran]

3:05 yeah but the SL though never felt like it was a Grand Tourer ever to me in my opinion

[@emin74]

front looks really good but I never liked the rear design of modern mercedes cars. I would still get the 911 over this but not in turbo trim. GT3 Touring for the win.

[@Carautoline]

legendary mercedes benz SL63

[@allensaunders449]

If the base Corvette convertible can have a hard top then this car should have one too. A soft top nope

[@farzadjahanfard]

Meanwhile Me can’t decide 911 or SL while driving my picanto 😂

[@kostinarain7373]

Still the best "normal" Mercedes

[@mrtopcat2]

The tacked-on iPad in the middle is annoying. These things need to be integrated far better.

[@georgemandilakis5630]

Once more Mercedes cracked it. I know what it takes to build a car of this calibre, from a fellow engineer. Thanks a lot. George, Crete.🇬🇷✝️🇬🇧

[@zix_zix_zix]

Excellent review, Alex. I just have ONE question: Why are we comparing the SL with the 911, while Mercedes - AMG also produces the "AMG GT" series?? Isn't that supposed to be sportier than the SL and thus the 911's natural competitor?

[@jackmarston2515]

Sportier only because they're coupe . High end mercedes are more in competition against aston Martin or Bentley than porsche because porsche can't give you the luxury/tech to the same extent, otherwise their cars would be too heavy for that v6.

[@ssupriyanto]

I only wish this SL models came with 2-seater instead of 2+2...

[@AveGuy1]

When a manufacturer test 0-60, they run it one direction, and then run again in the opposite direction and take the average of the two. This rules out wind and terrain. They don't just run it downhill 1 time like you did.

[@jackmarston2515]

Mercedes 100% of the time understates 0-60 times. If they say 4.5, it's usually 4.0 or 3.9. So for mercedes to claim a 0-60 time of 3.6 while car and driver got it to 60 in 3 flat, doesn't surprise me at all.