The 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL63 Is the SL Completely Reimagined

[@PCookInc]

I work for AMG in Germany and drove the SL63 a few times. Great car and fun to drive, no question. But operating the roof via screen is the most annoying feature since the invention of the wheel. What drugs led them to this decision? Put a goddamn switch in the center console an everything is fine!

[@sonicskills123]

There is indeed a switch in the center console. You just have to hold down on the button that gets you to the convertible menu for a few seconds until the roof retracts or goes back up.

[@Px4164]

this screen looks cheap as hell, even windows vista styled icons do not help

[@Lukerr239]

Lol, had the completely same experience. You have to hold it at the exact right spot, when sliding the slider. Dumb as hell!

[@Ar1AnX1x]

@@oinkoink2843 I mean if someone wants to buy an SL this isn't going to deter them, this is a small criticism, their public image is definitely not that fragile

[@dougt5357]

Tops seem to move pretty quickly these days but, requiring you to hold the switch (keep your finger on the screen) seems a bit much.

[@Denim_Chicken]

Doug DeMuro the type of dude to get in a fight and say “No more Mr. Nice Guy”

[@masteroftheblaster9523]

He's the kinda guy to die in a pillow fight

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

And does the rolls up the sheeves on his T-shirt motion

[@axe2grind244]

And then take his shirt off…..only to reveal his other shirt.

[@AnitaHanjaaab]

​@@axe2grind244😂😂😂😂

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

@@axe2grind244 With a Superman logo on it

[@Jacelarace]

The old SL was one of the best looking hard-top convertibles , it was more secure than a soft top that could be cut open easily. Other hard-top convertibles just looked wierd or ruined the shape of the car the SL didnt.

[@coaldust01]

I wanted an SL55 so bad when they came out but I could not afford the insurance let alone the car lol.

[@joesmith9216]

my 2011 SL550 looks like a coupe

[@bubbabritton1726]

Volvo’s C70 looked great with the hardtop up or down. One of the few that pulled it off well.

[@Px4164]

it's just... obese SL

[@Rom3_29]

Chrysler-Benzes are getting affordable. Nice older, rust free west coast SL are very nice.

[@alexdidonato6508]

Just a quick correction: I believe if you hold the convertible top selector button it will also raise/lower the top without having to hold your finger awkwardly on the screen.

[@SupercarRanch]

that is good. I was thinking that was the dumbest IU feature I'd seen in a long time to hold a touchscreen slide

[@metarugia3981]

@@SupercarRanch "that is good. I was thinking that was the dumbest IU feature I'd seen in a long time to hold a touchscreen slide" Sometimes, these car manufacturers don't always take into account the ease of use when designing/implementing these features. A single button for the convertible top up/down function would've been fine, but they sometimes overcomplicate things. New technology like the capacitive touch is great, but they're not applicable to all things, like adjusting the volume for example, where it requires a scroll wheel or knob.

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@SupercarRanchthis car is quite underrated.

[@stevemonkey6666]

This will be a really cool vehicle for Hoovie to buy in about 5 years for an 80% discount.

[@Kizzle001]

Then see it at Wizards shop soon thereafter.

[@stevemonkey6666]

@@Kizzle001 by that time, The Wizard may be refusing to service Mercedes....

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@stevemonkey6666wizard of oz?

[@basshead.]

@@purwantiallan5089 Harry Botter

[@r0b3rt_959]

Weezard!

[@I3bongo]

It's very worrying that even people like Doug start comparing touchscreens to older touchscreens, rather than buttons. Seems like people already start forgetting which makes it easier for manufacturers to push bullshit, cheap solutions that replace actually good, logical solutions. RIP automotive quality and craftsmanship [*]

[@jackdough8164]

Yea I hate it because I hate touch screens in cars and I have like 0 options now. I’m still driving my 2011 ford escape and will probably try to find another one with low kms if any exist when mine kicks the bucket.

[@ryansmithc]

People who buy this want the latest desh. Buttons look dated and not really useful. Set up with app and enter car. Everything else can be adjusted easily through the screen while keeping the dash clean.

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

Doug never met a touchscreen he didn't like while driving. Meanwhile Mercedes can push this bullshit and cut costs big time.

[@radisnooker5]

​@ryansmithc I can guarantee you that screens age 100x worse than old school buttons and switches. Just look at subarus current infotainment. Jesus christ

[@ijandrzejuk121]

Captalism is a disgrace eh?

[@MichaelBertolino]

It's a damn shame this doesn't have a retractable hardtop anymore. The addition of AWD is awesome though.

[@StevanNomeaud]

Yeah, the hardtop is preferable from my POV

[@MichaelBertolino]

@@StevanNomeaud Zero chance of wind or road noise unless you get a lemon. It's so much better

[@rustler08]

Retractable hardtops are the only way I would own a convertible. Cloth tops are meant for cars you lease or own for 1-2 years from new, then bail

[@MichaelBertolino]

@@rustler08 Exactly! Hard tops are the way. It's a God damn shame Boxsters are soft top only. Huge misstep on Porsche's part

[@Jens_Roadster]

I agree! Hardtop also looks much better.

[@Ametisti]

My only criticism of the styling might be, it's far too aggressive to be 'beautiful'. Also, hardtops are awesome.

[@mercator79]

I'll pay the extra money and the extra 50 pounds of weight to have a hardtop. NO question!

[@Ametisti]

@@mercator79 yeah, it's not like it's even a light car.

[@fredsalfa]

I think it’s beautiful

[@dl6860]

agreed, soft top is stupid on this car

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@Ametistithis is more like semi heavy car.

[@Rusty.Shackhouse]

03:46 woah, Doug looks the same in the 50’s as he does now 🤯😳

[@markwoodside2650]

I have the 2022 SL63 (previously had 2010 BMW M6 Competition Edition) and I can honestly say I have never been in any car where I could not find some personal criticism but in the case of my SL63 (convertible top switch included) I find more things to make me smile and enjoy the car than criticize. I can carry my golf clubs (with woods going in the back seat) and my luggage in the trunk and also have my guitar in the back seat. Love the car and the looks. I was also considering a 911 but here in Vancouver you can not drive anywhere without seeing a 911 and the SL63 style just stood out to me. Then I drove it. Sold! And yes I am an old guy (71) and happy to fold myself in and out of it. Cheers!

[@ns7203]

Same experience, first it’s the look and then when you test drive it price doesn’t matter anymore. The experience is like no other car especially with roof down.

[@AccentShmaccent]

great design for a convertible... the body lines aren't distorted with the top down, no hump back look. Looks good both ways!

[@moey505]

Air scarf is the greatest feature on any convertible. Had one on my SLK in 2008 and its crazy other brands have not adopted this.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

probably will be in next gen Mustang

[@nipunaddd]

I'm disappointed that Doug didn't get in the back seats. He used to do that back in the day

[@Solstare]

I’m 27 years old, and neither me nor anyone my age looks at a 2017+ SL and thought it looked like it was made for an old man. It was still a twin turbo V8 Benz…

[@mortensenvick5711]

It's more old man than the 2017 991 4S I bought when I was 29.

[@pbcash7788]

Thank you! I mean sure, old men liked it. But they like corvettes too which are kick ass muscle cars lol. It was so unique and hit a market segment that nobody else did. I can’t believe they replaced it with this.

[@tonym1314]

Doug - I may have missed it but I don’t think you mentioned there is now an SL 43 version of this car with a 4 cylinder. It’s the first 4 cylinder SL since the 60’s with 375 hp. Perhaps this video was shot before the SL 43 hit - (?) which just recently started arriving at dealers.

[@steve-fb1bm]

Im Germany we get an SL 43 with the M139 4cyl AMG engine. So there is a "lesser AMG" entry model that could be seen as a replacement for the old non AMG models.

[@JonasHorn]

Yeah, 127.000€ for a 4 cylinder, sub 400 HP car 😂

[@systembolaget9044]

How can germany, the home of mercedes get a worse version than usa?

[@JonasHorn]

@@systembolaget9044 I wouldn’t call it worse, just MASSIVELY overpriced

[@DanVibesTV]

@@systembolaget9044 because that "worse version" will sell better than the high performance version.

[@rustler08]

The 43 is not an AMG. You can't change my mind. They just need to rename those 4-cylinder turds to be sport packages, not AMG models

[@sanchitdhandhania8249]

Mercedes trying to revive the luxury convertible segment...Appreciated!

[@AccentShmaccent]

yes!

[@517sf6]

Agreed! Much rather something like this instead of all the bland suvs

[@pbcash7788]

Nothing luxurious about this. A bunch of Tesla style screens, incredible wind noise due to the soft top, sports suspension. They just made a shittier 911 lol

[@bimb1436]

​@@pbcash7788smooth brain take

[@icomefromcanadia2783]

Nicely designed interior, only to be ruined by a floating screen. The steering wheel also has way too much going on, but at least it doesn't look like a cheap afterthought like floating screens. Having a screen is fine, but it should be integrated into the dash with some class instead of slapped on top. A tacky, oversized, distracting screen isn't even necessary anymore now that we can have everything in a main gauge cluster screen anyhow. Otherwise the new SL is quite nice. The side panels over the soft top is really cool, and it's nice to see the back seats. They may be almost unusable, but for the rare case of throwing someone in the back for a short trip it's worth it imo.

[@dudove1]

To be honest. The benz's with the previous gen screens already starting to look dated. I rented the sl63 amg everything including the center screen is dope. Sucks I couldn't put it sideways as the awd prevents u from having true fun.

[@marclangman4836]

@@dudove1but now consider in 10 years time when this screen looks dated, how much a massive dated screen will impact the overall look and feel of the car. Or will people think it is fun and old school retro.

[@dudove1]

@marclangman4836 itll be a lot easier to just do a system refresh or update the systems. So although the screen size won't change, you can litterally install changes to the way the interface/ design looks. Look at the sls amg dash. It aged horribly and u can't update it without spending hundreds of thousands of dollars cause u gotta design a new dash....if u wanted to do that. Here u can update.

[@robgriffin4801]

@@dudove1 Still would be cool if it retracted flat into the dash if you didn't want to use it

[@blumpkinexcalibur7523]

@@dudove1 Mercedes isn't going to do "system refreshes". You get what you get. MBUX will evolve over the years but MB isn't going to retroactively update all of their cars with latest iterations. You'll get some minor updates in first few years of ownership, after that just bug fixes if anything.

[@nelson2503]

I do not believe MB is setting any new standard mark with this particular new model. Older versions looked a lot better, and the back seats...a waste of money.

[@MrGoyabeans21]

Im in the Air Force, and im a gate guard, and i seen a 1 star general came through with the AMG 55, this car is beautiful in person 🥺🥺🥺

[@aleemmohammed-sc5sh]

I thought the 2009-2012 body style was the best. Must be in 63 or 65 version though.

[@jackiscrazy911]

Totally agree

[@pbcash7788]

Agreed. Looked unique, like nothing else on the road. This could be mistaken for any number of soft top ‘sports cars’

[@chartreux1532]

I recently saw one of these here on the Autobahn A3 outside of Frankfurt and it is even more striking in Person. I'm glad they made the SL63 look so much better now. And while waiting for your Upload i was wondering when you'll do this one, so i'm happy to find out about it's Quirks and Features! It definitely is not the "Old Man GT" anymore as the past few Models Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps

[@georgebushisntcool]

Older models are much classier. This just cant grow on me and I’m huge SL fan. It almost looks like a Z4 but for price of Maybach and this tablet in the center is just meh

[@chartreux1532]

@@georgebushisntcool It's definitely a matter of taste, i never minded the previous SL Models looking more "civilised" and i think the "Only old Men drive SLs is more of a US-Bias because here in Germany i never noticed that to be the Case. Meanwhile every Porsche 911 Owner you see is an Old Man. I guess Stereotypes for Cars differ depending on Country

[@holyvirus6661]

@chartreux1532 then tell your grandpa to get one tooo😢

[@Neopumper666]

Given how far along we've come with retractable hard tops, I always find it a step back when going for soft tops. If you are still losing trunk space better get the benefits for it

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

Devil’s advocate: soft tops are cheaper, more reliable, more simple, and easier to fix than an fast back. For this car…probably doesn’t make much sense since it’s already heavy asf but still

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

Basic backsliding for cost cutting.

[@Danny-wv8ec]

They should have gotten rid of those tiny back seats and put a beautiful hard top

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@garythecyclingnerd6219soft tops are cheaper only by $400.

[@lzh4950]

@@garythecyclingnerd6219 Soft tops would be more attractive IMO if they could be in the same colour as the rest of the car's body

[@amencma]

Come on, SLK was pioneer in folding hardtop in 1998+- not SL in 2003...

[@Weiseorgelspieler]

The SLK was actually launched in 1996 in Europe. The Vario roof was very impressive back then.

[@trban8r]

As long as MBUX looks like it was designed in 2010, there's no way it can be the best infotainment system in the industry.

[@larryboles629]

EPIC!! Awesome that the SL series now has a more family frendly design. I can see "soccer moms" driving their kids around town. Not to mention all that extra space for luggage during family vactions road trips. WELL DOME~~

[@JiisuriG3]

If I had one of these I'd always leave the center screen in the fully down position no matter what. Any other position just looks so wrong. How it's just sticking out from the center console bugs me so much. 😅

[@artofshootinginmotion2871]

Chinese screen means premium novadays lol

[@MA9ICAL]

Lexus did the “open all windows” trick back in the 90s….. example…. GS400 would put all windows, including the sunroof!…. Would go down if one would hold the keyfob unlock button down for a few seconds

[@damilolaakanni]

They did that, yes. But from the inside? I doubt.

[@tsunamirider9895]

Miss the retractable hardtop (looks much better top up), and why even bother offering those rear seats?

[@karstenpedersen7749]

The seats are stupid, why not offer a nice shelf for bags and whatnot. Nobody, not even kids will fit in those seats.

[@robindyck9595]

I assume the same reason 911s have back seats. It changes the insurance rating pretty drastically in some areas of the world.

[@Stressless2023]

@@karstenpedersen7749 Looks like a child seat or booster seat would fit back there fine - I'd say there's some value in that.

[@shaunportlock4924]

Baby seats fit. And drunk people fit fine.

[@karstenpedersen7749]

@@Stressless2023 i have kids, 4 and 7, neither would fit back there.

[@kayla-hv1bm]

The early 2000s sl55 and sl65 where still to this day one of the most beautiful cars imo I hate convertibles and it made it perfect

[@kuhpfau]

Didn't Doug expect a few years ago that there might not be another SL?

[@carlossony4064]

Sounds familiar, apparently last one sold well enough

[@snakeeyes9246]

The R232 is the base for the new AMG GT. I think that's why they offered it. They kept the SL name but it's more like a GT Roadster.

[@Ham1001dy]

things change fast, apparently AMG is bringing back the V8 for the C63 💀

[@BadaBing.UCF30]

@@Ham1001dy that was confirmed false

[@iosgaming2824]

@@Ham1001dySomeone from Mercedes said it was nonsense

[@Jens_Roadster]

I think it is a good looking car. The only thing i hate is that when you want to open your roof, you have to do that through the screen instead of a physical button.

[@glennleslie6127]

tap the button on the "tool bar" thing under the screeen once, then hold it and the top goes up and down. NO need to use the screen!

[@monikagoodrich8243]

@@glennleslie6127 Yes, but unfortunately, you have to tap the button twice and have to keep pressing it down while the roof goes up or down completely. If you happen to let go mid rise or mid way down, the system gets confused and freezes. I have the new '55, and it has a bit of a learning curve with all the technology.

[@fenrirslip]

I was about to say that he already reviewed the new SL63 last year but I forgot that it was actually the SL55 and it was around the same time as well. Oh well, I'm not complaining because now the SL has completely changed its image after so many years of it being mostly a luxury cruiser. The last time the SL was a true sports car was the SL65 AMG Black Series, which is actually my favorite out of all the Black Series models.

[@karstenpedersen7749]

That car is a beast, we had one in the workshop ages ago. The sound vibrated the windows, wonderful machine

[@liveamazing9350]

Mercedes-Benz Employee here again. 11:06 you can also change the left side controls to other things. Example, press the actual screen where the “exhaust” button is and it’ll change to traction control, where you can turn it on or off. Press the “wing” icon on that small screen and it’ll turn into a suspension setting where you can adjust the suspension. That screen is specifically a quick access screen where you can adjust very specific dynamics of the ride experience. It’s not strictly an exhaust/wing controller. Just fun facts!

[@monikagoodrich8243]

So here's a question for you: I have the 55. Isn't the spoiler supposed to adjust (up to 5 different angles) depending on speed - regardless of driving in C or in S+? If I manually set the spoiler up, I see it in my rearview mirror. However, while driving, regardless of speed, I never see it...

[@ryannatividad3137]

I love so many things about the design, philosophy, and performance of this new SL, but the MBUX interface on the current crop of Benzes seem to be somewhat busy and dated in the graphics department to my eyes. Too many gradients, lines, busyness, fonts, and unecessary graphics going on. It really reminds me of the busy graphics on older Windows operating systems or when Apple was still doing the skeumorphic design interface. I really wish they would update this with something more modern/minimal, especially as the car OS is such a major interior design element in modern Mercedes and cars generally now.

[@robgriffin4801]

First thought I had too. More negative space and minimal design aesthetics would go a long way. Even WinAmp skins, the busiest UI nonsense from that era, had options.

[@timeslowingdown]

It seriously looks kinda like Windows XP base UI now that you mention it, wow.

[@timeslowingdown]

That being said it does work better and smoother than most other brands' infotainment systems, I agree with Doug on that. The graphics just look cheesy lol.

[@FOTISTHEOFILOU]

So beautiful ❤️ New mercedes sl and mercedes amg gt amzing cars

[@adammadsen8622]

You can also get a SL43 AMG, dear Doug. It has a 2.0 4 cylinder turbo.

[@dudove1]

👎 4 cylinder garbage. Don't buy it. Send merc a clear message. 4 bangers belong in China cars.

[@ChrisChristensen-m2q]

Nice car but would like to point out one error. The SL is available in three levels, not two. They offer a 2 liter hybrid SL43

[@Nick210]

My grandpa has had every single iteration of the SL550. Interested to see if he’ll get this new model since it seems so geared towards high performance as opposed to geriatrics.

[@csmith1927]

They make an SL55 too now pretty sure it’s the same engine just detuned

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@csmith19272023 Mercedes SL 63 AMG got 590bhp.

[@Specproof]

@@csmith1927 Not that simple. The previous SL (R231) had 4.7L biturbo engines in the case of 550s. This engine was discontinued in 2020. This new SL (R232) has a widely used 4.0L twin-turbocharged "hot-V" engine which is basically used in both AMG and non-AMG products.

[@pbcash7788]

He won’t. Nobody who bought these previously will either. And anyone who wants a true performance GT will go with the vastly superior 911. Mercedes fumbled the bag badly.

[@anoneemous406]

@@pbcash7788 Exactly. Also it was a stupid decision to forgo the iconic hardtop for a cheap looking softtop.

[@FishFish-bg3dq]

I just purchased a SL63 last month. You can't call a Godess a woman.so you can't call this beast a car. It is by far and away the best vehicle I have ever owned. And that iI have driven in. I am absolutely in love with this beast.....

[@ns7203]

For me it’s the best experience like no other. And the look…

[@Ar1AnX1x]

their computer and infotainment system is really good, they just need a regular metallic silver looking volume dial instead of that touch thing, that's just so much more intuitive.

[@carlossony4064]

At least those buttons are permanently displayed there right? Not as annoying as having to go to menus on the screen. Anyway physical buttons would be highly appreciated

[@Ar1AnX1x]

@@carlossony4064 what piss me off is how their previous models had that, I think somewhere around 2014-2019, they had a volume dial on the steering wheel and changed it to a touch thing that you can accidentally change the volume with

[@andershelde8122]

There is another car manufacturer who installed a button opens all 4 windows with one push, that’s Saab. And they did it in the 90s. And it is clever. The trunk divider that you can move to give room for more luggage was also done by Saab in the mid-2000s in their convertible with their CargoSet system. Except in the Saab it happened automatically without having to push any buttons. Top up automatically gave you more storage space, top down automatically gave you a little less.

[@kfh123]

Doug always find beautiful spots for filming. Well done again. Greetings from Germany.

[@markrozenberg7959]

Hard to go wrong in San Diego.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

The Mercedes SL line has always been one of my favorites. Even knowing they are not truly a sporty car. I do hope this new model is sportier than before.

[@EstebanRapido]

I really just like this car. Why are they trying to close the gap between the SL and the AMG GT? Doug seems to be worried that they need to be competing with other brands, but, by trying to compete with other brands, they're just competing with themselves. Is there a comfortable and luxurious convertible in their lineup currently?

[@pbcash7788]

At this point the SL and AMG GT are basically the same car. It’s incredibly stupid.

[@eastbaystreet1242]

It is exactly why I won't be making a move from my AMG S63 Cabrio - absolute luxury, S-Class behavior in Comfort mode, all wheel drive (gets the power down), 585hp (they all dyno at 605hp), 664 ft lbs of torque, a beast in Sport mode, and leg room for adults in the rear seats (our wives, kids). There is no compelling reason to move to a newer model.

[@johncarter4043]

So the air scarf is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. I love driving with window down and the heat on. That must feel amazing in fall.

[@nickwellborn2511]

Those of us that don’t drive super cars once a week still enjoy the acceleration test and reaction😂 gotta give us a feel for what we are missing out on!!

[@jamese1596]

The panel in the trunk isn’t a shelf. It’s just a guard for the folded roof. Lots of modern convertibles have them. It keeps an inattentive driver from folding the top onto cargo and damaging the top or breaking the back window. And fabric roofs fold into tighter spaces than solid panels and are lighter and cheaper to build. I doubt “sportiness” had anything to do with that decision.

[@johnsalmons4724]

I wish they would find a way to fit that massive screen into the dashboard. It's the only flaw I can find in an otherwise incredibly cool interior.

[@wondermaid6452]

I already see myself in 20 years picking one up for dirt cheap and spend my weekends trying to fix that little plastic flaps in the trunk holding the top to open.

[@DPCcars]

Wow, the power variations in the SL models are truly impressive! 🌟 Starting with a robust 375-hp in the SL43, which is quite a feat for an entry-level, it seems like Mercedes has done a wonderful job ensuring even the base model packs a punch. And the option to upgrade to the SL55 or the SL63 with their mighty 469 and 577 horsepower respectively is spectacular! 🏎💨 It’s like having a symphony of power and elegance at your fingertips. This range undoubtedly caters to those who crave performance and those who yearn for the pinnacle of automotive prowess. Hats off to Mercedes for blending raw power with refined luxury so seamlessly! 👏👏

[@I3bongo]

Nice advert, how much you got for it?

[@andyb9664]

@@I3bongo also written by chat gpt 😃

[@mortensenvick5711]

they are slow for the hp...not quicker than a 450 hp 911 4s

[@berniecruz8405]

I had one of these just bought last year in Nov. There's a known issue with these cars, like what happened with mine. The engines have sand in them because of the manufacturing process from how they make the thermostats in production. They didn't get all the sand off the part(s), so sand ends up circulating throughout the entire engine! AND the other problem with this car is actually the back seats. Because for people like me and Doug, who are 6 ft or taller, the front seats don't have enough room to put the seats back far enough so that the driver or passenger could ride comfortably due to there not being enough room because of the back seats. For these two reasons, is why I made the manufacturer buy back my SL under the lemon law! But of course, it took them 6 MONTHS for them to complete the buyback process! SMH Because each single step, they would take 14 days to compete the step before moving on to the next step which then took another 14 days, etc.. And quite frankly, they did this in the hope that the owner of the vehicle (me), would stack up miles on the car. So that when it came time for me to turn the car in, they'd be able to knock down how much they paid me back based on how many miles I would have racked up on the car. But thankfully, I rarely drove the car, just left the car in my garage for the entire 6 month process because when it came time to turn the car, they had to give me back my entire amount of money I had spent on the car. The car was fun to drive for awhile, but again due to the seats not being able to move back far enough for my long legs, it wasn't really comfortable to be in, in the long run. So if you're a tall person, don't get the car! SMH Plus, there's too many of them off the production floor that have the same issue mine did, with sand all in the engine. So it will be a hit and miss whether or not you end up with the same issue I did. Oh also, during the 10 months I had my SL, I had to reset the MBUX system 3 times because the software in the MBUX kept freezing up. So there are some software glitches with the MBUX software in these cars, as well. And at the high sticker price of over $120,000, The car isn't work it, not for that kind of money! SMH

[@donteadoss]

It’s beautiful and much better in terms of aesthetics than its predecessor, but $208k? Naw. Even considering exorbitant market inflation, I’d personally prefer a 911 for that price point … or even a DB12 if possible because I definitely believe it’s just a luxurious, German C6 “old man grand tourer” and nothing like the older SL AMGs that were seemingly more hardcore.

[@517sf6]

This is the same basic car as the AMG GT which is no C6. This is the most hardcore SL ever, SL65 Blackseries aside.

[@mortensenvick5711]

or a granturismo trofeo

[@joeyscleaninglady2877]

I had a R107 back seats were an option when bought new

[@zach_drives_01]

It’s tough to envision consumers picking this over V8 Vantage considering the shared engine/reliability and infotainment paired with the subjectively superior styling and experience of the AM

[@AmongUs-mb4qx]

AM looks like a giant blob, wym

[@zach_drives_01]

@@AmongUs-mb4qx do you know what “subjectively” means?

[@AmongUs-mb4qx]

@@zach_drives_01 poor taste?

[@pbcash7788]

@@zach_drives_01the AM looks way better and way more unique. I’m sure more ppl would agree with you than that imbecile replying.

[@SpartanHighKing14]

The 2005 Mercedes SL65 AMG is my favorite SL roadster, and the SL65 Black Series is my favorite AMG car

[@coastzheng]

There is a 4 cylinder SL43 now, still not “cheap”

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

WTF 4 cylinder?

[@rolandromeiser1546]

4 cylinder and rear wheel drive! This video was probably filmed several months ago.

[@CharlesHolding]

Both R107 and R129 were available as four seaters. They were available from 1971 to 2002, so about a third of all model years. Not exactly "a few exceptions".

[@purwantiallan5089]

R107 and R129 both only have 295bhp on average.

[@quirksandfeatures3215]

Doug the kind of guy who locks his car keys inside the car for safe keeping.

[@rpm773]

5.7L twin turbo V8.. That's refreshing. I was half-expecting to hear how this SL 63 AMG, bowing to consumption pressures, runs with some 2.2L 4 cyl turbo now

[@steve-fb1bm]

The 43 does

[@damilolaakanni]

It's the 4.0 twin turbo V8 that they've been using for a few years. I'm not sure they've had a 5.7 twin turbo V8. And yes, there's an SL with a turbocharged 4 cylinder engine, however it's a 2.0 turbo used in the CLA35/A35/GLA35 AMG.

[@steve-fb1bm]

@@damilolaakanni Almost. The 35 models use a tuned version of the M260 (2l 4cyl) engine that is also used in non AMG models. The SL 43 has the M139 (also 2l 4cyl) engine which was developed by AMG and is also used in the 45 models.

[@martinsvensson6884]

4.0 L

[@pman1357]

I love watching this guy when I need to sleep. Works every time

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Doug the kind of guy who goes to Vietnam looking for a guy called Charlie.

[@RevAK47]

Oh the new thumbnail threw me through a loop Being back the screen shot of Dougy

[@1st_Of_A_Kind]

Here in Germany, Mercedes also offers the SL 43 with a 381 hp four-cylinder and rear wheel drive. On the outside, it can be told apart from the V8 models by a different bumper in the front and round exhaust tips in the rear.

[@dejoreljackson1787]

We have it in the US. It was weird he didn’t mention it.

[@S1lverArr0w]

An SL with a 4 pot is sacrilege. Ew....

[@blumpkinexcalibur7523]

@@S1lverArr0w When they first introduced the V6 SL in America I gagged

[@timmietz]

So! I just did 3500 miles in one of these in Europe, so I feel that I am entitled to chime in here: 1. The car does look good, but it is very big. In Europe, on European roads, it is especially too wide. 2. One of the biggest problems on this car is the size of the doors. They are enormous, and the hinge is the simplest design. MERCEDES definitely should’ve done something differently in that regard. Either a fancy forward tilting hinge like on the older.CLs or even on the 1990s Lexus SC cars. What really would’ve made a huge difference is the Aston Martin like door hinge design. Otherwise, it seems like MERCEDES was just trying to save as much money as possible. 3. This car is very heavy and absolutely needs Carbon ceramic brakes. If you were planning to do any kind of spirited driving, without the carbon ceramics, it just does not have good enough, and big enough of a braking system in my humble opinion. 4. Base Burmeister system is total crap in this price category. It is significantly weaker than the B&O (non Naim) in the Bentley or BMW’s Bowers and Wilkins. 5. 9 speed MCT trans is really showing its age. To me, it seemed 100% inferior to both the latest versions of the ZF 8 speed let alone to the 8 speed dual clutch in most recent Porsche and Bentley cars. 6. Steering feel is just OK. Rear wheel steering is much needed and very welcomed! 7: base seats are devoid of side bolster adjustments and massage function but wre very comfortable for long distance driving. 8. There’s definitely plenty of storage room for a vehicle in this category.. 9. I disagreed with Doug’s assessment of the most MBUX. To me, it is very much inferior to the most recent BMW system. 10. Not having a real button to put the top up and down is absolutely maddening. It is a pain in the butt to operate and I certainly do question long-term reliability of this function. 11. The engine, in my opinion, feels too laggy for a 2023 car. Again, in my humble opinion, it is inferior to both the VAG 4.0 TT and BMW’s 4.4TT engines (I do own cars with both of those engines, so I am speaking from personal experience). 12. The new premium smart headlights on the European car worked exceptionally well. Although, from what I understand, some of the features are not available for the US market, which is very unfortunate. 13. Because of its weight, substandard brakes, touring leaning suspension set up and dim witted transmission, the car’s Performance definitely fell apart once we got to the Alps and the Dolomites. 14. Some of the materials seemed very cheap and low rent on such an expensive vehicle. It seems that Mercedes is playing the same game that the NISSAN was playing once Carl Ghosn took over there 20 years ago. Maybe a lot of other consumers will not notice the many cutting and corner cutting measures that MERCEDES is trying to implement, but I certainly did. 15. Even outside of the fact that there is no real button to lower the convertible top, it seems like the whole operation takes a bit longer than it does in the Audi R8, or even a Porsche 911 cars. In conclusion, Is this a better in sportier car than the previous gen, i.e 2013 to 2021 cars? Absolutely it is. Is this a car I would buy over the 911 GTS - absolutely not.

[@vishnunellutla2394]

As Forrest says ‘Back seats for legless passengers’🙌

[@TheJamonLance]

the gimmick about the trunck tray is pretty interesting. As a roadster owner myself, when you travel long distances you don't go with the roof open, but you need more storage for the luggage. Once you arrive to destination, you leave the luggage at the hotel and you go for open roof drives. Makes sense

[@robindyck9595]

My 06 330 Vert has that. It's actually really handy. Like you said, the storage is great for long drives on the highway then when you arrive you unpack and cruise with the top down

[@MrBubs-yu4wm]

Doug the type of guy to sit in the seat behind you and blow on your neck and say ‘air scarf!’

[@them3280]

MX-5. The pinnacle of evolution

[@jamesmurmurzancone4532]

Doug, the kind of guy who drags his bottom along the floor like a dog.

[@diijjon]

You seem the type that fails to wash before leaving the loo.

[@oldschool5692]

I had nightmares with the 2008 E63 AMG engine. I don’t know if I am going to accept going back to Mercedes again. My current drive is 2021 GT 500 Shelby.

[@ehveniserhudayinabit5331]

make america great again

[@billyidolrockstar522]

😂

[@chickenleg505mc]

I wonder how this is going to affect the sales of the upcoming amg gt or will the amg gt hurt the sales of the sl, it feels like this is going to just be the convertible version of the gt

[@cheemomugdoo799]

One of the biggest problems with big touchscreens is that they don't face the driver. If Mercedes had made the screen not only tilt, but turn toward the driver, it would have been a major score. Tesla's interface is terrible in this regard. It's hard enough focusing and touching the screen while driving, even more so when it faces the hole between the two front seats.

[@emmedigi89]

I wonder how people can still consider the 911 as the "small car" to prefer. If you consider the driving experience, ok. I see the point, but these are two cars delivering two different driving experiences by definition. But about the size... the SL is just 20 cm longer than a regular 911, but only 13 cm longer if compared against the 911 GT3, which is in the price tag of this car. It may not be small, but it's not even that big of a difference. The 911 is just living on its own reputation, but it just got bigger and bigger with the years.

[@TheHeadhunter85]

Great review! Hey Doug, there's a chance to review the 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrafogglio??

[@SroedingerCat]

WOW! Another fifteen minutes of touch screen review! So many reasons to love modern cars! To hell with it.

[@williebillie925]

Doug is the type of guy to say people drive with there spoiler up for attention while also saying he drives his Carrera with the spoiler up because it looks cool

[@rdrokitpower-rockblues]

Would be nice if that big center screen folder down into the center console to be out of the way. Really don't need it most of the time as the drivers screen displays almost all you need..

[@mathieuvigier1216]

Doug you're the best ! Except for the dual thingy button on the bottom left of Mercedes AMG cars ! If you press the screen part, you can change what you are selecting, so it isn't just 2 random functions it can be anything you want :-) Cheers Doug I really love your videos 👍

[@danieldautry9319]

At first, I loved the MBUX too in the C-Class I had as a company car. But after some time, it always broke down, showing only a flickering screen, making it impossible to use anything anymore. I had to get out, close it, lock it, wait for 5-10 min and then, it worked again. Did it some considerable amount of time, so that at the end, I just wanted to crash it to get a new car…

[@JSythe]

Looking forward to your Grand Highlander, Lexus TX, and ID Buzz Longwheelbase videos!

[@megachonk9440]

I wonder why they went with a back seat when they were going for a much sportier design and feel.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I think the SL should've remained a luxury tourer, for the sports car feel the AMG GT is already there

[@saywhatnow57]

Is there a typo in the Doug score? Is this a 2023 or 2022?

[@Piketom1]

The true purpose of the back seats has nothing to do with practicality. It allows MB to classify the car as a 4-seater rather than a 2-seater for insurance and registration.

[@O8Zen]

Soft tops resurgence marks the end of convertibles in very hot climates. They turn grey after 2/3 years and need full replacement after 5 to 10 years where I live. Sad to see all hard top options are now gone..

[@evanboyer5928]

that volume control touch-slider thing is confounding. Why not a knob? There's simply no better way than a knob to adjust volume, especially when you're the kind of person who likes to pay attention to the road.

[@jessetaylor4142]

Doug "The back seats don't have much leg room"....... >_> not sure if you'd be able to fit a goose bumps book back there!!

[@maxi4835]

It's not officially released until Doug reviews it! I can't wait for him to get his hands on the Cadillac Celestiq!!!

[@styner3]

You forgot another model, there is also a AMG SL43. Come on Doug 😉

[@damilolaakanni]

I guess this was filmed before that model was announced.

[@styner3]

@@damilolaakanni , it's a 2023 model so I doubt it.

[@Praise_God369]

SL ' s always a jewlery masterpieces...r230 hardtop my all time fav

[@Jaq365]

7:36 Anyone else notice the 'Angry Robot Face' in the trunk lid? "Danger Vilhelm Robinson, Danger!"

[@Beksization]

When comparing looks with the old model....Could Team Doug do a split screen? Doug on one side and the photo of the old car on the other...I know it will involve more work/editing but well worth the effort. I'm just a humble viewer in 🌧️ UK. Now where's my umbrella?

[@seinsmeld13]

For security reasons I would prefer the hard top convertible.🥶🥵

[@charles_.l]

Doug we like the thumbnails with no text in them better than the ones with text.

[@epi2045]

The twin turbo V8 has scared me away. My S class had the twin turbo V8 and it was amazing when it worked. Unfortunately the timing chain got messed up. Mercedes covered the $7K fix but it has left me anxious hence sold it after it was fixed. I’m back in an E class with a non-turbo V6 which I know is rock solid.

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

This same 4.0 liter engine?

[@epi2045]

@@doggedlydetermined7022 My S class had the 4.7 M278.

[@radisnooker5]

​@epi2045 the 278 is an ancient engine at this point. All current 63's use the 4.0 m177. Either way it's an amg so it will drive you bankrupt regardless. The sl63 is definitely a car you lease or get an extended warranty on. Is your e class the w212 with the m276? Those are solid if you can find one in good shape.

[@epi2045]

@@radisnooker5 I had a 2020 Aston Martin with the AMG 4.0 twin turbo V8 for a summer so I have to admit that I didn’t walk away from the twin turbo V8’s completely. But it was just a weekend car so reliability and stacking miles on it wasn’t too much of a concern. I’ve been thinking of switching gears and leasing a Lucid Air Pure which was recently made available for $82K base for my daily. It’s hard to not be in a Mercedes-Benz… it’s been 20 years in a row of Benz’s in my life. My fiancé also drives an Eclass but she’s also been thinking of changing. We experimented with a 2021 Tesla Model Y last winter and we really didn’t like it. So maybe Lucid may change our perception.

[@hyperwebbing]

​@@epi2045Tesla has never made a luxury car. I'm sure that will change eventually . They're still trying to figure out how to do fit and finish even with cheap materials.

[@META313.]

This time of the day makes this color extra gorgeous

[@golix1344]

I have a friend who can actually afford this cars and he said he choose SL over 911 Turbo cause SL is super luxurious and everything you touch in this car feels highest quality and expensive while 911 feels to him,in his own words, "a little plastic(y)" and cheap..and performance wise,both cars are crazy fast tho 911 little bit more than SL ...

[@StillShatter]

I want to see Misha Charoudin take the new SL around the Nürburgring so bad!!! Thanks for the review Douglas!!