2018 Mercedes-AMG SL63 Review - Roadster With More Power Than An AMG GT-R
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- čas přidán 23. 08. 2018
- We go for a drive in the 2018 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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Our reviews give you two perspectives. Jakub takes the perspective of the car enthusiast, while Yuri represents the interests of the general consumer. You won't find details about engine compression ratios here, instead you'll have real world opinions on what it's like to drive and own cars. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Would you go for the SL63 or the SL65? Since you're such a baller, what else would you get instead?
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Anything Estate/Wagon actually
I would get the non AMG version
E63s wagon
TheStraightPipes I would get the SL600 from last gen
Btw I’m 20
Id get a 2014 GT500 instead
I have owned two brand new SL's and my first one I got when I was 40 years old. I traded in a Ferrari to get it and I remember feeling so relieved at the comfort, enjoyability and daily usability of the SL. I can also tell you that an SL is the best date car on the planet, because they are intimate, but comfortable. Women don't like loud and obnoxious. That gets old after about ten minutes. I have owned plenty of sports cars including four Porsche Carreras and I can tell you an SL is one of the best daily cars on the road over the last twenty years or so.
HAHA, oh you bet, the SL will swoon any broad.
I’m on my third and agree with you completely 👍🏻
I have an SL500 2013 model...I absolutely love it...Will probably keep it as I think the new SL models are so ugly.
I was a Technician at Beverly Hills Mercedes - Benz, driven lots of SL 65s and 63s. Sometimes Back to Back cause about 20% of the cars at the service shop were AMGs in Beverly Hills. The 65 is honestly all about the badge, in many sitations the 63 can be faster or at least feel faster . The v12s have that purr at light load which is heaven to the ears, however the traction is very limited and traction control kicks on at full throttle very hard. in first and 2nd gear the v12 is not as enjoyable at the v8s and possibly slower due to the longer gears. The 5.5 v8 is a remarkable motor and Stock vs Stock sounds better than the V12 (wished the v12 was a bit louder). NO DOUBT They are not worth the extra money for the "performance" aspects. They however have a slightly nicer interior, they are smoother than the v8, and have the 65 badge. Thats all people pay for, the statement of having the biggest and baddest. And to those people its worth it and I respect it, to each their own. For me I would own the 63 over the 65 any day.
Ps: I do feel the same about the S63 vs S65, I dont however feel the same way about the G63/65. since to me that car is already a "character", the v12 onlys adds to the ludicrous idea of a G wagon. Insanely fun car to drive.
Hi Jimmy, what do you think of 2012-2016 SLK55 AMG with the non turbo 5.5l V8? It seems to be a similar car, with UK prices starting from £25k ($32k)?
i think its a fun little car, great to drive i dont think it makes a good daily though, small trunk, cramped interior, interior is not great its okay. I,d go with 2014 and up the transmission seems to be tuned better/faster/more fun
Thanks. Slightly torn between a 981 S H6 in manual, SLK55 V8 and Z4 I6. All in the same price range. Currently that's my order of preference. Decisions, decisions..
981 bro, i was all about Mercedes till i drove a Porsche (and bought one, vid on my channel haha)
Any customers you know who want to get rid of their R230 SL63's? I haven't been having much luck finding one for a good price in OC but haven't checked the Westside.
Always liked the SL’s. It’s got class. I just don’t have the money 😂
But soon, there’s a new one!
Buy a used one. Gotta love depreciation
I'm 25 and I'd rather take this over the GTC. Am I crazy? I think this just looks so nice and I like the luxury.
I actually owns a 2016 SL65. It looks a bit different at the front since it’s got a facelift for the 2017 model. But everything else is exactly the same (both coded named R279 or something). Mine is speced exactly like the one in the video as well. Red interiors, grey exterior, only with extra diamond stitches everywhere. The 65 actually comes with all the options as standard. When you spec out a 63, the price is about 15k less than a 65, but 65 has all of those options standard. The 15k is basically just for the v12, which is a good deal. The car is slightly faster than Mercedes claimed. I vboxed it at 0-60 3.65. Horrible traction due to 1000nm torque, bad for launching but good for being a hooligan. I would say the 65 is unconventionally fast, because it’s not that quick from 0-60, but you feel it’s fastness when traction is not an issue. It pulls really hard. I also have a 2017 911 turbos, which doesn’t pull nearly as hard as the SL, and the pull from SL goes all the way to 160, 170mph territory, only slows down after that. Another pro about the 65 is it has the curve tilt function from the RWD s class, which tilts the entire car when you are turning, which is a pretty neat feature, I’m not sure if it’s on the 63, but someone maybe told me once it’s not.
The biggest gripe I have about the 65 is that it doesn’t have a really good gearbox. Yes it’s also a 7 speed like the 63, but the 63 uses the new MCT gearbox, 65 still uses the old 7G tronic plus gearbox from 2012. Probably due to the increased torque thus the need for a torque converter and the new MCT can’t handle that much torque either. It is sluggish at times, but mostly annoyingly, it sometimes declines manual downshifts, especially in the first 3 gears, probably due to gearing ratios. The problem is more conspicuous to me because I constantly use the 911's PDK.
In addition, traction really grinds me gear in this car. The first gear is almost unusable on bad roads without traction control (which is already an annoyance itself as you guys explained), spins the wheels almost endlessly throughout the entire rev range on below average road conditions. TBH 65 has too much torque, the most appalling incident I had with traction was one time I had a really bad wheel spin when I floored it out of no reason (for fun I guess) at over 70mph and almost crashed. It was even on a sunny day on mediocre road. After that I never turn the traction control off fully on the 65.
And lastly, the infotainment, which you guys also complained about, are really really outdated, more severely in my car. They got the new steering wheel and infotainment for the 17 model, but for 16? Near identical system and steering wheel from previous gen SL. I mean, everything is functional and everything is there, satellite navigation, active cruise control, all kinds of driving assists, massaging seats, lighting etc. But it just looks too old.
I like the SL quite a bit, it is prefect for a roadster, good luxury features, easy driving with vast electronic assists, competent power, classy look, good safety, subtle enough to not turn heads (I hate being watched especially with the top down) plus it’s a hardtop, looks good no matter whether if the top is down. It’s definitely not as sporty as a 911, maybe even not as sporty as an m4 (tho the SL65 is way faster in very way but on track), but I like it very much as a convertible GT car, probably one of the best if not the best in this category. Not only is it got a surprisingly large trunk for a hardtop convertible, able to fit two small pieces luggage and a couple extra bags, but also a very big cabin, probably about the same the front space of an E class with more legroom. If one wants a sports car, don’t buy this or any of the SL's, buy an amg gt/m4/911/huracan/720s, but if he or she wants to be able to effortlessly cruise alone the ocean comfortably with the top down to go for a 3 day trip to San Diego with a companion and be able to do a bit backroad driving and overtake almost any car on the freeway, AMG SL class is a pretty decent option to consider.
Amazing thanks for the detailed response. Send us a photo of yours!!
Amen
2017 the interior console is different, NOT the same, V12 has too much torque and added weight, SL 63 is just as fast and a bit lighter in the corners. infortainment system is also updated in 2017.
John Faber the console is a button change, layout is identical, so is functionality; infotainment system added apple carplay, new ui, still same functionality and is still very outdated. Performance wise, I can’t speak for the 17 version, but it should be the same story. SL65 is faster than 63 in a straight line. I tested mine with a friend's 14 63 when I got my car two years ago. In stock tires, cup 2, 0-60 is very similar, with the 65 having an edge, but in rolling its noticeably faster despite of a slower kick down due to crappy gearbox. When using zero corsa, 65 is significantly faster, from beginning to end, usually gaining 3-4 car length in a 50 1/4 roll. As for cornering, it is hard to quantitatively test, but with curve tilt the 65 feels like it corners better (nearly identical maneuverability, way less body roll). Objectively the 63 should be better at cornering, but it doesn’t feel that way subjectively, at least for me.
Thats because you own one, Your car is just over 100lbs heavier than mine, and its all on the front end....... I have never driven a 65, its not like dealers have them to test, but finding a 63 demo is easy enough with bigger dealers. I dont think the system is outdated, its fine, its not like you spend all your driving time tinkering with the buttons. Yes layout is very similar though to 2016.. Im not sure exactly what is different in the console items, but I can have real time engine data on my screen with torque and HP showing with oil and engine temp which is pretty cool, and G forces for cornering and acceleration on another screen.. plus other goodies.. Im Ok with it. I bought this car (ordered new 2018 white with red interior, performance pack etc) because Im 6'5" tall and have a hard time finding a convertible I fit in. Overall for me and my wife its perfect, its like 2 different cars when you have the top down in sport plus versus top up and in comfort mode. I am very glad I bought it. Not the perfect "sports car" but its the perfect sporty luxury cruiser that can blow the doors off just about anything you want on the highway... I took mine to the track and ran a 11.54 at 126.8 mph once the tires were warmed up (continentals) , but even so all 3 runs I did were in the 11's, so these ratings of 4.1 sec 0-60 are BS, and 12 second quarter mile... Really? I mean I have never been to the track and ran an 11.54 on my 3rd try.. Anyway hope you enjoy your 65.
Everytime Yuri says benzo, a wildfire is started.
Yeah, its still burning around Potsdam, Germany.
Yuti tarted
the older sl cars 02'-07' looked best imo. a true modern classic 💯
Nah. The 08-11 cleaned up the front end with those gaudy 90s double bubble round headlights.
sdlausen No, the 08-11 facelift made it look like a C-Class. Not ugly or something like that, but boring.
sdlausen The front end on the '03-07 was way better looking than anything that has ever come after it from MB
@@brentm.8140 SL65 Black Series>>
I know Britney spears drove them😂😂
just watched the video in full. Good job guys, you hit most of the marks on the car for sure. I have a 2018 SL63 white with red interior, I ordered it new from Burlington Mercedes. Had a full season with the car and put it away a couple weeks ago. I am 6'5" tall so its one of the only convertibles I fit in. I love it !! the comfort is perfect and if you want to go into sport plus or race its like a split personality. It however is faster than 4.1 seconds to 60 mph. I changed all my tires from those comfortable continentals to some Michelin 4s and it grips more but they are slightly more harsh... a couple weeks before I put it away I achieved a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. These tires grip far far better ! the stock conti's are made for comfort at the sacrifice of grip.
Can you Facebook us a picture of you and your car :-)
I have recently purchased a used (30K miles) 2013 SL63 and love it so far. Appreciate your comment on the tires. Question - do you notice a clear difference between driving the car in race mode vs. sport+? Also, what about the traction control between full and sport modes vs. completely off?
If you are an “Old rich guy” you don’t need massage seats, you visit a young pretty masseuse! That’s a great car by the way
iirc the car has the option for massage seats, even the models 10 years ago did.
I LOVE how often you guys upload!
I own a SL63 AMG, I love it and your review is spot on. Yes, I am an old guy who has done well in life and wanted a fun sporty car, without being too flashy or looking like a an old man trying to recapture my youth. I thought about a Porsche , but comfort won out. I thought a Vette, but my wife said " should I get you a fat gold chain necklace too?". That killed the Vet. I also could not decide, convertible or a coupe. The torque is ridiculous. Mine is matt no gloss silver, all red designo interior and piano black. I actually like PB better than the carbon fiber on the inside. BTW, nice review, you guys are good, entertaining and informative !
Awesome!!
Sounds like you went through the same process as me Mark! I love mine too and the fact that it doesn't shout about what it is.
I'm an old dude (60). And I chose the R231 550. For starters, I couldn't afford the AMG. And the 550 has 516 lb feet of torque. And believe me, it's plenty. Plus, mine is a lowly 2013. But again, it's what my budget demanded. I'm in love with this car. The perfect old man cruiser. But I would adore it, even if I were still in my 30's.
I just picked one up and I am 24, so don't feel too old, John!
The 550 uses the same engine block, turbos etc as the 63. The difference between them is engine mapping. I own an SL63 which I swapped my SL500 in for (identical to yours but in Europe they don’t end with ‘50’). The engine mapping and dynamic modes make a gigantic difference however, the heart and soul are the same in both 👍🏻
Im 26 and I love this car. it's the only roadster with magic sky control on the market. so it's not for old people just for bunch of buttons ;)
Who else watched both adds complete like a boss for support!
I had 4 🤑
A.D.D. or ads? If it's the latter, I watch CZcams ad-free like the olden days, invest in a free pop-up blocking plug-in.
I upgraded to CZcams Plus, changed my life, since 90% of my media is CZcams, the ads drive me insane, they are too aggressive.
@@alexrulz54 what I mean by too much anymore.
This engine is like the bread and butter of all Mercedes engines
And pretty reliable too ❤
Bread and butter is mainstream, I don't think this engine is their mainstream one lol
Actually the f1 merc engine is the bread and butter
Raad Yusuf This engine is old… it should rather have the newer M177/178 4.0 Liter because it has less turbo lagg and is more efficient
You guys are great! New subscriber here, I've literally never subscribed to anyone's channel ever on CZcams before and I have a few friends that even post auto content that I don't follow (shhh don't tell) but there's something about your reviews that I can't miss out on so I subbed and hit the bell! I stumbled across your civic si vs Elantra Sport video a few months ago and now I've watched almost all of your reviews (only skipped 5... maybe). I love the honest unbiased reviews and of course the Canadian content. I'm not far away (Orillia) and I've discovered the cliche corner location.....maybe I'll see you filming when I cruise down to scope it out. Cheers and keep up the great work!!
I am 45 years old, and bought an SL . -have had many “harsher” sports cars.
The SL is just simply nicer to be in, in every way. I think it’s kindof offensive to say it’s for old people. I believe it’s for people who have experience with actually living life with sports cars and not just test driving them for a fun quicky. SL just does everything right for me. Blinding speed, agile, sexy, refined, but comfortable and room to carry things.
Other than that- you guys are damn entertaining.
True 👊🏽💯😷
The SL looks way better now than it did before the mid cycle refresh, the headlights were terrible before.
Barobran92 I agree, but looking forward to the next SL. This is still a handsome car 👍
You guys amaze me how often you do car reviews! I have a lot to learn from both of you. Great reviews, great energy and your fun!!! Car looks great. I guess I am ‘old’ enough for it. Lol. Heidi
You guys amaze me how often you do car reviews! I have a lot to learn from both of you. Great reviews, great energy and your fun!!! Car looks great.
I did 160mph on the autobahn in the rain (and cold ish) with the top down in an sl63 for my amg training.. Stable, fun and comfortable.. Got to drive a sls, a45 and E63 also..
Had an 2009 with Weistec Tune up to 175 with the top down. If the top was up, wouldn't even have been worried.
Just bought a 2018 SL 65 AMG with 5,000 miles (it’s 2/24). Matte dark silver w designo red and black interior. The car is fantastic!
You guys are such a big deal! Favourite Car channel definetly! Keep burning those gallons guys! Greets from Stuttgart, Germany❤️
I’m currently driving a white on red SL base V6. Was debating between this and the 911 base carerra. Specifically chose the SL since it was going to be my only car to daily drive with a 50 mile round trip commute to work. The 911 was definitely a more engaging drive but the SL is just far easier to live with. Currently I’m two years in 50k miles. Some minor software related issues here and there that were fixed for free, but otherwise extremely happy with my purchase.
@@SirMopy if you're not going to be driving much, 100% go for the v8 500/550. It's got so much torque compared to the 400.
Yes, at 100K USD you want something sporty yet comfortable.
Great review guys! Well done
You two have great chemistry and do a nice job with your reviews!
I've got an SL and it's a really great car! The torque is just insane. It might not have the best 0-60, but it pulls HARD at higher speeds. I'd like to switch it for an S63 Cabriolet one day because of the 4matic and more tech.
SL63 is more than enough. Mercedes also said that the next generation SL is going to be 300-400 kg lighter, which kinda brings it back to its roots because let's face it, the SL hasn't been a sports car since the W198.
Alex K. where did you get that info from ? link please.
If what you’re saying is the case, then what is the AMG GT for?
Well... it could be that the next amg gt and SL will be one and the same car. It was said that they will ride on the same platform, so the SL might be the convertible version and the AMG GT will go back to being the coupe...something similar as Boxster/Cayman for instance.
As it turned out the new SL63 came out 100 lbs heavier than the model reviewed here. That’s with the soft top. So long to the huge PR campaign “going back to the roots of the Sport Light”.
great video updates including the one where you translate price from CAD to USD. Please continue to this on upcoming videos. *thumbs up*
Great video! I think the SL class from Mercedes is very underrated. Would love to see a review of the SL400 and SL550, since those are the volume sellers.
Saibu Shayer a
Just as I am sitting down to relax for the rest of the day, a Str8 Pipes video! Perfect timing you two! DSAS!
You guys! Love the show. Even though this has nothing to do with a Mercedes, you guys appreciate odd but awesome cars; I wanted to share that I just picked up a white 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS.
I frickin LOVE IT! I've been full sending it practically nonstop hahaha it's SO good!
Keep it up guys.
I loved how your guys showed how you would configure the car in an older video , hope you guys add that to your later videos
I m a dealer in Montreal.Just bought a 2014 sl 63 perf package and loving it .I had a Gts before. Totally different but just as much fun to drive.
*_I love watching your videos! Greetings from Poland! ❤_*
Agree 100%
Beautiful. Love the interior, love the exhaust tips, love the sound.
Now this! THIS is my idea of a proper sporty/touring convertible!
I have a 2013 SL550. It is not used as a daily driver, but as a top down, weekend toy. ( I have three other cars)
This car is fabulous. A stylish, luxury vehicle, with a sporting nature. And typically Mercedes- as solid as a rock, coupled with ample power, for any A to B excursion.
And yes, I fit the demographic as an “old guy”!
Mercedes launched the “ new” SL two years ago. It is now a four seater, and reminds me more of a trimmed down S Class, rather than a true SL. The market has not enveloped this new model positively, as sales have been dismal.
Further, the Canadian MSRP, is near $200k, for the six cylinder. The eight is close to $250k.
Will people warm to it eventually? Time will tell, but in the interim, I will be keeping my current model for an extended period.
Another excellent review from the two young Torontonians.
There's no piano black! The face of Jakub after the realization was gold!
Super guys!
Hey, I was one of the guys that saw you at the golf course when you were making the intro for this and the jaguar. Love your channel!
mike JL in the Jeep? Was it that day?
SL never disappoints - Iconic. Great review.
I turn the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) off on mine. Traction control is one element of ESP specifically effecting the drive wheels. This cannot be deactivated even if ESP is toggled ‘off’. It is easy to drift in S+ or Race without ESP because the traction control focuses on pulling away/launch (not drifting). The toggle button is on the immediate left side of the warning triangle. Race mode also turns it off. C, S and S+ mode defaults to on. Great review 👍🏻
Classy car, classy review! Great Job guys!
Bro just imagine the SL65, it would be a beast, underrated by everyone!!!
"Bamboozled". What an AWESOME word.
Well I'm one of those 'old' geezers you keep laughing at and guess what I used to be your age once and can still hoon about just like you so stop taking the piss. I am 62 and would love one of these for drives around the beautiful French countryside and perhaps down to Bordeaux once a month. It's a great car but either dropped now or off the current model line-up because it's about to be face lifted. Good video though young arses.
Very stable holding of the camera from the back of the car at the cliché corner, Jakub
2:30
Yuri: "I don't really know but that's okay."
Same Yuri, same. 😂😂😂
When you don’t know you don’t know 🤷🏼♂️
Please do a review of the 2018 shelby GT350R, I love how you guys do the focus on the exhaust note, and that car has an amazing one
When you still want an AMG roadster but have a knee replacement.
This isnt really a roadster.
It a hars top cabriolee
You sure about that? www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/class/class-SL/bodystyle-RDS
Cool video guys!
I'd love to see you review the SL450... I'm curious to see if that V6 is actually "enough" for this SL?
Also -and I won't stop saying this - please review the new G-wagen!!
adbt20 SL450 is a great car, not as fast as the 550 or 63, but still fast enough. Nice sound for a V6 and also the most silent one of the three. 0-63 mph in 4.9 sec.
Ooooohhh.. Beautiful car..thanking for making this video.. Much love and best of luck from a petrolhead in India
I love this brand-new Benzo!
If you make a review of the new M5 that will be awesome. Anyway keep with the good work! You are amazing!!!
Ok will do
Love that you put the US conversion for price! Love your channel it’s amazing and I can’t believe you don’t have a million subscribers at LEAST
Review an NA Miata?
This car is so beautiful! Especially in white
love you guys!
this and the Aston V12s have a very royal-sounding engine. I love this kind of sound.
SL65 Twin-Turbo 6.5 V12
Techtastic Tom 6.0*
Yes it matters, glad to be subscribed again after Jakub latest fiasco! Gotta love a channel that entices their viewers to only subscribe (or unsubscribe) at certain times during their video's.
You compared it to a Miata? Your auto review card has been revoked! 😀 good review as always. Beast of a ride!
I really like the shot you guys got on cliche corner from the back of the car. Hopefully you know what I’m talking about lol.
12 second 1/4 mile at 120 mph @ 2200’ elevation.
308 kph with 1000 rpm left to go. 2014 SL63AMG.
Such a good cruiser
Please do a video explaining the Mercedes/AMG family of cars. All of their model numbers and designs start to blend together for me. Like, why do the C and CLS classes both start with a C but are wildly different (I think)? The video might attract some outside subscribers. I originally discovered the channel because of the Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto video (part 1).
This car is basically 15 years old. its a Dinosaur 🦖
(put it next to a 2003 SL55 and it just looks like a refresh, cuz it is)
It's really not
It's not. In 2013 it was redesigned totally. The chassis is now all aluminum save for the windshield bar. The whole thing is different, I've owned both r230 and r231 and they are miles apart.
Put it next to an '03 and you'll see that the '03 is a much better looking car
Dial pad for the phone!!!
I have an SL63 magnetite black over porcelain. Much better car than the SL65. The 65 is too heavy in the nose which is not good driving. More money for 0.1 sec faster and bad handling? 65s are for suckers. BTW you mentioned traction control issues note if you hold down the traction button the system completely shuts off... freedom! Love this car every time I drive it I'm grinning ear to ear.
The year 2012 is the last year when the Mercedes-Benz SL looked the best.
Agreed but that's also why it's hard to find one on the market. I can't seem to find any Sl63s from that year in Socal for sale :(
I just did a search but couldn't find many of those. But the price was very good, around $40K. Awesome car for the money.
love those rear lights
Jeepers ! Worn out after watching this review, but I do like the car very much .... am tempted to get one I must admit. Huge depreciation, but I guess that is Rock n Roll !
Would love one of these!
Love the reviews and production! However, if I have to give some kind of criticism, I would love for you guys to go back to do some more regular normal cars, CUV,'s and more trucks. Stuff I would buy. There has been a very high percentage of reviews done of high-end cars recently. I understand these are better reviewed in the summer but as a viewer, I'm watching more now for the fun interactions of you two than the actual car review, whereas 8 months ago I was specifically watching for the review on the car. Cheers guys!
I have the SL63, Designo same colors as the video. Matt grey with red interior. I have piano black and not carbon fiber inside and I prefer the piano black. I think it looks classy. But, I am , I guess an old man. So the car is perfect for me. Good review. I wanted a convertible and a coupe, I wanted sporty too , but needed comfort to drive from LA to San Francisco. My wife was terrified to drive it, until she did and now loves it. As you said, very easy to drive, but fun if you want it to be. .
Awesome!!
Nice ride. It doesnt really matter what you write down there :) I wann see a clip of you taking this SL to the track!
This is classic Mercedes-Benz. Simply stunning.
Funny in the 90's/Early 2000's a LOT of "Young" $$ Loved buying these. Lots of Rap & R&B Videos had the 500SL & the Next Gen SL550 in them!
Wait till you see what car I just bought and referenced these rap videos. Video coming in august
i would very much appreciate a euro conversion as well. great video tough :)
I just bought an SL550 2017 model but with only 3000 miles on it. Nothing like it on the road. Didnt want a "racy" looking Porsche/Jag this is perfect look IMO. Also hard top up perfect coupe- hardtop down- perfect convertible. You didnt show the motorized wind diffuser behind the seats that look WAY better than a larger back seat convertible diffuser (E Series C Series 4 Series BMW) AND you know you can play DVDs IN MOTION in the SL (and other Mercedes with older COMMAND system, And since this has car play- who cares if the MMI is "older"? You have the most up to date interface made with CarPlay. I could care less about Mercedes "Maps" or Navigation. What color was yours? The Selentite Gray or the Selentie Gray Magno Matte they actually are very similar in the bright sunlight. GREAT comment about the Mercedes reflecting light with hard lines- but looks like they broke that with the new E? Great Review (s) I watch as many as you put out!
@markfowler do you have to be a 1st owner to visit the Merc factory? I’m strongly considering getting one...a 2007 Sl55 tho. Better looking to me!
Amazing car!
Iconic car absolute favorite
I owned a 04 sl600, and its a blast, there's like literally no car i cant pass while staying in gear, the torque itself is enough said, which most of its power is 2krpm to 4k rpm where its throws you back to the seat by just a tap!!!!, But these are NOT 0-60 cars while yes it get to 3.5 secs with full bolt on mods 800hp /1000ft tq mines stock at 500hp/600ft tq. Main issue with power with these cars are the air intake heat to the turbos on all v12 mercedes (m275 engine) heat=loss of power, but reliability is great on the engine aspect, its a reason the v12 engines haven't change a bit since 2003, while the v8's had (5.5l supercharged, 6.3L NA, 5.5l turbo, 4.0l turbo). but the other great part is the feeling of driving a v12, and knowing its dormant power that can be woken on a tap. The Twinturbo v12 is a hyper car engine,that can get the sl's over 210mph unrestricted. Its a reason pagani been using the v12 since the zonda (another one of my dream cars). People ask me all the time "that got a v12", and most other sport cars/mercedes stay clear out my, with the exception of 911 turbo's and zr1's. But it been great to be able to experience such a car at 22, and I plan on keeping the car till i die.
I got SL 350 R231 on my 38th Birthday as a celebration of life’s achievements I say that humbly and in humility. It’s not an old mans car I got mine 3 years old and replaced 2 nox sensors at price of £428 each so far so good.9
5:12 "It looks really good `Parked"..made my Day
Best reviews PERIOD
Sold my Maserati GT Conv for SL... I am in my 30s... SL is pure fun even in rush hour traffic because it has amazing seats, best ride quality and as much as I loved the Maser engine sound (I also own Gibli) SL is a quite beast which can kick most sports car and you can enjoy for long drives and beautiful views. And biggest selling point for us Canadians? It’s Hardtop! With limited days to be used as convertible... you can get a good 5-6 months of use as a coupe... I love it... my next roadster might be AMG GTC but I like to use my cars so I have a feeling it will end up being next gen SL...only if it’s hardtop.
Thanks for the response. Can you send us a photo of yours?
i really wish gear & gasoline would offer you guys their “everything u need to know” feature.... straight pipes deserves it
Huh?
Have a few comments so far as a pretty much self proclaimed Mercedes fanboy (love Audi and BMW too).
1. I hate the facelift this vehicle got, I think the front end looks so much uglier than the prefacelift. Even then the 2003-2008 R230 SL55/63 I think looked much better.
2. The parking sensor things are like that in almost all high end benz’. It’s something so little but I absolutely love it. My W221 shows in the digital instrument cluster for the front and has a bar on the roof in the rear.
3. The premium package is standard on the 550 and 63 in the us.
4. These Mercedes have a FrontBass Harman/Kardon stereo that is awesome. The subwoofers are built into the frame of the vehicle at the footwell. It’s supposed to make the bass response immense even with the top down.
Tyler Beeson agree with the facelift, I intentionally bought my SL before the facelift to have that classy look, the new front is way too generic. As for the speaker, idk I think it’s mediocre. My SL has the Bang & Olufsen (is this how you spell it?) option with the two light up tiny thing next to the windshield, it honestly doesn’t sound as good as the Bermester speaker system on my parents cayenne back home, which has less speakers, less power for some reason. The bass is good, maybe due to the front bass system, but treble is really weak, clarity just sucks, maybe the default sounds better, but highly unlikely. Even the upgraded s class speakers, to me, sounds subjectively worse than the ones on that cayenne. I’m not an audiophile so don’t judge me on my opinions.
And the parking sensor really is a nice touch. By permanently displaying distance when driving at slow speed, collision warnings wouldn’t have to pop up in the infotainment screen (really freaking annoying in traffic on my parents and my own Porsche's, that thing just beeps when it's triggered, but the trigger distance is not even close, due to that it keeps popping up and I have to close it every time, because it never auto quits, to even use the infotainment screen, let alone those annoying beeps. If I turn it off in settings, it just disables the entire collision warning system, those engineers at Stuttgart must’ve never test those cars in actual traffic).
谢昊天 the sensors’ distance is calibrated way too early on lots of cars. My family had a 2017 Lexus GS350 and if you got like 2-3 feet away from a car it would start beeping. My W221 doesn’t beep unless you’re super close. Awesome car man, hope you enjoy it! Also, the cayenne is a great car. The Burmester in it is probably incredible. Lots of people didn’t like the B&O systems in benz’ so I’m assuming that’s why they switched to Burmester for their newer cars.
Tyler Beeson agree, the burmester in my experience really does sound much better, and they look wicked, with that light up spinning thingy.
Wrong analogy with the Miata and muscle cars. The SL is the luxury muscle car, the AMG GT is the sports car.
This is a good car for "actually driving", not stunting at the once every 2 months Porsche Club meet with other dentists. If after 5 years of owning a car, you have 1500 miles on it, you're just a fat dentist with a Porsche ... If you drive long distances, and want a fun car with decent MPG ... get the SL63, basically a Grand Tourer with a badass engine ...
Great review! Out of curiosity, who points the camera when filming the exterior shots? Is one you of guys filming and a third person driving?
GoPro 1 plus a huge hidden film crew
Ah cool, I figured there had to be more people for some of the shots! Amazing videos as always, keep up the great work!
A girl that works with my dad, has one of these awesome cars, she let me drove it and I inmediately fell in love with it, it’s the perfect combination of luxury and agressive!
How old was she
TheStraightPipes about 32 Lol and the sl was 2014, she said “if it’s not amg, I don’t like it” was about 2 years ago
My dad get a R230 SL500 though.... really is a old man car. But really it drive nice with the top down. And handling wise is ok, ours got the ABC Suspension which works perfectly. And really is a nice portion of a roadster. The side profile is to me even nicer than the R231
Digging that license plate 👌
dat visor chemistry
My dad bought one the other day to replace his s6... holy crap is this thing fast .
Top Gear Canada!!!
through my job, I've been fortunate to experience this beast for a weekend and i can say it's my favourite amg so far. It's on par (or maybe even better) with the GT-S, performance wise... on the comfort side, it's a clear winner ..torque and power delivery are marginally smoother on the SL, compared to the gt, but not in the lazy department either, still.. Extra points to the SL, are the left foot rest pedal, non existent in the GT and overall seating and cabin comfort...whereas the gt does great in the ambient v8 sound an lively acceleration, cornering and driving dynamics side... ultimately, funds being no object, i would own one of each, for their unique personalities.. different beasts with each own's appeal... love AMG.. from a bmw fanboy 🫠😆
I’m not sure if this is better or the new z4 because they both are amazing 😉