Beautifully crafted, sumptuously
provisioned, blistering performance

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 26, 2023) Even though I’ve personally never owned one I’ve always fancied myself a “Porsche guy” – as distinct from being a “Mercedes guy.” Although I’ve driven and reviewed plenty of both over the years, there’s something about the image of the cars I could only imagine myself driving — the Benz is a bit, you know, garish. The AMG SL has not changed my mind on this matter, exactly. But man, on man, what a magnificently brutal, heart-pounding thrill ride.  

With 577 twin-turbocharged horsepower roaring from deep within its throat, a shiver running through every part of the car, you can assign this driver whatever cheap showiness you’d like. I admit it looks fantastic and love that it goes like hell and as opposed to class competitors, it leans more grand tour than track sports car.

The SL-class is a two-door convertible only with a fabric roof replacing the folding hardtop from last year. There’s a pair of essentially unusable rear seats best left for a gym bag or shopping packages otherwise the cabin is luxury-class Benz all the way including the standard Airscarf feature, which extends top-down driving into colder weather by blowing warm air on front seat occupant’s neck.

Opulent standard features include active multicontour front seats with massage, 360 surround view system, adjustable 11.9 touchscreen MB navigation with augmented video, and AMG Active Ride Control. Extra cost options included an exterior cabin fiber package, Burmester 3-D surround-sound stereo, Monza Grey Mago exterior paint with a red convertible top, cross-spoke black wheels AMG Night package, microfiber headliner, AMG Aerodynamics package and performance trim line.

Only two trim levels are offered for the AMG SL 63: Touring ($178,100) and Performance ($179,900). A less powerful AMG SL 55 is offered with a starting price of $137,400.

A nine-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and four-wheel steering paired with all-wheel-drive are both standard. Adjustable drive modes are standard allowing you to dial in the desired amount of suspension comfort and agility. Acceleration is immediate. And we reached 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds in our testing.



Overall, the SL 63 is an excellent roadster with powerful twin-turbo performance, a luxurious interior, attractive styling, a rewarding driving experience and surprisingly easy to drive. It turns head everywhere and if track-capable performance is unimportant to you, it will more than satisfy the “wind-in-your-hair” cruising pleasures.

VITAL STATS:

2023 Mercedes AMG SL 63 Roadster
Base Price: $180,450
Price as Tested: $215,435
Engine:  4.0L V-8
Horsepower: 577
Fuel Economy: 14/22 mpg city/highway
Seating: 4

Fab features:
Beautifully crafted
Blistering performance
Unparalleled sense of arrival