2015 Mercedes-AMG SL unleashed, gets biturbo V8 and V12 with up to 1000 Nm [+Video]



For those of you who sneer at the 455 hp SL 500, Mercedes-AMG is offering at least 585 hp and up to 1000 Nm of torque on the updated R231 SL. The AMG-tuned SL comes in two biturbo flavours – the V8 in the SL 63 and the V12 in the SL 65. Who’s laughing now?

The revised styling is shared with the regular SL, but AMG drops subtle hints that these are not just any other garden-variety SL. The diamond grille has been swapped for a less complex mesh and twin slats cutting through the huge three-pointed star in the middle, while the A-wing in the front bumper and the slashes on the side skirts can be had in either chrome or the optional carbon fibre finish.2015-Mercedes-AMG-SL-63-006

Staggered 19-inch wheels are fitted on both AMG SL, but on the SL 65 the rear wheels are an inch up. Naturally, the back of the AMG SL is furnished with quad tailpipes, and there’s also a subtle spoiler at the edge of the boot lid.

The luxurious cabin is enhanced by huggier sports seats, performance steering wheel, an IWC analogue clock that sits atop of the dash, and carbon fibre trim. Keen eyes will spot that the gearlever is also different on the AMG, and it’s accompanied by the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode knob where the driver can choose from Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Individual, and RACE mode.2015-Mercedes-AMG-SL-65-002

The driving mode alters throttle response, gearbox and suspension settings, as well as engine sound. Active Body Control (ABC) is standard fitment on both AMG models, but they are setup more aggressively and features a more negative camber all-round. On top of that, both AMG SL models are equipped with a limited slip differential for a greater traction when accelerating out of corners and such.2015-Mercedes-AMG-SL-65-019

As mentioned, there are two models available in this 2015 Mercedes-AMG SL range – the SL 63 and the SL 65. The 5,980 cc V12 in the SL 65 retains its power figures with 630 hp and a whopping 1,000 Nm of torque, while the SL 63 is powered by a 5,461 cc V8 producing 585 hp and 900 Nm of torque. That’s 20 hp more than the previous SL 63 fitted with the optional AMG Performance package.

Both engines are mated to a seven-speed gearbox, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed sports transmission on the SL 63 and an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC on the SL 65. From standstill, the SL 63 blitzes to the 100 km/h mark in 4.1 seconds. The SL 65 is 0.1 seconds quicker, but both have their top speed capped at 250 km/h, although Mercedes will increase the cap to 300 km/h for buyers who opt for the AMG Driver’s package.2015-Mercedes-AMG-SL-63-003

Similar to the revised non-AMG SL models, the SL 63 and the SL 65 made their debut appearance at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, and they will go on sale in Europe from second quarter of 2016.


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Mercedes-AMG SL 63

Mercedes-AMG SL 65