Slotting above the 'mere' SL 63 AMG, the SL 65 features a 6.0-liter V12 engine that pumps out an astounding 604 horsepower.Even more impressive is the 738 lb-ft. of torque, a combination that makes this two-door 'Benz the perfect answer for those in search of excess.
Because of all this torque and power, the SL 65 makes due with Mercedes' ultra-stout five-speed automatic transmission, rather than the six or seven-speed transmissions that seem de rigueur in high performance cars today. Still, Mercedes-Benz estimates that the SL 65 will hit 62 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds.
The SL 65 features the same new styling that dresses up the rest of the latest SL roadster lineup. Rounded dual headlamps are out, replaced by angular bi-Xenon lamps that Mercedes says are more efficient and powerful than LEDs. With a black background to the lamps and a simplified grill, the SL's face is substantially changed with the facelifted model.
The SL chassis uses a fully independent, double-control-arm front suspension and the standard Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension. All SL models come with second-generation Active Body Control (ABC), the Mercedes-Benz active-suspension technology that attempts to eliminate body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration and dive during braking.
Unique to the AMG variants is a highly aggressive bodykit that features front and rear diffusers and multiple vents to cool both the motor and the massive brakes. Standard wheels are 19-inch AMG staggered-width alloy wheels -- 8.5 and 9.5 inches wide -- fitted with 255/35R19 (front) and 285/30R19 (rear) tires. The wheels feature triple-spoke styling and a titanium grey finish.
The AMG treatment also includes a lowered and stiffened suspension and a limited-slip rear differential.
Finished in nappa leather and genuine carbon fiber, the interior features standard AMG sport seats, an AMG three-spoke steering wheel and a sport instrument cluster with red tach and speedometer needles that swing to the max position and back whenever the ignition is turned on.
The SL 65, like all SLs, features a folding metal roof. A glass panorama roof remains an option.
The following is a performance-capsule review of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. It is based on our analysis of 9 published reviews and test drives.
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL63 is powerful, exclusive and far too expensive for most people to ever consider.
The Bottom Line
The 2010 SL63 AMG is engineered for folks who demand cars that are bold, powerful, luxurious and crazy expensive. They’re not practical, but neither are people who shop in this class. If you’re in the market for a vehicle like this, count your lucky stars -- but also consider a Porsche 911 Turbo. It features 18 less horsepower than the SL63; but has a top speed of 194 mph, blasts from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds (that’s more than one second faster than the Benz) and provides more thrilling handling dynamics. Starting at $132,800, the 911 Turbo is also $6,250 cheaper.Like the SL63 AMG, but want something even more exclusive? Check out the SL65 AMG. It features a mind-blowing 604-horsepower V12 engine and costs about $60,000 more. Just don’t be surprised if driving it makes you enemies.
Performance Dynamics
Test drivers report that the 2010 SL63 AMG is an amazing performer -- with plenty of power, speed, agility and throttle noise to intimidate its high-performance super luxury competitors.Performance Dynamics
Test drivers report that the 2010 SL63 AMG is an amazing performer -- with plenty of power, speed, agility and throttle noise to intimidate its high-performance super luxury competitors.The SL63 AMG is equipped with a 6.3-liter V8 engine that generates 518 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. An AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission is standard. According to Mercedes-Benz, the SL63 AMG has a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The EPA has not yet rated the 2010 model, but reports that the highly-similar 2009 model nets a city/highway fuel economy of 12/19 mpg.
The rear-wheel-drive SL63 AMG features rack-and-pinion power steering and a sports suspension system with Active Body Control (ABC). Also standard is a high-performance AMG braking system with anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that enhances stability in adverse driving conditions by selectively applying brakes and reducing engine torque.
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