In early 2012, Mercedes->ke187 unveiled the new generation SL-Class, but their newest unveiling is the one we've actually been waiting for. After previewing the most powerful model in the SL series during the official launch of the new Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 W03 race car in Spain, Mercedes has officially unveiled the SL63 AMG.

As expected, the SL63 AMG looks more aggressive than the standard SL-Class thanks to a deeper front bumper with larger air intakes, the usual AMG LED daytime running lights sitting inside the bumper, "V8 Biturbo" badges, a subtle rear deck spoiler, and the quad trapezoidal-shaped chromed tailpipes.

The new Mercedes SL63 AMG is powered by the same twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine already used in models like the CLS 63 AMG, tuned to deliver a total of 537 HP, or 564 HP when equipped with the AMG Performance package. Thanks to the all-aluminum bodyshell and assorted magnesium components, the new sports car is about 240 lbs lighter than its predecessor. The added power and decrease in weight allows it a 0-60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but if the customer opts for the removal of the top speed limiter then they will enjoy impressive 186 mph. At the same time, Mercedes has promised that the fuel economy has been improved by 30%.

UPDATE 03/06/2012: We have added a new series of live images from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Enjoy!

UPDATE 04/24/2012: Mercedes has unveiled a new promo video presenting the brand new SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG driven in the beautiful scenery of Tenerife. Enjoy!

UPDATE 07/30/2012: Mercedes has unveiled a new video of their SL 63 AMG driven by the most famous tennis players in the world. The video has been shot during the 2012 Weißenhof Tennis Tournament in Stuttgart.

Hit the jump to read more about the new Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 537 @ 5500
  • Torque: 590 @ 2000
  • Transmission: 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Despite being a new model on the market, the design of the SL 63 AMG doesn't bring anything new, bringing back the look of the previous SLS AMG Roadster and SLK 55 AMG. Still, all the changes make the SL63 AMG look fresher, sportier, and more aggressive.

At the front of the vehicle there are distinctive AMG elements, like the front apron with large air dams, AMG-specific LED daytime running lamps, and the lower cross strut in silver chrome. Also new is the AMG radiator grille with a double louvre in silver chrome, side sill panels, and the "V8 BITURBO" logos on the vent grilles with fins in silver chrome. For the rear, Mercedes has added a new AMG spoiler lip, two chromed twin tailpipes for the AMG sports exhaust, and a diffuser-style rear apron with body-colored insert.

The SL63 AMG has been equipped with an electro-hydraulically retractable vario-roof that opens and closes in under 20 seconds. Customers can choose between three different versions: painted roof, glass roof, or the unique panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. Its transparency can be switched to light or dark at the push of a button.

Interior

Inspired by the SLS AMG Roadster, the interior of the new SL63 AMG features AMG sports seats in single-tone or two-tone Nappa leather with a unique V8 seat upholstery layout and AMG badges in the seat backrests, a multi-contour function and seat heating, as well as AMG carbon-fiber trim, AMG illuminated door sill panels, ambient lighting, and an IWC-design analogue clock.

The dashboard features four air vents styled like jet engines and an AMG instrument cluster that provides a wealth of information. It includes a TFT color monitor, AMG start-up display, AMG main menu, and RACETIMER.

The new SL 63 AMG also marks the debut of the mbrace2 - the next generation of telematics that gives drivers top-of-the-line features related to safety, infotainment, personal assistance, and vehicle care.

Standard Equipment

-ATTENTION ASSIST

-COMAND Online with 6-disc DVD changer

-Anti-theft alarm system

-Frontbass

-Remote-unlocking boot lid incl. power closing for boot lid

-Intelligent Light System ILS

-MAGIC VISION CONTROL adaptive windscreen cleaning system

-NECK-PRO head restraints

-PRE-SAFE system

-Automatic, pop-up roll-over bars for driver and front passenger

-Draught-stop

Optional Equipment

-*AIRSCARF neck-level heating

-*Active Parking Assist incl. PARKTRONIC

-*Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system

-*Driving Assistance package Plus (DISTRONIC PLUS incl. BAS PLUS, PRE‑SAFE brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist)

-*Harman/Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system

-*KEYLESS-GO Convenience package (incl. remote-closing boot lid and -*HANDS-FREE ACCESS system)

-*Exclusive nappa leather

-*Climatized seats

-*Electric draught-stop

AMG Performance Studio Package

-AMG Performance package (increase in maximum power of 20 kW (27 hp) and maximum torque of 100 Nm; AMG engine cover in genuine carbon fibre, AMG rear axle differential lock, AMG spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre, red-painted callipers, AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA)

-AMG forged light-alloy wheels

-AMG forged light-alloy wheels, painted matt black, rim flange with a high-sheen finish

-AMG performance suspension

-AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system

-AMG Exterior Carbon package (cross strut in front apron, exterior mirror housings and spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre)

-AMG Performance Media with telemetry function (available from September 2012)

-AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA

Engine

The Mercedes SL63 AMG is powered by an AMG 5.5-liter V8 'biturbo' (twin-turbocharged) engine that delivers 537 HP and 590 lbs-ft of torque. An optional AMG Performance package will increase these numbers to 564 HP and 663 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the SL63 AMG will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds (4.2 with the optional package), from 0 to 124 mph in 12.9 seconds (12.6 seconds with the optional package). Top speed is 155 mph (electronically limited), but if the customer opts for the removal of the top speed limiter then they will enjoy impressive 186 mph.

The engine features an all-aluminum crankcase, twin turbochargers, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, air/water intercooling, alternator management, and an ECO start/stop function.

With the new SL63 AMG, Mercedes has managed to save about 242 lbs. thanks to a lightweight all-aluminum bodyshell similar to that of the SLS AMG super sports car. Next to this, the car is also equipped with an AMG sports suspension that features 4-link front suspension and almost all of the multi-link independent rear suspension components are made of aluminum.

The engine is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with four modes to select from: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus), and "M" (Manual). In "C" mode, the ECO start/stop function is active at all times, while in "S," "S+," and "M" mode, it is deactivated and the car is more agile.

Prices

In Europe, the new SL 63 AMG will go on sale in May 2012. The Mercedes SL63 AMG is priced at €157,675, or $208,477 at the current exchange rates. The Mercedes SL63 AMG "Edition 1" is priced at €189,269.50 ($250,251 at the current exchange rates) and the AMG Performance package tacks on another €4280 ($5659 at the current exchange rates).

Competition

Set to be displayed at next month's Geneva Motor Show, the SL63 AMG will meet one of its competitors during its debut: the Aston Martin Vantage V8. The V8 has also been updated for the 2013 model year with a series of technical improvements. That being said, it delivers less power than the SL 63 AMG: 420 HP in the standard version and 430 HP in the S version.

There's also the Jaguar XK-R Convertible for the Mercedes to contend with. Its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine delivers 510 HP and 461 lb/ft of torque - a bit closer to the Mercedes SL63 AMG.

Chris Harris reviews the SL63 AMG on the Drive YouTube channel