This new PHEV SL63 also packs 816 hp, thereby making it the most powerful SL model to date.
Going on for over a decade and a half ago now, Mercedes-Benz had once introduced the SL65 Black Series. A roadster whose roof was curiously fixed in place, what however made this particular variant rather special was its monster bi-turbo V12 that was fettled to produce a whopping 670 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque.
In fact, the power and torque figures of the Black Series was so great that Mercedes-Benz had not since replicated it in its SL lineup for the subsequent generations. Until now that is though, as there is a new most powerful SL in town with this recently-introduced SL63 S E Performance.
Now getting straight into the meat and potatoes of it, this new PHEV SL combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine and what AMG dubs its Electric Drive Unit. Essentially a single rear-mounted electric motor, this bit of electrical assistance provides an extra bump of 204 hp to the ICE portion which in itself makes 612 hp and 850 Nm of torque.
All this in turn therefore when combined yields a total system output of 816 hp and 1,420 Nm of torque. And as for more contextual performance figures, the SL63 S E Performance will achieve the century sprint in 2.9 seconds and barrel onto a top speed of 317 km/h.
What more is that this roadster should be rather stable at that top speed too courtesy of a new PHEV-exclusive active hidden front spoiler, which supposedly extends downwards by 40 mm beyond speeds of 80 km/h to create a venturi effect and reduce lift on the nose. Five new angular positions have apparently also been added to the extendable rear spoiler of this SL, with it coming as standard as well with the usual AMG-spec Active Ride Control, 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system and rear-wheel steering.
As for bringing things to a stop on the other hand, the SL 63 S E Performance packs standard massive carbon-ceramic brakes with bronze calipers (6-pots up front, 1 in the rear) that are hiding behind 20-inch multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels. Mercedes-Benz is claiming that full one-pedal operation is a feature that is also available with this PHEV, though the strong regeneration from it is unlikely to extend the roadster’s paltry claimed fully-electric range of only 13 km from its 6.1 kWh battery pack.
Distinguishing the SL63 E Performance from its non-PHEV counterparts are notably its charge port flap on the right of its rump, with other design details including the red model badging and grooved trapezoidal twin tailpipes. Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats meanwhile make an appearance within the 2+2 cockpit, with a selection of AMG and hybrid-specific displays and functions showing up in its twin-screen MBUX infotainment system.
Mercedes-Benz has yet to disclose the price of this most powerful SL yet, but it is likely to cost north of $200,000 (RM 940,000) when it officially lands internationally next Spring. The question is though will there be a Black Series of this variant, and if so how much more madder could it be?
