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SAFE BET

With F1 now back on our screens, I’m betting you’ve caught a glimpse of the new Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG safety car and fancied a few laps in it yourself.

Its screen debut of course ties in very nicely with its arrival in showrooms this April. The price is yet to be confirmed but it will be well in excess of £100,000. Indulgent, yes but being the SL65 AMG’s deputy is no small job. Armed with a new 6.2-litre V8 engine it delivers 525bhp which is 15 more than its predecessor’s best efforts. There’s less low down torque than the SL55 AMG it replaces but as it’s well distributed throughout the powerband it always keeps things interesting, besides it throws out less waste and is slightly more economical to run. It also boasts a new seven speed paddle gearbox, has plenty of visual clout and a whole string of fancy equipment titles like the Airscarve.

It’s obviously a real bonus to have a warm air stream around your neck when the hood’s down and the
upgraded entertainment and navigation system shouldn’t go unnoticed either. There’s also a new three spoke steering wheel with revised paddles as well as subtle alterations to the sports seats and instrument panel. However what you’ll be most impressed with is the way it drives. For a normally aspirated car, it’s got a lot of attitude. Aside from its initial throws of passion (0-62mph in 4.6 seconds) it has a top speed of 155mph or 186mph if you get the performance package; dangling with this carrot is extras like powerful brakes and limited slip differential which you may as well have while you’ve left the flood gates open and your Saturday sinner is in charge. In fairness its not just a gimmicking way of draining your funds, it does give the dynamics plenty of flair.

Ordinarily of course you’ll be happy cruising in it; something that the SL range does very well due to it’s very firm but forgiving ride. The new gearbox allows you to select from four modes of driving; comfort, sport, sport plus and manual but because it is attached to the engine using just a clutch as opposed to a torque convertor as well, its shifts are less interrupted in manual mode and less noticeable when in automatic. Using the Ferrari 599 GTB as its yard stick, Mercedes claims that their transmission can change gear a tenth of a second quicker.

There was speculation that the new model may get the DirectSteer system as others in the SL range have but many will prefer the less full-on alternative. You see the SL63 AMG’s front wheels are already very decisive about fast corners, point the car where you want it and its rubber will become velcro. Tweaking the suspension has meant that it can iron itself to the road on demand and hug in tighter to the edges of the road. Town driving is more of a relaxing affair with the wheel being weighted accordingly.

You’re going to enjoy the new three stage ESP system too, this is where it’s F1 associations are really lived out in that you can switch this driver aid completely off. So next time you’re at Silverstone you’ll get to find out what a difference it makes. Whilst on the road you can interchange between the standard and sport setting depending on how much you’re going to push it.

Slow down for admirers and there’ll be able to distinguish your AMG model by the unique bonnet, side skirts, spoiler lip and aprons at the front and rear. As well as its wedge-shape appearance, the silver paintwork is contrasted with a black painted radiator grille and transverse fin which gives it a shadow effect. The entire SL range also get larger more defined headlamps which date stamp them as well as improving their looks. In most other respects though there is a huge divide between the entry level SL350 and the AMG range toppers which is a good thing because the price difference is huge too. It’s a safe bet that if you weren’t a fan already, you will be now!

Verdict

FOR: The new engine and gearbox takes the SL63 AMG to the next level, add the AMG Performance Studio package and expect an obscene amount of fun.
AGAINST: Pricey especially considering depreciation costs.
CONCLUSION: It’s a welcome replacement for the SL55 AMG; luxurious, sporty, great for cruising and has everything you could ever want at your fingertips.

Spec

ENGINE: 6.2-litre V8
POWER: 518 bhp at 6800 rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 465 lb ft at 5200 rpm
0-62mph (sec): 4.6
TOP SPEED: 155
MPG: /-/-/20.3 (urban/extra-urban/combined)
TRANSMISSION: 7 Speed paddleshift
WEIGHT: 1970kg
PRICE: TBC
RIVALS: Jaguar XK convertible, BMW 6-Series convertible, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, Bentley Continental GTC, Porsche 911 Cabriolet