The Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Makes An Appearance In Jay Leno's Garage - Video

Jay has some of his info wrong: the fans in the headrests are to blow warm air, not A/C as he says.

— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/29/2008 3:58:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Isn't true when you corner in the S63 the seats puff up according to the direction you're turning?

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/29/2008 4:20:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

ChuckG37: "What the SL63 AMG really needs to be great is Nissan's VQ engine."

— TurboSpyder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/29/2008 5:06:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Great car. Great quality. Still one of the most drop dead gorgeous luxury coupe-roadsters on the road today. 2003-current will go down in the Mercedes museum as one of the best looking SL generations (next to the 300SL Gullwing of course) ever made which also be accompanied by the previous generation S-Class as well.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/29/2008 5:08:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

Sweet.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/29/2008 10:02:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I looked at a 2009 S65 AMG today. MSRP of $203,575. In Majestic Black, it has to be about the most stunning four-door car I've ever seen. I'd rather have it than the SL63.

— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/29/2008 10:04:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I've had two SL55's and have driven some SL65's additionally. Although I haven't driven the new SL63 I definitely love the refreshed look and the updated Navi etc. Without a doubt I love this car. However, the new 63 engine is tremendously disappointing in a SL body. I drove the S63 recently and as a 2 time "55" owner the power delivery is very different. When I first drove the SL65 I was so excited to feel the massive torque and power and what people don't truly realize is that it's such a different sensation it makes the attitude of the car completely different. Bizarrely, the "55" engine has insurmountable torque the moment the throttle is depressed. For light to light acceleration this engine is definitely the one to have. None of these engines are more fun up to 80+ mph. The "65" engine turns like a Lexus. Once the ignition starts it is so quiet you feel as though you are truly in a luxury car as opposed to the "Corvette" sensation of the "55" (loud and aggressive). The engine is buttery smooth and actually seems significantly less powerful until about 80. Then the power kicks in and a very frightening sensation arises when you realize that the car just is warming up. By the time you reach about 110 the car feels like it will keep going and going.. By the time you brake the car is still pulling forward against the brakes almost.. Personally, i don't need or have much use for 110+ speed. I'd rather enjoy street acceleration where i live... More useful and fun. Now the 63 engine feels very "normal" compared to the two. What you get is very linear. The engine is very weak off the line and doesn't really move until you rev up the RPM's. After driving it for about an hour i really felt as though the separation between the 550 and 63 was very "marginal". So for those who care, ultimately the 63 is much nicer and drivable then the previous "55" but it certainly comes at the cost of visceral enthusiasm...

— 00Vegas (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2008 12:15:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

I think i would have to respectfully disagree about the G37. Two completely different classes... An analogy someone used before was a Corvette vs. Ferrari. Yeah, the Corvette is just as fas vs. the Ferrari. Considering form, it's a waste of resources to buy the Ferrari. However, you still have a Ferrari. A hard top exclusive Mercedes is signifigantly different than an Infiniti. Kind of comparing an apple to an orange. The G37 is utilitiarian and ordinary...

— 00Vegas (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2008 10:50:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

the only time the G37 out handles an SL, or any MBZ in that matter, is with matchbox cars vs hot wheels

— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2008 1:27:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Vegas

The 63 engine outperforms the 55 engine on the track. It is meant to be driven "seat of your pants" style.

You can't make everyone happy, and the 55 IS better for the street light racer or the less-experienced "track" driver (easier to handle and low-end torque). But the "true" track driver will prefer the screaming RPM performance of the 63. Don't forget, this engine was developed with the assistance of DTM and occasionnaly F1 drivers, used to 15-19000 RPM's.
This is a phenomenal engine and when pushed to it's "real" limits, will give you more enjoyment than the 55.
It all depends on your driving philosophy.....

— mmeecc (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2008 11:26:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

SL63 over the 65 any day. V12's are in no way overrated, but I'm a sucker for a well made 8

— JMB1013 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2008 2:58:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I hear what you're saying "mmeecc" and I don't know if you've personally driven either of the two engines. What you read and what you experience may be substantially different. I never imagined in a thousand years i would not like the 65 or the 63. I won't even attempt to argue "track performace" but I believe that since most people are not racing their SL63's anywhere the "55" is a signifigantly more "useful" and fun engine. Of the people I know who have had both agree that the "55" was a faster car but the creature comforts to them outweigh the performance isse.

My point is signifigantly more pervasive when placed into a "S-Class" body. You can't possibly tell me people are racing that car. When money is factored into the equation, the "63" engine under normal acceleration is very marginal over the 550. You really have to get on it to tell the difference. Compared to the old "55" it was an instantaneous difference do to the torque isses!

— 00Vegas (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2008 3:22:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1