Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance is the plug-in hybrid flagship of the R232-generation SL range and the most powerful production SL ever offered by Mercedes-AMG.

Malaysia receives the SL 63 S E Performance as a fully imported model priced at RM2,168,888 on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. It sits above the SL 43 and conventional V8-powered SL 63 4MATIC+ in the local range.

Its handcrafted 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 combines with a rear-mounted electric motor to produce 600 KW (805 HP / 816 PS) and 1,420 NM. A 6.1 KWH high-performance lithium-ion battery provides approximately 13 KM of pure-electric range, while 0-100 KM/H takes just 2.9 seconds.

The cockpit combines a 12.3-INCH fully digital instrument cluster with an 11.9-INCH portrait-oriented MBUX touchscreen.

The central screen can electrically alter its angle to reduce reflections when the fabric roof is lowered.

AMG- and hybrid-specific graphics display power flow, electric-motor temperatures and performance information.

The steeply angled centre console houses the central touchscreen and a bank of AMG-specific controls.

Physical switches provide quick access to suspension, exhaust, stability-control and drivetrain functions.

A wireless smartphone charging pad and covered storage are also incorporated into the console.

A 12.3-INCH fully digital AMG instrument cluster provides performance-focused display layouts.

Information includes speed, engine revs, selected gear, battery level, hybrid power flow and electric-motor temperature.

A Head-Up Display projects important driving information into the driver’s field of vision.

The Malaysian SL 63 S E Performance features AMG Performance front seats with integrated head restraints.

They include electric adjustment, memory, ventilation and three massage programmes, while openings within the seatbacks improve airflow.

Upholstery is finished in MANUFAKTUR Nappa leather with diamond quilting, while AIRSCARF neck-level heating improves comfort during open-top driving.

The SL uses a 2+2 seating configuration, making it considerably more practical than a conventional two-seat roadster.

Front-seat space is generous, while the two rear seats are primarily suited to children or smaller occupants.

With the roof raised, the cabin provides noticeably greater touring versatility than a dedicated two-seat supercar.

An AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather provides controls for audio, driver assistance and vehicle settings.

AMG rotary controllers allow rapid changes to drive modes and individual chassis functions.

Large aluminium shift paddles provide manual control of the nine-speed transmission.

Storage includes a glove compartment, centre-console compartment and door pockets.

The compact rear seats can also be used for additional soft luggage when passengers are not being carried.

Interior storage remains limited compared with a conventional grand tourer because of the SL’s low roadster packaging.

Two cup holders are positioned within the front centre console.

Additional bottle storage is available within the door pockets.

Dedicated rear cup holders are limited by the compact 2+2 seating arrangement.

The cabin provides two front USB connections and two rear USB connections, together with a wireless smartphone charging pad.

A conventional front power socket is also provided.

Externally, the hybrid battery uses a Type 2 AC charging connection.

The cabin combines MANUFAKTUR Nappa leather, carbon fibre, aluminium and extensive soft-touch surfaces.

AMG-specific graphics and controls create a more performance-focused atmosphere than the regular Mercedes-Benz roadster range.

Ambient lighting works together with the ENERGIZING Package Plus to provide selectable comfort and mood programmes.

Hybrid components reduce luggage capacity compared with the conventional SL.

The SL 63 S E Performance provides approximately 110 L of dedicated luggage space.

The compact boot is sufficient for small soft bags, reinforcing the model’s focus on performance and open-top touring rather than outright practicality.

The SL 63 S E Performance measures 4,705 MM long, 1,915 MM wide and approximately 1,354 MM tall, with a 2,700 MM wheelbase.

Kerb weight stands at a substantial 2,195 KG, approximately 225 KG heavier than the conventional SL 63 due largely to its electric motor, battery and hybrid hardware.

Its long bonnet, short overhangs and extremely low roofline retain the traditional proportions associated with the SL despite its electrified drivetrain.

The front is dominated by the AMG-specific Panamericana grille with vertical chrome strakes and a large central Mercedes star.

Pronounced power domes run along the bonnet, while aggressive bumper openings provide cooling for the V8, hybrid components and braking system.

The Malaysian model also receives the AMG Night Package, AMG Aerodynamics Package and AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre Package, adding darker trim, aerodynamic flics and carbon-fibre detailing.

The rear features a broad stance, quad AMG exhaust outlets and an electronically controlled active rear spoiler integrated into the boot lid.

From approximately 80 KM/H, the spoiler can adopt five different positions according to vehicle speed and driving conditions, balancing drag reduction and high-speed stability.

A second active aerodynamic element beneath the front of the vehicle can extend downwards by approximately 40 MM to alter underbody airflow.

The SL 63 S E Performance features DIGITAL LIGHT LED projector headlamps.

Adaptive lighting allows precise control of the light distribution according to traffic conditions.

LED daytime running lights and automatic high-beam management are also included.

The rear uses full-LED tail lamps with dynamic lighting graphics and sequential turn indicators.

Their slim horizontal shape visually emphasises the roadster’s width.

A high-mounted brake-light function is integrated into the rear design.

Exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable, heated and power-folding.

Automatic dimming and memory functionality are also provided.

Integrated LED direction indicators and blind-spot warning elements are incorporated into the mirror assemblies.

The SL 63 S E Performance receives an AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system as standard.

Massive 420 x 40 MM front carbon-ceramic discs are gripped by bronze-coloured six-piston fixed callipers, while the rear uses 380 x 32 MM discs with single-piston floating callipers.

Regenerative braking can recover more than 100 KW of electrical power under suitable conditions.

The Malaysian model rides on 21-INCH AMG ten-twin-spoke forged alloy wheels.

Tyres measure 275/35 R21 at the front and 305/30 R21 at the rear.

The staggered setup provides the necessary traction for the SL’s enormous 1,420 NM system torque.

Active safety equipment includes ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Programme and AMG traction management.

Autonomous Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning provide additional protection during everyday driving.

The sophisticated AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system also continuously manages wheel torque to maximise traction.

The SL features multiple airbags including driver and front-passenger airbags, side protection and curtain/head airbags, together with a centre airbag.

Four three-point seat belts are provided.

The rigid aluminium-intensive body structure is specifically engineered to provide high torsional stiffness despite the absence of a fixed roof.

Eight AMG DYNAMIC SELECT programmes are provided – Electric, Battery Hold, Comfort, Smoothness, Sport, Sport+, Race and Individual.

Electric mode prioritises silent electric propulsion, while Battery Hold preserves battery charge.

Sport, Sport+ and Race progressively sharpen throttle, gearbox, steering and suspension response.

Four regenerative-braking levels are available in most modes, with the strongest setting enabling near one-pedal driving.

The 11.9-INCH MBUX central touchscreen provides the main infotainment interface.

Functions include navigation, Bluetooth, voice control and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The hybrid version additionally receives dedicated AMG Performance displays showing battery condition, electric power flow and drivetrain temperatures.

The SL 63 S E Performance receives a comprehensive assistance package.

Functions include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Active Steering Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring.

A 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors and automatic parking assistance improve low-speed manoeuvrability.

The Malaysian SL features a premium 17-speaker Burmester Surround Sound System.

The system is specifically tuned to maintain strong audio quality even when the fabric roof is lowered.

The V8 exhaust system remains an equally important part of the acoustic experience when Sport, Sport+ or Race mode is selected.

The SL uses a handcrafted 3,982 CC AMG twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine.

The combustion engine alone produces 450 KW (603 HP / 612 PS) and 850 NM.

A rear-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor produces 150 KW (201 HP / 204 PS) and 320 NM.

Combined maximum system output stands at 600 KW (805 HP / 816 PS) and 1,420 NM.

The V8 is connected to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G nine-speed transmission.

The rear electric motor forms part of a separate AMG Electric Drive Unit, which incorporates its own electrically shifted two-speed transmission and mechanical limited-slip differential.

This arrangement allows electric torque to be delivered directly to the rear axle without first passing through the main nine-speed gearbox.

The SL 63 S E Performance uses fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.

The V8 sends torque through the conventional AWD system, while the electric motor acts directly on the rear axle.

If rear-wheel slip occurs, electric-motor torque can also be transferred mechanically towards the front axle through the 4MATIC+ driveline.

A mechanical rear limited-slip differential further improves traction and corner-exit performance.

The SL 63 S E Performance accelerates from 0-100 KM/H in 2.9 seconds.

Maximum speed stands at 317 KM/H.

Its 1,420 NM system torque places its straight-line performance firmly within modern supercar territory despite the 2,195 KG kerb weight.

The SL 63 S E Performance uses a compact 6.1 KWH, 400-VOLT AMG high-performance lithium-ion battery.

Its primary purpose is rapid energy deployment rather than long-distance electric driving, with pure-electric range limited to approximately 13 KM.

The battery is directly cooled to keep its cells near an optimal operating temperature during repeated high-power use.

Maximum AC charging input is 3.7 KW, requiring roughly 1 hour 45 minutes for a complete recharge.

DC fast charging is not supported.

Current homologation figures list weighted combined consumption at around 10 L/100 KM plus 5.2 KWH/100 KM, while depleted-battery fuel consumption is approximately 11.7 L/100 KM.

Standard equipment includes keyless operation, powered front seats with memory, automatic wipers and a powered boot lid.

The electrically operated fabric soft top opens or closes in approximately 15 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 60 KM/H.

AIRSCARF, seat ventilation and massage functions make open-top touring considerably more comfortable in warmer or cooler conditions.

The SL features dual-zone automatic climate control, but the compact rear seating arrangement does not provide conventional dedicated rear air-conditioning vents.

Rear occupants rely primarily on airflow from the front climate system.

The model’s climate-control design is therefore focused principally on the driver and front passenger.

The SL 63 S E Performance uses AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active hydraulic roll stabilisation.

The hydraulic system links the suspension dampers diagonally, reducing body roll without relying on conventional anti-roll bars.

Active rear-axle steering turns the rear wheels opposite the fronts at speeds below approximately 100 KM/H for improved agility, then in the same direction at higher speeds to increase stability.

Despite the very high performance potential, Comfort and Smoothness modes provide a noticeably more relaxed setup for everyday road use.

The electrically operated fabric soft top uses multiple layers to reduce wind and road noise.

With the roof raised, refinement is appropriate for a luxury grand tourer despite the absence of a fixed metal roof.

In Electric mode the SL can move almost silently at lower speeds, while Sport and Race modes deliberately allow considerably more of the V8 exhaust soundtrack into the cabin.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance transforms the SL from a rapid luxury roadster into a genuine electrified supercar while retaining its traditional open-top grand-touring character.

Its 805 HP and 1,420 NM hybrid system enables a staggering 2.9-second 0-100 KM/H time and 317 KM/H maximum speed, making it the most powerful production SL ever offered.

The hybrid system is very different from efficiency-focused PHEVs. Its 6.1 KWH battery and 13 KM electric range exist primarily to support the 201 HP rear electric motor, providing immediate torque, regenerative braking and repeated performance deployment rather than extended EV commuting.

Its chassis technology is equally serious, with AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL, rear-axle steering, carbon-ceramic brakes, active aerodynamics and fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+.

At RM2,168,888 OTR without insurance, it commands a substantial premium over the conventional SL 63 4MATIC+, but adds another level of performance through its E PERFORMANCE drivetrain. For buyers seeking the fastest and most technologically advanced road-going SL, the SL 63 S E Performance is the definitive version.