The 2024 SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE - The most powerful SL ever

In its bid to further "hybridize" the AMG lineup, Mercedes recently unwrapped an updated version of the regular AMG SL 63 last month, porting over the latter's body kit and adding a powerful V8 hybrid setup. The result? The most powerful SL in history with a mouthful of a name to prove its credentials. Meet the 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance.

Engine

Borrowed from the "regular" SL 63, the tried and tested handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine sits at the front of the record-breaking roadster, producing 604 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. The V8 combines with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle, together churning out an impressive 805 hp and 1047 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor's energy is stored in a 6.1 kWh battery pack with 94 hp of continuous output and 201 hp peak output. Developed with F1 technology (thanks to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team's Formula 1 hybrid cars), the pack allows for instant acceleration and comes with four different levels of regenerative braking.

The performance stats are quite impressive as expected for anything carrying the "Performance" moniker, with a dash from 0 to 60 mph taking 2.8 seconds and a stated electronically limited top speed of 196 mph. AMG's high-performance composite brake system is on duty to counter that speed.

Selectable via the central multimedia display or steering wheel buttons, eight modes, including Electric, Battery Hold, Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport+, RACE, and Individual, provide various driving experiences. Each mode adjusts the transmission, steering characteristics, suspension damping, and sound. A fully variable all-wheel drive system and rear-axle steering allow precise control and dynamic handling for an even better ride.

Exterior Design

As the name implies, the SL 63 E performance is more of a performance upgrade, and thus, it retains the typical SL look. That being said, the new car does ship with a few extra stickers and pieces to emphasize its unique power setup. A charging port is added to the right rear end for quick top-ups while an "SL 63 S" model badge highlighted in red also features; similarly, "E PERFORMANCE" badging is added on each front fender.

Interior

On the inside, the cabin reflects AMG's signature driver-focused design ethos. Nappa leather is abundant, while the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system is equipped with hybrid-specific content. Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats, complete with three massage programs, ensure comfort even on long journeys, while the rear seats offer some much-needed practicality.

With a handful of AMG models getting the hybrid treatment, it was only a matter of time before the SL got its turn. With at least 805 hp in tow, the new SL 63 S E performance gatecrashes in as the most potent SL version there has ever been, bringing a whole new level of thrill and excitement to an already fantastic series. Sales are expected to commence sometime this year.