Auto Trader’s Doug DeMuro Gushes on SL65 AMG Black Series
With only 350 ever made, driving this rare SL65 supercar is truly a breathtaking experience—quirks and all.
From 2008 to 2011, Mercedes-Benz drew from its motor sports roots and introduced the Black Series of sports cars. These were truly turbocharged monsters in an aggressive, but still sleek, body. Mercedes-Benz only produced 350 of the SL65 AMG Black Series, and of those, only about 175 made their way to the United States.
The SL65 had one feature that stood out among all other: Power, and lots of it. With a 6.0-liter, biturbo V12 making 661 horsepower, this makes it more powerful than a Ferrari Enzo. If there is a car deserving of the Doug DeMuro treatment, this is it.
The V12 in the SL65 is oversized. So much so that there is barely any maneuverability in the engine bay for repairs. “The engine is just freaking massive,” said DeMuro. “Mercedes fitted their own engine with the plastic cover, and even their own cover can’t contain their massive engine.”
The fender flares are are exclusive to the SL65, and they accommodate the wider tires for superior handling, though DeMuro concedes that the ride quality itself is rather rough later. Interestingly, every other car in the SL-Class was a convertible, meaning Mercedes had to create an entirely new platform to make this SL an into a coupe.
As such, there carbon fiber under the hood, the fenders, diffusers, and strangely, even the fuel door. Furthermore, there is a QR code on the fuel door that tells you the location of essential components such as the battery, airbag, and gas tank. All of this suggests that Mercedes may have intended for owners take this car to the track as well as around town.
He mentions during the street test that despite being stable and composed with no body roll, the SL65 AMG Black’s road noise is terrible from within the cabin. Nonetheless, he is still enthralled by the massive power it wields during open throttle. “It’s like I’m being kicked from behind,” said DeMuro.
Even with all its quirks and weak points, DeMuro sees the SL65 as a true successor to the Mercedes SLR. He gives it a total “The Doug Score” of 62 out of 100, namely for its small trunk volume, rough riding, and nearly obsolete features.
Still, as a late model SL supercar, it looks incredibly cool.
