Has anyone owned both an R230 SL63 and SL600? I’ve owned an SL63 and considering getting another, but I’m also hearing the V12 siren song. I’m mostly interested in handling, ride quality, and responsiveness compared between cars. I don’t want something that’s soft and wallowing compared to the SL63, which I found to be a good compromise between sport and luxury. Also interested in overall impressions between the cars. Thanks!

 

My SL600 was a R129, but I've driven a number of M275 V12 cars, including the R230 SL600 and SL65.

Fantastic engine, deep reserves of power and everything about those cars is classic flagship Benz.

That said, would I trade my SL63 for one today? No.

The V12 R230 cars are world-class grand tourers. The SL63 also has that GT foundation, but it wants to be a sports car instead.

Translation: I can drive hours on the highway comfortably, and as soon as I exit and encounter a nice country or mountain road, can adjust a couple settings and have a blast.

If you want a different flavor / experience while still maintaining the balance of sport and comfort, the SL55 is worth looking into, especially the 2007-2008 ones with the 2nd generation of ABC.

 

Unless you can do engine out repairs, I would recommend staying away from the SL600. While I love the torque, it doesn't give you much that you can't get in the SL55 or SL63, both of which are easier and less expensive to service. If you are going the V12 route, just pony up for an SL65.

 

Very true about the V12 requiring engine out for many tasks such as replacing turbos. All task are difficult due to the lack of room around the engine.
Now having the AMG engine (with some minor mods) in my SL600 and having done performance comparisons, I can state that an SL600 with a tune will perform as well as a stock SL65. My "Draggy" times with the SL600+Tune were even a bit better than with the stock AMG engine.