Just read the test on the SL63 in the latest edition of Auto,Motor und Sport, probably Germany's most read and renowned automotive magazine.
I was able to download a digital copy.

The overall rating was 4 Stars and they loved the overall look, the comfort, the performance and handling.

There were only a few noteworthy negative comments:

1 - with the roof up, at speeds above 100 kmh (60 mph) there was distinct wind noise.

2 - in town when dawdling about or during slow take off there was a very noticeable hesitation, delay and jerking.

3 - the fuel consumption during their test was quite heavy

Reading the article I do believe this test was done in California and therefore quite a long time ago and I hope they found a solution specifically for the wind noise.

 

Karosserie [img]blob:https://mbworld.org/de0c7024-2eae-4563-8289-3c704141b409[/img] [img]blob:https://mbworld.org/6a9a099a-2dca-4fb6-8993-b7ccad53956f[/img] [img]blob:https://mbworld.org/f138abfc-e8b8-4431-ab78-3bbc9b30367a[/img]Fahreigenschaften

Fahrkomfort

 

They were in California early in the year at the big press launch if I am not mistaken. At least 6 months ago.

 

Yes and shockingly it rained throughout the entire press trip! They also held one for the UK a little more recently two months ago as well where the weather was much better.

 

Their biggest criticism was about wind noise with the roof closed. So, today my wife and I went for a nice long drive on speed capable roads and because it was really hot we kept the roof closed.

I had hoped that the car they had been testing was an exception, regretfully it does not appear that way.

Right one the dot - at 60 mph - there was very distinct and noticeable wind noise on the driver's side where the window meets the roof - and yes the window was closed properly. I did not feel any strong wind penetration but the noise was definitely there and because I was focused on it, it became quite annoying.

I would think this is a systemic problem and therefore for MB to solve rather than driving my dealer nuts, however, I will speak to the dealership service manager to escalate this to MB in looking for a solution.

Do you think that is the best approach or should I contact MB directly? I have the contact information for the SL product manager.

 

I would do both.

 

Karosserie [img]blob:https://mbworld.org/5af2d4ec-9c82-4331-b5e6-4a84867f50f5[/img] [img]blob:https://mbworld.org/e3ea3c64-e6ad-42fb-b441-e991cd20cf82[/img] [img]blob:https://mbworld.org/05398f22-fa71-41f0-8bd8-a8c5c86f74a4[/img]Fahreigenschaften

Fahrkomfort
Here are plus and minus summary from this article:

I apologize for all the links that are showing up - no idea why they are there and can't make them go away!
[img]blob:https://mbworld.org/ae4ebc27-3e8f-46fd-afab-77256a9d1e25[/img]+ –

excellent ergonomics, good amount of cabin space provides feeling of solidity
storage in the trunk is augmented by emergency seats
in general high quality of materials with some unworthy exceptions

some of the operations are overly complicated and there are some lapses in the finishing quality

+ clear, precise and pleasantly weighty steering and high level of agility
relaxed straight line driving, unwavering tractio

+ only brute force can cause the car to lose its composure; excellent brakes and high quality and complex lighting systems

+ seats which would do equally well in your living room or your office, excellent suspensi

Sicherheit

– wind noises ( with roof closed)

+ incredibly strong with emotional sound v8 Bi-turbo, very nimble transmissiuon

[img]blob:https://mbworld.org/cc9dece5-2ba9-4872-bf69-63b7bf56712f[/img]

– jerky drive at low speed

Umwelt

-- high fuel consumption during test period l

+ generously equipped with standard options



[img]blob:https://mbworld.org/2d5a83ad-2693-49d1-bb8c-9a9a43c79a42[/img]

 

Have to admit that none of these reviews are relevant to me until the SL is properly tested and compared with others In Germany. @HAWKiS63 has driven the car in Germany and provided some feedback against his S63 cab, AMG GT and older SL which was helpful but I am waiting for AMS/Sport Auto to do so...

Perhaps if Christian Gebhardt could do a review

 

Finally had a chance to do a quick drive in the SL55 we ordered last October. Generally agree with the summary:

Good driving position, feels solid; feels larger than it is due to sitting low being necessary to get that good driving position, with high sills and long hood, and the ever-present thuggish V8 contributes to that feeling. Definitely more GT/muscle car than sports car...nothing at all like a 911. Having now spent 3k miles with MB's I-6/48v system, I really think it would have been a better drivetrain; the old V8 with MCT is antiquated, with the "jerky driving" mentioned above not befitting a sophisticated roadster.

Steering is good; relaxed when in traffic, but quick to change direction due to the rear steering. Wanted to respect the break-in so did not take it over 4k RPM, and unfortunately was nowhere near a highway to test wind noise.

Interior quality and materials to me were excellent and appropriate for a $150k car, with two glaring exceptions: The optional Dinamica headliner does not include the sunvisors, so they are plain plastic, and the headliner does not go to the base of the C-pillar, leaving a gap through which roof mechanicals can be seen. On a short drive, the screen was nothing but annoying in appearance, not at all intuitive, and a sea of fingerprints. Yes, integration and UI could have been much better. Even just raising/lowering the top, with the swipe and hold on the screen, will of course leave a big smudge mark across it every time. So stupid. That said, great to see the US lawyers allowed the windows and top to be lowered while approaching it with the remote.

Did not look in the trunk; utility was not a concern.

None of the criticisms are deal breakers, IMO. Overall, it's a nice car and very much a Mercedes SL regardless of what the R231 owners think; looks great, even (especially?) in Obsidian Black contrary to what people have judged from photos on here, and with either of the mesh spoke wheel options. Drives well, comfortable enough as a GT cruiser, and is no doubt very fast with the big lump under the hood and AWD, and I am sure very capable on a twisty road with the 4WS. But did not take it home because of dealer shenanigans.

 

You can use the button below the screen to open and close the top. Press once for the menu, then press and hold again and it will operate, don't have to use the sliders.

 

^ Good to know...one less thing they could have taken off the screen to make it less fussy and messy.

 

Had three SL63s over the years and was looking forward when the rumors came out about the new SL63. With that said deep down I had that feeling and I was right. Beating it to death even more the screen is a complete deal breaker and failure in my opinion. I feel they could have found a way to integrate two 12.3 screens like they have on the (W167 GLE, W122 S Class, W213 E Class) or do something similar. This would have left the center console real estate available for some tactile buttons/switches with a much better look and layout. Center screen is an eyesore like a big pimple in the middle of your forehead as well as a greasy petri dish of fingerprints every time you look at it. I do not want to take my eyes off the road to glance over just to hunt and peck on some ridiculous screen the sun is beating down on. My God what were they thinking!

 

My psychic senses tell me Benzbell is not looking forward to taking a test drive.

 

I hear a lot gripes hear in the forum. I for one love the center screen- big selling point. This may be a generational thing.

 

After a lot of these cars are sold, it will be interesting to hear from a lot of voices who are actually using the center screen. Most of the comments so far have been from those who have never either driven the car or even seen one in person. Will it be the monstrosity that some make it out to be? Will it be a very useful and intuitive tool that others expect it to be? It will be fun to find out what the day to day users think after many have had a lot of seat time in the car.

 

***

 

My opinion is you don't need to own the car or drive it because the issues are obvious to those who don't prefer large screens in the middle of the car.

 

Yup, they don’t like the look for the most part. I on the other hand love big horizontal screens like the one in my Ram.

 

I think you mean vertical. I agree though, I like the SL interior very much, and find it the best designed of the new interior designs. I’ve become quite use to the new screen and MBUX 2.0 in my S-Class. Its fairly easy and intuitive, only thing I really want to return is perhaps some shortcut buttons and a volume roller/knob.

 

Yes, vertical. And I agree a few more buttons would be a little bit better but I think they wanted to keep it clean and save on cost. I like to have the old school control knob for the infotainment and not having to always touch the screen. Also like to a one touch for the top and not have to hold it.