EXECMALIBU

I drove the SL63 a couple of hours ago and it was very disappointing!...

Being a professional stunt driver and having owned and raced everything from my original 427 Cobra (CSX 3127) to vintage and modern Ferraris, Porsches, Lambos, Vipers, Ford GT etc, I think the SL63 is OK but after the SL55 it is a poser.....

My SL55 feels much stonger and is more exciting and my SL65.... well that car is an absolute MONSTER!

The SL63 is definately fast and feels lighter (I know it's not) and it feels more balanced, somewhat like driving a 996/997 Porsche Carrera.

The trans shifts very fast and precise but being the first year of production of a totally new design this just scares the hell out of me. I cant get into my dealings with MB-USA warranty issues (confidentiality agreement).

I also have not warmed up to the Rice Rocket front end but I do like the rear end ground effects look and the spoiler. I also like the grilles on the standard SL55O better then the cheesy looking AMG treatment in the fenders...

Maybe the SL55 will stop tanking in price so dramatically and possibly start going up a little because they are faster, better looking and discontinued. This is the case with the Porsche 993 which have recently actually increased in value because many people like them better then the 996/997.

I loved the SL55 when it came out but I would not consider buying the SL63 because it seems very tame and no big deal. Especially at $137,000 PLUS $13,000 for the 030 package. By the time you add a few options you are at nearly $160,000 and that is getting very close to Ferrari prices.. And everyone should agree a FERRARI is a FERRARI.

Just my .02

What do you guys think?

FloridaE55

Now THAT'S what I call "wishful thinking".

Faster: You're probably right. Will that influence the resale-value? I doubt it..
Better Looking: I disagree.
Discontinued: This is actually a reason why prices and demand are going down. Too many SL55s are out there and with all the technical upgrades (transmission with launch control, COMAND, airscarf), I don't see a reason why people should suddenly rush to get a pre-owned SL55. The last time I visited my dealer, they had an SL55 on the lot, sitting there for months. So if they didn't sell a few months ago, they won't sell now. Prices going up? No way!

brakel8

If you've owened your SL55 since new you would know that it takes about 1000 to 1500 miles before the car wakes up. The adaptaion of engine and transmission still need to be learend. I drove one yesterday and obeyed the break in procedure that is posted on the windshield! The car is just AWESOME!!!! The exhaust note is wicked.....louder than the C63. When you look at the complete package it's a move in the right direction, the new comand NTG 2.5 is much nicer. It has a SD slot for music and address downloads, integrated 6 disc changer and Bluetooth, it also has an adapter cable in the consloe for Ipod, walkman input or USB, plays DVD movies and has the Navigation system like the new S class with birds eye view. The new MCT trans is awesome with good positive shifts and a launch control called race start, the downshifts have rev match which sounds like your driving a manual trans. It also has a AMG button that is used as a favorite for ESP, suspension and trans setting to quickly activate all just in case some one pulls up next to you and wants to race. The Instrument cluster is like the SLR in which the gauges do a full sweep when the ignition is turned on.

Don't get me wrong the SL55 is a beast but in the long run there are less components to go wrong in the SL63 with a naturally aspirated engine. I love'em both!!! I'm a die hard MB owner, all models have their own character and they need to be fitted to their owners.

Addicted2Speed

So far, SL63 has not impressed the critics either. Evo Magazine gave the SL55 a perfect 5-star rating, but the new SL63 only got 4-stars. http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evoc..._sl63_amg.html

TKLEI14

I will probably test drive one on monday, I looked at it quick when I was at the dealer the other day, but had no time to take it for a ride.

The looks are ehhh, but I think it will grow on me over time. Also the exhaust note is much louder than the 55/65's.

IngenereAMG

I think that the SL55's character will be missed, by performance oriented drivers. I think that Merc/AMG understands that most of their customer base is more concerned with improved NAV, Ipod, etc functions.

While the SL63 is a great car, with definite improvements in performance and a great gearbox, it has lost some of the character that makes a great car.

Fantasm

Well, don't forget that AMG/Merc is now ditching the SL63 engine for a turbo model in the next SL.
They themselves claimed that the 63 engine lacked power and other aspects.

Addicted2Speed

This is only a rumor. They have not made an official statement regarding this matter.

Zod

You also have to factor in the cost of the 63 engine...its not a stock engine that has been modified, so in a sense it costs more to make.

Will they keep it or drop it who knows.....but i can tell you one thing, if they twin turbo the 63 engine good god will it fly. I mean the 550 engine twin turboed is very nice, but the 63 engine will eat it alive i feel...who knows

NY_SG

Test drove SL63 also. My friend has an order for it. He cancel the order and place 1 for an SL65. He said SL63 isnt all that great of a car. But he did say it's really really hot!

I tested it I thought it was awesome. hahaha

FloridaE55

Split personality?

brakel8

BTW the raised hood and elongated bumper is to meet the pedestrian friendly requirements.

ESIX3POWER

I want to see where they made this claim about " lacked power " That is the most absurd thing I have heard. 507 hp with 465lbs torque = lack power.
My car has space shuttle acceleration. Certainly doesnt lack power.

Fantasm

its in another thread here, forget which one... had a link to the statement

Germancar1

They didn't say it lacked power. The conversation was about full-throttle fuel consumption/polution and other environmental things. Any lack of power is relative to what others have on the drawing board, not in the here and now.

M

150shot

Good to hear more feedback. I saw my first 63 in Red at the dealership earlier this week.
Fortunately at that time, a customer was looking at it, and had a nice Aston Martin DB9 parked right next to it...take it both these cars are within the same type of price range depending on a few things...the AM totally made the SL look...I hate to say it kinda weak....and this is the top of the line SL!

In regards to the new look, I also cant get over the new type front end, doesnt look like it matches, and the grill in the front fender was silver and totally looked out of place on a red car...reminded me of the new CTS and its chrome accent..

I asked a buddy of mine who is an MB tech at that dealership, and he said you can get that grille in chrome as well...yuck. COlor matched with the same chrome type lettering (SL 55 Style) would be the best..

I would still take this car any day, but I also prefer the 55.

transferred

They say in the Autocar review that the rear diffuser is purely decorational. That's a shame, as it looks great and would plug a hole in AMG's armory

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/...63-AMG/232567/