Wednesday 7th March 2012

Geneva 2012: Mercedes SL63 AMG and A-class

New twin-turbo V8 for range-topping hot SL roadster

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Mercedes has given the range-topping AMG version of its latest SL roadster - the SL63 AMG - its public debut at the Geneva mtoor show.

With the introduction of the new 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 (Mercedes is keeping the SL63 name tag but dropping the old naturally aspirateed engine), the SL63 AMG develops 537hp at 5,500rpm and 590lb ft at 2,000-4,500rpm. Choose the AMG Performance Package and that jumps to 564hp and 664lb ft of torque (making it moderately more powerful than similar engines in the CLS, CL, ML and E63. With the Performance Package option ticked the SL will accelerate to 62mph in 4.2 seconds (a tenth quicker than standard) while 155mph top speed limiter is raised to 186mph.

But Mercedes is keen to stress that the R231-gen AMG SL is about trimming weight as well as adding power. The resultant 1,845kg SL63 is 125kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to an aluminium body that draws structural influence from the technology in the SLS. So despite being faster and more powerful than its predecessor, the new SL63 is up to 30 per cent more fuel efficient, equating to 28.5mpg on the combined cycle.

The all-aluminium suspension is controlled by Mercedes' ABC Active Body Control system, allowing you to switch between comfort-oriented and sporty settings. There's also three-stage ESP and a new electric power steering system the assistance from which varies depending on your suspension setting choices.

If you're feeling particularly sporty, you can also specify the optional AMG suspension pack and a locking rear diff. Transmission is to the rear wheels is Merc's Speedshift MCT seven-speed auto.

Prices have yet to be announced, but the SL63 AMG goes on sale in the UK this June.

For those of you with shallower pockets, Mercedes also unveiled the new A-Class, complete with its swoopy new hatchback looks (no echoes of miniature MPVs here). The new car also avoids the old 'sandwich' platform, where the engine was half under the passenger compartment, in favour of a more conventional hatchback layout.

Petrol engines range from a 115hp 1.6-litre job to a 210hp, 257lb ft 2.0-litre motor, all of which are turbocharged and feature stop-start tech and either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission.

Diesel powertrains include two 1.8-litre units and a 2.2-litre common-rail diesel with 170hp and 257lb ft.

 

[tbc]

about time the A-class got some decent styling

it always looked very top heavy with tiny wheels, a bit like a late 90's Daihatsu, or a DLA car

[goron59]

I like the look of the new A. So much better looking that the BMW 1 series or Audi 3

[George H]

The new A class looks great, and I'm liking the new SL more and more every time I see it. Not as good looking as the R230 but it's not bad.

[anonymous-user]

I think that the new A-class is a step back! It would maybe make a good addition but not a suitable replacement. I think a lot of current A-class owners will be disapointed.

[appletonn]

I'm afarid I really do not like the new SL's styling. It looks heavy and leaden which is completely at odds with the hi-tech aluminium structure beneath. Mismatch of front and rear and not at all elegant or flowing imho.

Each to their own, obviously!

[Krikkit]

A-class looks better for abandoning the crappy styling of the originals.

Shedding a bit of weight off the SL is a good thing, although they should drop the 63 moniker now that line of engines is dead.

[moskvich427]

Not impressed with the new A-Class... seems extremely unremarkable compared to the previous one.

It also reminds of the Volvo C30 for some reason, which is certainly no good thing.

[Marcossi]

the A class is looking good! big improvement to the previous one, love the front

[nick30]

Liking the new A Class, imagine that with the twin turbo V8!

[davepoth]

It's a heavily retrograde step for the A-Class; the old layout would have allowed a really good hybrid version since there was lots of room under the floor. They have to chase BMW into the 1-series market though.

[Probbie]

I've been keeping my eye on the A since the concept last year. The spec seems good and there are reports of a 20k price tag.

[anonymous-user]

davepoth said:

It's a heavily retrograde step for the A-Class; the old layout would have allowed a really good hybrid version since there was lots of room under the floor. They have to chase BMW into the 1-series market though.

Why not do both?

[Beefmeister]

Dear Brabus,

Please stick your 790bhp 6.3 litre twin turbo V8 in the nose of the new A class and make the world's most bonkers hatchback.

We expect to see it at the Paris show.

Thanks,

PH

[Chicane-UK]

appletonn said:

I'm afarid I really do not like the new SL's styling. It looks heavy and leaden which is completely at odds with the hi-tech aluminium structure beneath. Mismatch of front and rear and not at all elegant or flowing imho.

Each to their own, obviously!

Yep - I'm with you on the SL. I've seen several of the new ones on the road now and the proportions just don't look right at all!

[Garlick]

I really like that new A-Class. The looks hampered the sales of the last, but this should do well.

[BrewsterBear]

Maybe I'm getting older, but Mercedes are really appealing to me of late. I know their cars aren't the most dynamic or efficient but the latest styling efforts are achingly beautiful to my eyes. They really seem to have regained much of the class they lost in the last decade and are returning to the halo brand that they always should have been,

[Luca Brasi]

New SL is sort of growing on me. Impressive mpg for an TT 5.5 V8

Can't be bothered with an A-class.

[Kawasicki]

Don't like the A-class very much, big front overhang messes up the proportions, very fussy details, looks very Bangle.

[BallsOfTitanium]

MonkeyMatt said:

I think that the new A-class is a step back! It would maybe make a good addition but not a suitable replacement. I think a lot of current A-class owners will be disapointed.

I think you'll find that mercedes don't particular want the old A class customers as they're all near the end of their lifespan a bit like the old A class!!!

[kambites]

I think it's a shame they've ditched the old A-class platform. The clever packaging was about the only good thing about it - what USP does this new one offer? It's just another dull FWD hatchback.