Thursday 10th May 2012

Chris Harris video: Mercedes SL63 AMG

Harris demonstrates the SL63 is no longer a mere straight line hero as only he can...

---

It's hard to believe that the company which, until recently, perennially failed to get anywhere close to BMW's M cars, is now setting the pace in the in-house tuner sector. Yes, the SL63 AMG is another fine piece of engineering.

Tyres were harmed in the making of this vid

Moreover, it proves that AMG has managed what so many brands fail to achieve in re-inventing itself. It has appealed to a new customer base (those who actually enjoy driving) whilst retaining its already loyal following from those who like to go very fast in a straight-line, with the minimum of third-party attention.

And finally we are seeing a reduction in weight on these larger performance cars. I know, 1,860kg is hardly light, but it's 125kg lighter than its predecessor, which by my ropey mathematics makes it 6.7 per cent lighter than the old car which, coupled with start-stop hardware and two turbochargers makes this car way more fuel-efficient than before. Not that SL63 owners care about such things, but they do like to avoid filling stations, and this car does that far more convincingly than the last version.

At last years SL500 secret unveiling at Mercedes' design studio in LA, there was real pride in the new aluminium structure. It's a truly stunning thing in the flesh and very, very strong. I asked an engineer how it compared to the Ferrari California's shell for quality and twist resistance. "I couldn't possibly say" he replied with an enormous grin.

SL63 delights trad and new AMG customers

But the big test for this car will be the new M6 convertible. It has similar power, less torque, but its steel structure is quite a bit heavier. In fact the claimed kerb weight of the Benz is nearly 200kg less. It seems strange to have an AMG product that is lighter than its M equivalent.

With the optional Performance Pack fitted, this car is a monster. As you'll see in the video, slides are available on demand - then minutes later you can cruise with the staggering Front Bass hi-fi and its footwell mounted sub-woofers rumbling away. It's a hell of a trick being so versatile.

Enjoy the homemade vid, Neil's back in action next week.

 

 

[Tyrewrecker]

Super video, loved it

[harrisont5267]

Amg do seem to be on a role atm

[Jellymonster]

I dont mind the looks tbh.

[666 SVT]

I'd love that car but with the original R230 looks ?

[vescaegg]

AMG are top of my list for nearly every type of car available now.

SLS
SL63
E63 Estate
C63 Black
G65

Would be lovely sounding garage!

[MB 1]

Chris do you do a sideline in drifting school?!

[mwstewart]

Superb video and a great review.

[TomCooper]

Great review as always!

I've always wondered though, isn't there the possibility that Chris could get into trouble with the law with the amount of sideways action on public roads in his reviews?

[MrTappets]

Another brilliant review, and I feel as much in agreement as I can without driving it too. Losing some weight is definitely a step in the right direction, but it just looks so heavy and dull. Even so, the next XK is going to have to be really good to beat it.

[Sajan]

Mercedes picking up the baton where BMW seems to have left it lately. Any thoughts?

[JayPee]

Wednesday evening is the new Sunday evening.

O/T, has Monkey got a drive in the N24 this year?

[Tyrant]

I saw these in convoy through St. Tropez last month. Great looking cars!

[crimbo]

Cant you buy a cheap drifter and take it a drift day chris, I want to see you turn up in a cheap motor for a cheap days drifting and rate the day as a whole. Seeing you slide stunning brand new cars around is great but the most of us will never get that opportunity?

You obviously enjoy it

[S800VXR]

Nice mechanics, poor looks compared to the 230 model IMO. Nice driving but on public roads...? Wonder if it comes with silly stop start to get past the UKs criminally high road tax?

[tail slide]

TomCooper said:

Great review as always!

I've always wondered though, isn't there the possibility that Chris could get into trouble with the law with the amount of sideways action on public roads in his reviews?

Driving WITH due care and attention? Check.

Driving WITH consideration of other road users? Check.

Nothing going on here, move along....

[Gorbyrev]

Great vid as usual. I think the looks would be 90% fixed with different headlights that weren't so "sit up and beg" upright. There should be an opportunity to improve the face in a similar way to twin spots on a bugeye Impreza.

[chrisispringles]

Sajan said:

Mercedes picking up the baton where BMW seems to have left it lately. Any thoughts?

Well nobody appears to have told Mercedes that turbocharged cars sound boring compared to N/As, AMG's new V8 sounds infinitely nicer than that in an M5.

[Nick Beef]

Great video and i have to say when I saw this car at the factory it was awesome, definitely the best car along side the new SLK55 for a while now in terms of value for money from mercedes. But my money will be going on a used SLS now that the prices are similar to a new SL63.

[vinnie83]

chrisispringles said:

Well nobody appears to have told Mercedes that turbocharged cars sound boring compared to N/As, AMG's new V8 sounds infinitely nicer than that in an M5.

Have you heard the new M5? Sounded fantastic to me!

[D200]

What is the price of the test car? Not list but that exact car?