SL 65 AMG- Anyone driven one of these monsters?
Discussion
Just curious as they are obviously a rare car, and something which could interest me at some point.
How do they compare to the sl 55 amg?
On paper with 612 bhp and torque of 738 lbs/ft they should be on another level- how fast do they feel though in real terms in real driving conditions e.i. not on a testing track.
With that much power the acceleration should make you fear for your life, are they that dramatic and what is the power delivery like?
There are a few available at the moment, starting from around 35k at which price one of these would almost be a bargain, running costs asside. The black ones seem to be a lot more expensive perhaps because there are less of them around so there is a premium.
How do they compare to the sl 55 amg?
On paper with 612 bhp and torque of 738 lbs/ft they should be on another level- how fast do they feel though in real terms in real driving conditions e.i. not on a testing track.
With that much power the acceleration should make you fear for your life, are they that dramatic and what is the power delivery like?
There are a few available at the moment, starting from around 35k at which price one of these would almost be a bargain, running costs asside. The black ones seem to be a lot more expensive perhaps because there are less of them around so there is a premium.
Been in a tuned SL600 with a little more power and it was so smooth you would not realise you were doing over 200mph which we did do! On the street I doubt the SL65 will be that much quicker than the SL55 although at the strip a stock 65 was matching my old SC monaro (635hp) yet stock SL55's didnt.
I think the V12 is turbine smooth where as the 55 engine is a little more old school. If you have the ability then get the 65 but get a good one as my cousin works for Merc and the consumable parts for that model are eye wateringly excpensive!!
I think the V12 is turbine smooth where as the 55 engine is a little more old school. If you have the ability then get the 65 but get a good one as my cousin works for Merc and the consumable parts for that model are eye wateringly excpensive!!
The SL65 is a fine chariot - torque, mid-life crisis + perm, and shell suit with attitude.
Having driven a 55 there is no doubt is an immense motor, 'tho I think the V12 motor is much stronger at all revs and on another level altogether.
The 65 doesn't have the aural battery of the 55 for sure, tough has a fine voice in my opinion, depends what you want I guess
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ9jXEDdFDI&fea...
...... and many other videos on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.
The 65 produces 1000NM from 2, 000 - 4, 000 revs so is very strong from the off, the V12 engine really is a masterpiece - info here:
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/#/6-0l-v12-biturbo
The power delivery is very brutal though smooth, the motor rips through the first few gears and really gets into its stride at 100+ and you realise the true 215+ top speed (sans limiter) is entirely feasible. From low revs the motor has a lovely V12 turbine esque noise until the turbos begin to stir and harden the engine note to a deeper more aggressive sound, when on full boost the exhaust has a loud sonic blast type noise that is quite distinctive. Such is the grunt available that on a private motorway a pilot might see the traction control light flickering at the ton in the wet under full power, make no mistake the 65 (and 55) are mad machines. I find the 65 unnervingly fast and terrifying to be honest.
Test drive both and let us know your thoughts
Having a pukka warranty is imperative on these motors, preferably the tier 1 MB policy for peace of mind.
Having driven a 55 there is no doubt is an immense motor, 'tho I think the V12 motor is much stronger at all revs and on another level altogether.
The 65 doesn't have the aural battery of the 55 for sure, tough has a fine voice in my opinion, depends what you want I guess
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ9jXEDdFDI&fea...
...... and many other videos on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.
The 65 produces 1000NM from 2, 000 - 4, 000 revs so is very strong from the off, the V12 engine really is a masterpiece - info here:
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/#/6-0l-v12-biturbo
The power delivery is very brutal though smooth, the motor rips through the first few gears and really gets into its stride at 100+ and you realise the true 215+ top speed (sans limiter) is entirely feasible. From low revs the motor has a lovely V12 turbine esque noise until the turbos begin to stir and harden the engine note to a deeper more aggressive sound, when on full boost the exhaust has a loud sonic blast type noise that is quite distinctive. Such is the grunt available that on a private motorway a pilot might see the traction control light flickering at the ton in the wet under full power, make no mistake the 65 (and 55) are mad machines. I find the 65 unnervingly fast and terrifying to be honest.
Test drive both and let us know your thoughts
Having a pukka warranty is imperative on these motors, preferably the tier 1 MB policy for peace of mind.
Edited by MOD500 on Friday 18th November 00:05
I had an hour drive in a year or so ago.
Acceleration is the most prominent aspect of this car! Don't expect too much in the ways of handling - she's a heavy car, but I guess the point of such a fine machine is it's grand touring and autobahn abilities.
The cabin in typical R230 - a lovely place to be with many toys to play with and very well put together, IMO.
I agree with the comments on the sound. I had the roof down and couldn't hear much of an exhaust note when on the move. When you start the car, it does sound tastey, although the noise quietens when you select Drive.
I guess art of its GT appeal is to be quiet and refined.
The power and torque were turely immense. At one point during the drive accelerated hard from around 30mph in the dry and the traction control intervened and I was doing very naughty speeds alarmingly quickly. It's a huge adrenaline rush.
They are stunning machines, and given their rariety a good alternative to an SL55 or even the SL63.
I say "Go for it"!
Darren
Acceleration is the most prominent aspect of this car! Don't expect too much in the ways of handling - she's a heavy car, but I guess the point of such a fine machine is it's grand touring and autobahn abilities.
The cabin in typical R230 - a lovely place to be with many toys to play with and very well put together, IMO.
I agree with the comments on the sound. I had the roof down and couldn't hear much of an exhaust note when on the move. When you start the car, it does sound tastey, although the noise quietens when you select Drive.
I guess art of its GT appeal is to be quiet and refined.
The power and torque were turely immense. At one point during the drive accelerated hard from around 30mph in the dry and the traction control intervened and I was doing very naughty speeds alarmingly quickly. It's a huge adrenaline rush.
They are stunning machines, and given their rariety a good alternative to an SL55 or even the SL63.
I say "Go for it"!
Darren
Thanks to everyone for the detailed replies.
From that youtube video comparing the exhaust note the 65 sounds a lot more brutal than the 55, a much deeper and also louder 'growl'.
Interesting that the official 0-60 figures from mercedes for the 55 vs 65 are not very different at all, you would think that with so much more power and a weight difference of only 100kg or so the 65 would be much faster but it's 0-60 is apparently 4.2 and the 55 is 4.5. The difference would then only be apparent at higher speeds as was suggested which you can rarely develop in the UK.
I am really enjoying my cls 55 amg at the moment, so no immediate plans to change, but it is something I will look at in the spring/summer, budget would be around 40k so the sl 65 amg and ferrari 360 are the two I am considering at the moment. Totally different cars of course, would be tempted by an sl 65 as it's much more low-key car and I could go anywhere in it, would feel comfortable parking it most places so ultimately would get a lot more use out of it.
From that youtube video comparing the exhaust note the 65 sounds a lot more brutal than the 55, a much deeper and also louder 'growl'.
Interesting that the official 0-60 figures from mercedes for the 55 vs 65 are not very different at all, you would think that with so much more power and a weight difference of only 100kg or so the 65 would be much faster but it's 0-60 is apparently 4.2 and the 55 is 4.5. The difference would then only be apparent at higher speeds as was suggested which you can rarely develop in the UK.
I am really enjoying my cls 55 amg at the moment, so no immediate plans to change, but it is something I will look at in the spring/summer, budget would be around 40k so the sl 65 amg and ferrari 360 are the two I am considering at the moment. Totally different cars of course, would be tempted by an sl 65 as it's much more low-key car and I could go anywhere in it, would feel comfortable parking it most places so ultimately would get a lot more use out of it.
The 0 - 60 times are limited by traction, the in gear times would show the grunt of the '12. Is all relative of course as the 55 is a bonkers machine as you will know
The 65 vs 360 choice is an interesting one, the Italian job would offer the sports car experience with rev hungry engine and go-kart esque handling plus of course beautiful looks. Whereas the 65 is the automotive Terminator offering the intercontinental GT experience. You are spot on that the relatively subtle looks of the Merc allow you to operate somewhat under the radar compared to other nice metal.
The 65 vs 360 choice is an interesting one, the Italian job would offer the sports car experience with rev hungry engine and go-kart esque handling plus of course beautiful looks. Whereas the 65 is the automotive Terminator offering the intercontinental GT experience. You are spot on that the relatively subtle looks of the Merc allow you to operate somewhat under the radar compared to other nice metal.
Chad_Hugo said:
I am really enjoying my cls 55 amg at the moment, so no immediate plans to change, but it is something I will look at in the spring/summer, budget would be around 40k so the sl 65 amg and ferrari 360 are the two I am considering at the moment. Totally different cars of course, would be tempted by an sl 65 as it's much more low-key car and I could go anywhere in it, would feel comfortable parking it most places so ultimately would get a lot more use out of it.
I have owned a tuned sl55 which is still not in the league of a stock sl65 but not far off. What I would add is that driveability does suffer a great deal with the immense torque figures these cars produce at low revs, the traction control is always kicking in so you are rarely full throttle esp on most UK roads which are neither perfectly flat nor straight! Otherwise these cars are fabulous GT cruisers, sound incredible and ridiculously fast
Btw the 0-60 figures vary greatly and I wouldn't worry too much about these, sl65 is definitely a sub 4sec car. Have imported a low mileage SL65 2004 year and taken for first run after registering etc. A few years ago had SL 55 pace car version the 65 feels alot smoother and more powerful. From about 70mph upwards it is very very fast. My previous car was a 997 Porsche Turbo tuned to 530bhp that was very fast but the SL65 feels easily its equal once on the move.
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