Launched: Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ - V8 Roadster, From RM1.9 Million

At last, MBM has launched the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ locally, and it packs a 'proper' V8 heart in this guise.

Having launched the seventh-generation (R232) SL roadster in Mercedes-AMG SL 43 4Matic+ form prior, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has elected to up the ante today by introducing the more powerful and V8-engined Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ variant of which instead.

The model arguably stood as the ‘crown jewel’ amongst the slew of new models (like this and this) launched by MBM this week through its second ‘Luxury Like No Other’ event happening this week at the Cycle & Carriage Bintang Autohaus, Mutiara Damansara.

The SL 63 stands as the 'crown jewel' of MBM's Luxury Like No Other event happening this week at CCB Autohaus Mutiara Damansara.

Back to the SL and, at long last, discerning HNWIs seeking the three-point star marque’s flagship roadster with an arguably ‘proper’ heart can now place their orders for one locally. Unlike the SL 43 variant launched prior, the SL 63 version launched today packs significantly more power.

Under the hood, the SL 63 is primed with a signature hand-built 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol mill outputting 585 HP and 800 NM. In Contrast, it boasts 204 PS and 320 NM more than the SL 43 which, as a refresher, only packs a 4-cyl mill.

Paired with the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive (AWD), the SL 63 despatches 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 3.6 secs before topping out at 315 KM/H.

In SL 63 guise, this flagship roadster packs a signature hand-built 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo heart offering 585 HP and 800 NM to enable 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 4.9 secs.

Added agility and ride versatility stems from the SL 63’s adoption of key chassis tech such as AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active anti-roll stabilisation, active rear-wheel steer, as well as an electronic AMG locking rear diff and AMG dynamic engine mounts.

The last three all come from the AMG Dynamic Plus package that’s primed as standard for Malaysia-bound SL 63 units. From which too comes an additional ‘Race’ drive mode on top of the existing Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes.

Versus the SL 43 variant launched prior, the SL 63 also gains beefed-up looks thanks to angrier-looking bumpers and forged AMG wheels.

Moreover, the SL 63 packs the beefed-up style and stance to match its added grunt. It includes angrier-looking front and rear bumpers, 21-inch 10-spoke AMG forged allow wheels dressed in black, as well as AMG brake calipers finished in yellow.

As usual, both the AMG Night Package and AMG Exterior Carbon Package both come as standard fitment in this flagship roadster, and these complement the Digital Light with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus primed up front.

Wind-in-hair thrills comes courtesy of the SL's signature retractable soft-top, taking just 15 seconds to retract and deploy on the move up to speeds of 60 KM/H.

This being a roadster, the other key element to its draw is of course its retractable soft-top which, according to the three-point star, takes just 15 seconds to retract or deploy at speeds up to 60 KM/H.

On board, the SL 63 continues to also deliver high levels of luxury in its cabin that all other three-point star offerings pack, albeit with a racier twist. Highlights include AMG Performance nappa leather sealts, black microfibre roof liner, AMG Carbon Fibre trim, and the AMG Performance flat-bottomed steering wheel.

As for tech, the SL 63 sees its cabin laced with the signature 11.9-inch portrait-oriented MBUX touchscreen infotainment display, MBUX Interior Assistant, an 11-speaker Burmester audio suite, novel ‘Airscarf’, not forgetting the Driving Assistance Package as well.

On board, it's the usual high-end luxury affair all three-point star offerings are renowned for, albeit with a racier AMG-badged twist.

Should all this tickle your fancy, then be prepared to part ways with copious amounts of Ringgits to order one – as any of the marque’s three-lettered performance specials justifiably warrants. Sans insurance, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ commands a whopping RM1,898,888. As usual, MBM’s will throw in its four-year unlimited mileage warranty into said price too.

Of course, that’s not all. Looking ahead, MBM also confirmed plans to further expand the seventh-gen SL range locally by introducing the electrified plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance. This range-topper boasts 805 PS and physics-defying 1,420 NM instead plus a 0-100 KM/H time of 2.9 secs. However, no timeline for its arrival was given just yet.

 Nevertheless, what do we reckon, folks? Would you opt for this over arguably pricier rivals from Porsche, Aston Martin or even Ferrari? Or would you wait for the electrified version to land? Share your take in the comments below…