Mercedes-AMG SL63 S E Performance Debuts As A 804 HP Super-PHEV Roadster

Seventh-gen (R232) Mercedes-AMG SL-Class roadster gains a new super-PHEV variant christened as the
'SL63 S E Performance'.

The seventh generation (R232) Mercedes-AMG SL-Class roadster range has grown this week with the debut of a new and electrified variant. Christened as the Mercedes-AMG SL63 S E Performance, added electrification sees Mercedes’s flagship open-top roadster offering gain lots more power.

Typical of Mercedes-AMG, the ‘E Performance’ suffix sees this version of the latest-gen SL pair up the famed Affalterbach-based performance arm’s signature 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo heart with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup – the latter comprised of a rear-mounted electric motor and 6.1 kWh battery.

In this guise, the SL pairs AMG's signature 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo with added electrification, altogether delivering whopping outputs of 804 HP and 1,420 NM!

Said PHEV system, which is a 400-volt system designed to grant performance boost, features direct cooling to keep the batteries at optimal temperature. It also offers up to four levels of regenerative braking, single-pedal driving mode, and up 13 KM of full-electric driving.

Whilst the hand-built V8 itself delivers 603 HP, added electrification contributes a further 201 HP into the mix. The total system outputs? A whopping 804 HP and gravity-defying 1,420 NM of twist. This alone sees this model stand as the most powerful version of the SL-Class ever conceived.

This super-PHEV powertrain gets paired with Mercedes-AMG’s slick 9-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and trick 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive (AWD). Altogether, it sees this roadster despatch 0-100 KM/H in just 2.9 seconds before maxing out at a claimed 317 KM/H.

0-100 KM/H is despatched in just 2.9 seconds. Mercedes-AMG also added uprated active aerodynamics.

Elsewhere, there’s uprated active aerodynamics that now includes a hidden element in the underbody that can extend downward by 40 MM at 80 KM/H. This creates a Venturi effect that keeps the car glued to the road and reduce front axle lift. There’s also updated software controls for extendable rear spoiler, which now provides up to five new positions.

The SL63 S E Performance adopts bronze-finished six-piston calipers up front that grab massive 420 MM ceramic composite rotors – larger than the ones fitted in the SL63 variant. These hide behind 20-inch multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with staggered profiles – 9.5-inch (front) and 11-inch (rear). Also primed are AMG Active Ride Control suspension with semi-active roll stabilsation, and active rear-axle steering.

A tell-tale trait of this PHEV variant is the presence  of a battery charge port flat in the rear bumper, model badge finished in red, added ‘E Performance’ quarter panel badges, as well as distinct grooved trapezoidal twin tailpipes.

On board, the SL63 S E Performance's cabin appears similar to the regular SL63 and SL43 variants, albeit with digital displays now feature added PHEV displays and functions.

On board, the cabin appears similar to the SL63 – and SL43 – variant. AMG sports seats are standard kit, but there’s an option for performance buckets with integrated headrests, and single- and dual-tone nappa leather upholstery choices. Also, the digital displays get added PHEV-specific displays and functions.

Should the SL63 S E Performance’s standard styling and aesthetics be just a tad vanilla, then fret not as the model can be extensively customised via the three-point star’s Manufaktur program. Through which comes the offer of unique interior and exterior styling options such as diamond-quilted leather upholstery.

You can check out more images of Mercedes-AMG’s latest super-PHEV in the gallery below. In the meantime, are you digging this open-top flavour of House Affalterbach’s V8-based E Performance recipe? As usual, share your take in the comments section below, and our social media pages…