Mercedes SL-Class AMG

Specs: what the extra power actually buys

All 23 versions are Roadster bodies. Drive is RWD until 4 generation, where SL AMG 63 S 4.0 AT Performance 4Matic, SL AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus and SL AMG 55 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus switch to AWD. Gearboxes are Automatic throughout: 5 speeds on 1 generation and most 2 generation cars, 7 on 2 generation, restyling 2 6.2 AT and all 3 generation cars, 9 from 3 generation, restyling onward.

All 23 versions are Roadster bodies. Drive is RWD until 4 generation, where SL AMG 63 S 4.0 AT Performance 4Matic, SL AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus and SL AMG 55 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus switch to AWD. Gearboxes are Automatic throughout: 5 speeds on 1 generation and most 2 generation cars, 7 on 2 generation, restyling 2 6.2 AT and all 3 generation cars, 9 from 3 generation, restyling onward.

4 generation (from 2021-10-01, end date not measured) is the only generation that can outrun the old 250 km/h ceiling on more than one version. SL AMG 63 S 4.0 AT Performance 4Matic and SL AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus both reach 100 km/h in 3.6 s and 315 km/h. The S-badge does not buy a quicker sprint; it buys 231 hp (816 vs 585) and 620 Nm (1420 vs 800) on the same 3982 cm³ V-shaped 8 Turbo layout. Combined consumption is the same 12.9 L/100 km; kerb mass is the same 1970 kg. Arithmetic: the S version is 2.41 kg per hp versus 3.37 kg per hp on the 585 hp car — 28% less mass per horsepower — for a 0.0 s difference to 100 km/h. What the extra output buys is the 1420 Nm figure, not a shorter 0–100.

SL AMG 55 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus uses the same 3982 cm³ 8 Turbo and AWD, but 476 hp and 700 Nm. Versus the 585 hp SL AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus that is −109 hp and −100 Nm, +0.3 s to 100 km/h (3.9 vs 3.6) and −20 km/h top speed (295 vs 315). Kerb mass is 1950 kg, 20 kg less. Power per litre is 119.5 hp/L versus 146.9 hp/L. Combined consumption is again 12.9 L/100 km — the 55 does not return a measured fuel saving for the 109 hp you give up.

The two SL AMG 43 names split on displacement in the name but not in the data: both SL AMG 43 4.0 AT and SL AMG 43 2.0 AT are listed at 1991 cm³, 4 cylinders, Inline, Front, longitudinal, RWD, Automatic 9. SL AMG 43 2.0 AT is the stronger of the pair: 421 hp and 500 Nm versus 381 hp and 489 Nm, 4.7 s versus 4.9 s, 278 km/h versus 275 km/h, 1735 kg versus 1810 kg. Boost labels differ: Turbo on SL AMG 43 2.0 AT, Compressor on SL AMG 43 4.0 AT. Combined consumption is 9.0 versus 9.1 L/100 km. City and highway figures exist only for SL AMG 43 2.0 AT (9.2 / 7.7); they are not measured for SL AMG 43 4.0 AT. If you are choosing a 4 generation car on numbers alone, SL AMG 43 2.0 AT beats SL AMG 43 4.0 AT on power, mass, sprint, top speed and the one consumption line both share.

Engine table: every version, distinguished by horsepower

Same names, different outputs: SL AMG 63 5.5 AT appears at 571, 585 and 537 hp; 6.0 AT at 612 and 670 hp; 5.4 AT at 517, 476, 500 and 354 hp. Injection is Distributed injection (multi-point) on most cars, Direct injection (direct) on 3 generation SL AMG 65 6.0 AT and SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (537 hp), Combined injection (direct-distributed) on SL AMG 43 2.0 AT, and not measured on SL AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus, SL AMG 55 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus and SL AMG 43 4.0 AT. Fuel grade is 98 from 3 generation onward and on 2 generation, restyling 2; 95 on 2 generation, 2 generation, restyling, 1 generation and 1 generation, restyling.

Power per litre (hp ÷ litres) is the cleanest way to see what each engine family is doing. SL AMG 43 2.0 AT leads at 211.5 hp/L. SL AMG 63 S 4.0 AT Performance 4Matic is 204.9 hp/L. SL AMG 43 4.0 AT is 191.4 hp/L despite the “4.0” in the name. The 5461 cm³ eights sit around 98–107 hp/L. The 5980 cm³ twelves sit around 102–112 hp/L, with 6.0 AT (670 hp) at 112.0. Naturally aspirated 1 generation, restyling 7.3 AT is 72.0 hp/L — more displacement, less specific output.

Performance and economy: 0–100, top speed, mpg-equivalent litres

Top speed is 250 km/h on every 1 generation, 2 generation (except one), and 3 generation version. The exceptions are 2 generation, restyling 2 6.0 AT (670 hp) at 320 km/h, and 4 generation at 315 / 315 / 295 / 275 / 278 km/h for the five versions in table order. If a 250 km/h limiter is acceptable, sprint times — not the limiter — separate the cars.

Fastest 0–100: 3.6 s, shared by SL AMG 63 S 4.0 AT Performance 4Matic and SL AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus. Next: 3.9 s on SL AMG 55 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus and on 6.0 AT (670 hp). Then 4.0 s on 3 generation, restyling SL AMG 65 6.0 AT. The slowest measured sprint is 1 generation, restyling 5.4 AT at 5.9 s; 1 generation 6.0 AT is 5.8 s.

Fuel: mixed figures run from 9.0 L/100 km (SL AMG 43 2.0 AT) to 15.9 (7.3 AT). 3 generation SL AMG 63 5.5 AT at 585 hp is the efficient V8: 13.9 / 7.6 / 9.9 city / highway / mixed. After restyling, the 585 hp SL AMG 63 5.5 AT is 14.2 / 7.7 / 10.1 — 0.2 L/100 km worse mixed, in return for 9 speeds and 900 Nm instead of 800 Nm. The 571 hp twin of that restyling is thirstier still: 15.1 / 9.8 / 11.7 and 268 g/km CO2 versus 234 g/km on the 585 hp restyling car. Same 4.1 s, same 250 km/h, same 1845 kg: the 571 hp SL AMG 63 5.5 AT is the version not to pick if both restyling 63s are on the lot.

The twelve-cylinder SL AMG 65 6.0 AT in 3 generation, restyling uses 17.4 / 8.8 / 11.9 versus 14.2 / 7.7 / 10.1 on the 585 hp 63 — +3.2 / +1.1 / +1.8 L/100 km — for +45 hp, +100 Nm, −0.1 s (4.0 vs 4.1) and the same 250 km/h. That is 0.1 s of sprint for 1.8 L/100 km extra mixed and 105 kg extra kerb mass (1950 vs 1845).

Not measured, and therefore not implied: city and highway consumption on SL AMG 63 S 4.0 AT Performance 4Matic, SL AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus, SL AMG 55 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus, SL AMG 43 4.0 AT, 6.0 AT (670 hp), and 7.1 AT. CO2 is not measured on 3 generation SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (585 hp), on both 2 generation, restyling 2 6.0 AT (612 hp) and 6.2 AT, on 2 generation, restyling, 2 generation, 1 generation, restyling and 1 generation. Eco class is not measured on those same older groups except 6.0 AT (670 hp) at Euro 4, 3 generation SL AMG 65 6.0 AT and SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (537 hp) at Euro 5, and the restyling 3 generation cars plus 3 generation SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (585 hp) at Euro 6. 4 generation eco class is not measured on all five versions.

Dimensions and weight: kg per horsepower

Lightest: 4 generation SL AMG 43 2.0 AT at 1735 kg, then 1 generation 6.0 AT at 1725 kg — 10 kg the other way: the 1993 car is the lightest AMG SL in the file at 1725 kg. Heaviest: 2 generation / 2 generation, restyling 2 6.0 AT at 2120 kg kerb, 2385 kg gross.

Kg per hp (kerb ÷ hp), lower is denser:

• SL AMG 63 S 4.0 AT Performance 4Matic: 1970 / 816 = 2.41
• 3 generation, restyling SL AMG 65 6.0 AT: 1950 / 630 = 3.10
• 3 generation, restyling SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (585 hp): 1845 / 585 = 3.15
• 6.0 AT (670 hp): 2120 / 670 = 3.16
• 3 generation, restyling SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (571 hp): 1845 / 571 = 3.23
• SL AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus: 1970 / 585 = 3.37
• 3 generation SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (537 hp): 1845 / 537 = 3.44
• SL AMG 43 2.0 AT: 1735 / 421 = 4.12
• SL AMG 55 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus: 1950 / 476 = 4.10
• 1 generation 6.0 AT: 1725 / 381 = 4.53
• SL AMG 43 4.0 AT: 1810 / 381 = 4.75
• 1 generation, restyling 5.4 AT: 1890 / 354 = 5.34

Gross mass is not measured on four of five 4 generation cars; only SL AMG 43 2.0 AT lists 2185 kg. Ground clearance is not measured on 4 generation (all five), on 3 generation SL AMG 65 6.0 AT and SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (537 hp). Where it is measured: 97 mm on 3 generation SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (585 hp); 107 mm after restyling; 132 mm on 2 generation and 2 generation, restyling; 150 mm on 2 generation, restyling 2, 1 generation, restyling and 1 generation. The restyling of 3 generation raised the 585 hp 63 by 10 mm (97 → 107). 2 generation, restyling 2 raised the 612 hp 6.0 AT from 132 mm (2 generation, restyling, 2050 kg) to 150 mm and added 70 kg (2120 kg).

Tank: 70 L on 4 generation, 75 L on 3 generation (both), 80 L on 1 generation and 2 generation families. Wheel sizes stay 255/35 R19 + 285/30 R19 on most 2 and 3 generation cars; 3 generation, restyling SL AMG 65 6.0 AT steps the rear to 285/30 R20. 2 generation 5.4 AT cars use 255/40 R18 + 285/35 R18. 1 generation uses 245/40 R18 + 275/35 R18. 4 generation uses 255/45 R19 + 285/40 R19; SL AMG 43 2.0 AT also lists 265/40 R20 + 295/35 R20.

Suspension is Independent, spring front and rear on 1, 3 and 4 generation and on 2 generation / 2 generation, restyling. 2 generation, restyling 2 6.0 AT (612 hp) and 6.2 AT use Independent, pneumatic at both ends; 6.0 AT (670 hp) is pneumatic front and Independent, spring rear. Rear brakes on 2 generation, restyling 6.0 AT are Ceramic ventilated; others are Ventilated disc front and Disc ventilated or Disc rear (3 generation SL AMG 63 5.5 AT 585 hp is the Disc rear).

Which version to choose

Buy 4 generation if the job is speed and AWD. SL AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus matches the S car to 100 km/h (3.6 s) and to 315 km/h at 585 hp instead of 816 hp, same 1970 kg, same 12.9 L/100 km mixed, same 70 L tank. The S version’s 1420 Nm and 2.41 kg/hp are unique in the catalogue; they do not buy a shorter sprint in these figures. SL AMG 55 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus is the same 12.9 L/100 km for 109 hp less — there is no measured economy prize for stepping down. SL AMG 43 2.0 AT is the 4-cylinder pick: lightest 4 generation car (1735 kg), lowest mixed consumption (9.0), 4.7 s, 278 km/h, RWD. Do not take SL AMG 43 4.0 AT over SL AMG 43 2.0 AT on these numbers: it is slower, heavier, and not stronger.

Buy 3 generation, restyling if the job is a 5.5-litre V8 with 9 speeds. Between the two SL AMG 63 5.5 AT cars, the 585 hp one is the one to take: same 4.1 s and 250 km/h as the 571 hp car, 34 g/km less CO2 (234 vs 268), 1.6 L/100 km less mixed (10.1 vs 11.7). SL AMG 65 6.0 AT adds 45 hp and 100 Nm and 0.1 s, at +105 kg and +1.8 L/100 km mixed. Unless the 12-cylinder and 1000 Nm are the point, the 585 hp 63 is the restyling’s efficient choice.

Buy 3 generation (pre-restyle) only for the 7-speed 585 hp 63’s consumption. That SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (585 hp) is the lowest mixed V8 at 9.9 L/100 km, with 800 Nm (100 Nm less than restyling), 4.2 s (0.1 s slower), 97 mm clearance, CO2 not measured. The 537 hp SL AMG 63 5.5 AT is the same 9.9 mixed but 4.3 s, Euro 5, 328 g/km — skip it if the 585 hp 7-speed exists. SL AMG 65 6.0 AT here is Euro 5, 328 g/km, 4.1 s, 11.6 mixed; restyling keeps 630 hp / 1000 Nm, adds 2 gears, cuts CO2 to 279, and trims 0.1 s.

Buy 2 generation, restyling 2 6.0 AT (670 hp) if the job is a 320 km/h twelve. It is the only pre-2021 car above 250 km/h, 3.9 s, 2120 kg. Consumption is not measured. The 612 hp 6.0 AT in the same generation is 4.2 s, 250 km/h, 15.1 mixed — 0.3 s and 70 km/h behind, with figures you can actually quote. 6.2 AT (525 hp, No boost, 7-speed) is the naturally aspirated 8 of that window: 4.6 s, 13.9 mixed, 1895 kg — 225 kg lighter than the 612 hp twelve, 87 hp down, 0.4 s slower.

Buy 2 generation 5.4 AT (500 hp) over 5.4 AT (476 hp): same 4.7 s and 700 Nm, but 24 hp more and 1.2 L/100 km less mixed (13.0 vs 14.2). 2 generation, restyling 5.4 AT (517 hp) then adds 17 hp and 20 Nm and cuts mixed to 13.1, with 18-inch wheels and 4.5 s. The 612 hp 6.0 AT in 2 generation / restyling / restyling 2 stays at 4.2 s and ~15 L/100 km mixed; restyling cuts kerb from 2120 to 2050 kg then restyling 2 puts it back to 2120 and raises clearance 132 → 150 mm.

Buy 1 generation, restyling 7.3 AT if the job is displacement: 7291 cm³, 525 hp, 750 Nm, 4.8 s, 15.9 mixed, 2050 kg. 7.1 AT is 496 hp, 5.0 s, consumption not measured. 5.4 AT (354 hp) is the weakest AMG SL in the file (5.9 s, 5.34 kg/hp). 1 generation 6.0 AT (381 hp) is the lightest car overall (1725 kg) and mixes 11.5 L/100 km — better mixed than several later twelves — at 5.8 s and 250 km/h.

Cross-generation like-for-like: 585 hp appears three times — 4 generation SL AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus (3982 cm³, AWD, 3.6 s, 315 km/h, 1970 kg, 12.9 mixed), 3 generation, restyling SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (5461 cm³, RWD, 4.1 s, 250 km/h, 1845 kg, 10.1 mixed), 3 generation SL AMG 63 5.5 AT (5461 cm³, RWD, 4.2 s, 250 km/h, 1845 kg, 9.9 mixed). Same horsepower: the current 4.0 AWD car is 0.5–0.6 s quicker and 65 km/h faster, 125 kg heavier, and 2.8–3.0 L/100 km thirstier on mixed. 630 hp SL AMG 65 6.0 AT is unchanged in output from 3 generation to restyling; what changed is gears (7 → 9), 0–100 (4.1 → 4.0), eco class (Euro 5 → Euro 6), CO2 (328 → 279), mixed (11.6 → 11.9), injection (Direct injection (direct) → Distributed injection (multi-point)), valves per cylinder (4 → 3), and rear wheels (R19 → R20). 612 hp 6.0 AT is the same 4.2 s / 250 km/h from 2002 through 2011; only mass, clearance, fuel grade (95 → 98 in restyling 2) and, on restyling, rear Ceramic ventilated brakes move.

There are no prices in the data, so “what the extra money buys” is only what the extra specification buys: 231 hp and 620 Nm on the S 4.0 that do not shorten 0–100; 45 hp and 0.1 s on the restyling 65 that cost 1.8 L/100 km versus the 585 hp 63; 24 hp on 2 generation 5.4 AT (500 hp) that also cut mixed consumption; 58 hp on 6.0 AT (670 hp) that unlock 320 km/h. Pick by that arithmetic, with the version names left exactly as listed.