Mercedes-Benz SL AMG PHEV

Model Overview

The Mercedes-AMG SL PHEV serves as the plug-in hybrid flagship of the legendary SL roadster lineage under Mercedes-AMG. Tracing its roots back to 1952, the SL is one of the longest-running sports car nameplates in Mercedes-Benz history, staying true to its "Sport Leicht" (Sport Lightweight) ethos throughout. In 2021, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the all-new seventh-generation SL (codenamed R232) — developed entirely in-house by AMG for the first time, and debuting a plug-in hybrid powertrain option. Positioned as an "electrified open-top sports car", the SL PHEV combines high-performance hybrid technology with its iconic soft-top silhouette and classic front-engine layout, delivering a dual breakthrough in performance and efficiency. In the Chinese market, this model is designated as the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE.

Design Language

The seventh-generation SL embraces an all-new design language that strikes a fine balance between heritage cues and contemporary styling. Up front, it sports AMG's signature Panamericana grille with vertical slats finished in chrome. The headlamp clusters feature Digital Light technology with adaptive high-beam assist and projection capabilities. Along the sides, the classic SL proportions remain unmistakable with a long wheelbase, short front overhang, and extended rear overhang, complemented by frameless doors and flush retractable door handles that accentuate its sleek silhouette. At the rear, an active deployable spoiler is paired with quad trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and slim, inverted-triangular LED taillights. The fabric soft-top can be deployed or stowed in roughly 15 seconds at vehicle speeds of up to 60 km/h.

Dimensionally, the roadster measures 4,705 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width, and 1,359 mm in height, riding on a 2,700 mm wheelbase. Inside, the cabin adopts a driver-focused "Hyperanalogue" cockpit philosophy. The centre console houses an 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment display with electric tilt adjustment (from 12 to 32 degrees) to minimise sunlight glare during top-down driving. This is complemented by a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster featuring AMG-specific display graphics. Premium appointments include generous lashings of Nappa leather, Alcantara, carbon-fibre inserts, and metallic accents, available in various colour combinations.

Powertrain and Performance

The SL PHEV is powered by a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine and a rear-axle electric drive motor:

• Engine: 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine (model M177), delivering a maximum output of 450 kW (approximately 612 hp) and a peak torque of 850 Nm.

• Electric Motor: Rear-axle permanently excited synchronous motor generating 150 kW (approximately 204 hp) and 320 Nm, integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission.

• Total System Output: 600 kW (approximately 816 hp) and a combined system torque of 1,420 Nm.

Power is sent through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission (wet multi-clutch automatic transmission) paired with a front-engine, all-wheel-drive layout via the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive system. The century sprint from 0-100 km/h takes just 2.9 seconds, hitting 0-200 km/h in 9.4 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 317 km/h.

Supplying the electric drive is a 6.1 kWh liquid-cooled high-performance battery pack mounted above the rear axle. It yields an all-electric driving range of around 13 km under the WLTP cycle and supports fast charging. In pure electric mode, top speed is capped at 140 km/h, during which the vehicle operates exclusively in rear-wheel drive.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinning the seventh-generation SL is an AMG-exclusive all-aluminium space frame body structure, which boasts an 18% increase in torsional rigidity over its predecessor. Suspension duties are handled by front and rear five-link independent setups, paired with AMG RIDE CONTROL adaptive suspension (with three-stage adjustable damping) and an active hydraulic roll stabilisation system that actively counteracts body roll through corners.

The vehicle comes standard with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive system, capable of seamlessly distributing torque between the front and rear axles from 0:100 to 50:50 based on driving dynamics and road conditions. An electronic limited-slip rear differential further bolsters cornering traction. Steering is managed by AMG speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering with a variable gear ratio. Braking power comes from the AMG high-performance composite braking system (six-piston fixed callipers front, single-piston floating callipers rear), with an AMG carbon-ceramic braking system available as an option.

Drivers can toggle between six drive modes: Electric, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, and Individual. In Race mode, the vehicle can engage the AMG Dynamics vehicle dynamics control system to achieve optimal lap times through coordinated strategies between the electric motor and the engine. As a convertible roadster, the SL also features the proprietary "Airscarf" neck-level heating system and an adjustable draught stop to ensure year-round open-top driving comfort.

Cockpit and Features

The SL adopts a 2+2 seating layout (with the compact rear seats suited for short trips or extra luggage). Up front, AMG sports seats come standard with multi-way power adjustment, heating, and memory functions; AMG Performance seats and seat ventilation are available as options.

In terms of comfort and convenience features, standard kit includes dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and a powered boot lid. The infotainment setup is driven by the third-generation MBUX multimedia system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected navigation, over-the-air (OTA) updates, AMG-specific instrumentation, and track data logging functions. The audio system comes standard with a Burmester® surround sound system (with a high-end 4D surround sound system available as an option).

Safety and Intelligent Driving

On the active safety front, the SL PHEV is equipped with Mercedes-Benz's latest suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), delivering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Key features include Active Brake Assist (with pedestrian detection), Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control), and Traffic Sign Assist. A 360-degree surround-view camera and front/rear parking sensors also come standard. Passive safety is reinforced by the high-rigidity aluminium body structure and a comprehensive airbag suite (including dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags).

Market Positioning and Verdict

As Mercedes-Benz's most historic sports car nameplate, the SL has undergone seven generations of evolution since its 1952 debut. With development completely spearheaded by AMG for the first time, this latest generation signifies the SL's transformation from a Mercedes-Benz flagship GT into a full-fledged AMG performance flagship. The introduction of the SL PHEV is a key milestone in AMG's "E-Performance" electrification strategy in the convertible roadster segment. Its hybrid powertrain cascades Formula 1 technology directly to production vehicles: the rear-mounted electric motor and two-speed gearbox deliver instantaneous torque fill during corner-exit acceleration while recharging the battery via regenerative braking.

In the high-end convertible segment, the SL PHEV goes head-to-head with rivals such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet and Ferrari 296 GTS. Rather than being an uncompromising track weapon or a sedate cruiser, it strikes a fine balance between both worlds — retaining the theatrical flair of a soft-top convertible and the visceral V8 soundtrack, while meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards through plug-in hybrid power. The pricing of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE in the Chinese market will sit at the pinnacle of the AMG SL range, standing out as a formidable and unique presence in the ultra-luxury open-top sports car arena.