The innovative technology of the new SL 63 AMG is reflected in the athletic
and dynamic lines of the AMG bodystyling. At the same time the new high-performance roadster is visually more distinguishable from the series production SL-Class than ever before. The distinctive AMG bonnet more than hints at the unique power unit underneath, as does the “6.3 AMG” lettering on the matt-silver-painted AMG trim panels on the front wings. A striking and unmistakable impression is also made by the new-look front apron with a more pronounced wedge shape, black-painted radiator grille, larger cooling air intakes and lower transverse fin painted in black. The hot air from the additional engine oil cooler in the front wheel arch escapes through side air outlets in the front apron. Bi-xenon headlamps with their dark surrounds, and large round fog lamps set well to the side in chrome surrounds also emphasise the vehicle's width. The exterior mirrors also have a completely new look: the side indicator repeaters are not only in ultra-fast LED technology, but also have a pronounced arrow shape.

The AMG bodystyling also includes the AMG side skirts and the powerful AMG rear apron with its characteristic black diffuser insert. A visual and acoustic feast comes in the guise of the AMG sports exhaust with two chromed twin tailpipes. The AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces lift for improved handling stability at high speeds.

The decidedly sporty aura of the SL 63 AMG continues in the interior, with an alluring combination of exclusive equipment details and a dynamic, practical look. Genuine carbon-fibre trim on the centre console and inner door panels create a luxurious atmosphere. Precise handling is assured by the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in a three-spoke design. The grip area is specially shaped and covered in perforated leather, while the vertical spoke is embellished by a silver-coloured insert. The seven gears of the AMG MCT sports transmission can be shifted using the aluminium AMG shift paddles.

Behind the steering wheel is the likewise new AMG instrument cluster with its distinctive graphics, 320 km/h speedometer scale, red needles and “6.3 V8” lettering in the rev counter. As soon as the ignition is switched on, the speedometer and rev counter needles rotate in unison around the dials to their maximum values and then instantly revert to their original positions. An unmistakable signal to the driver: “Start your engine”.

The two dial instruments are shielded by a twin shroud lined in nappa leather with double topstitching. The AMG main menu integrated in the AMG instrument cluster keeps the driver fully informed. The right-hand display not only shows the currently engaged gear, but in “M” mode also an upshift recommendation: when the red sector of the rev counter has almost been reached, a flashing red display indicates the need to change up. The AMG main menu also includes the “RACETIMER”, which not only provides information on the engine oil temperature, battery voltage and lap time on the racetrack, but also shows the active transmission drive mode including the Race Start function and the selected ESP® mode. New, exclusive equipment for the SL 63 AMG with AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission includes the AMG selector lever in a leather/carbon-fibre finish and the stylishly integrated AMG DRIVE UNIT with rotary switch for the four drive modes and buttons for ESP Ò , suspension set-up and the AMG mode.

The standard specification also includes multi-way electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with multicontour and memory functions, seat heating, AMG-specific perforation pattern and seat design, and AMG badge. The fine nappa leather upholstery is available in a choice of four attractive colours:

The extensive standard appointments also include (selection):

The new-generation SL is also fit for the future where information, entertainment and communications technology is concerned: Mercedes-Benz has improved the standard COMAND system even further, and equipped it with additional functions. Infotainment at its finest: the multimedia unit combines the car radio with twin tuner, telephone operation, CD/DVD changer and an SD memory card slot. New features include a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly links a mobile phone to the standard hands-free system, and the 6.5-inch colour display which simplifies operation and acts as a high-resolution monitor when viewing DVD films – though for safety reasons not during a journey.

The optionally available COMAND APS system treats Mercedes customers to even more high-tech electronics. This unit is also equipped with a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a 40-gigabyte hard disc and therefore allow particularly fast route calculation. Musical enjoyment is provided by an integrated CD/DVD-changer and a music register holding around 1000 tracks in the MP3 format. Song titles and performers are automatically recognised by a stored database (Gracenote) and shown in the colour display. The standard features of COMAND APS also include latest-generation LINGUATRONIC voice control, which operates the navigation system, telephone and audio units by whole-word commands. This means that the driver need no longer spell out his commands, but merely has to say what he requires when entering a destination, selecting a radio station or choosing a name from the stored telephone directory.

For the first time there is also the option of connecting an iPod, USB stick or other external audio units to the COMAND system. A newly developed universal media interface in the centre console makes this possible. This is much more than just an electronic “socket”: the UCI (Universal Consumer Interface) also has a control unit that connects the external music files with the operating system of the SL. This means that the music stored in an iPod is also displayed in the instrument cluster and the COMAND display in the centre console, and can be conveniently selected using the keys on the multifunction steering wheel. While the portable audio unit is connected to the onboard system via the UCI, its battery is also charged.

For the ultimate onboard sound experience Mercedes-Benz can also equip the new-generation SL with the “Logic7®” surround sound system by Harman Kardon®, which is also used in the S-Class and has won several quality awards in independent tests. This sound system has an output of 510 watts, and transforms the interior of the SL 63 AMG into a mobile concert hall with the help of ten high-performance loudspeakers and the latest surround technology – even when the vario-roof is open.

The optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating system is a new addition. At the push of a button, it blows warm air through the head restraints. This Mercedes invention has been available for the SLK Roadster since 2004, and provides open-air
motoring pleasure in the SL 63 AMG even if there is a chill in the air.

The system is based on two small blowers in the head restraints of the integral seats. These conduct air through an electric heating element, where it is rapidly warmed. The warm air flows from special vents in the front face of the head restraint, warming the head, neck and shoulder area of the seat occupant. The required heating level can be selected in three stages for each seat, using a switch in the door panel. An automatic control system adjusts the temperature to suit the vehicle speed, thereby optimising occupant comfort.

The Intelligent Light System familiar from the C and E-Class, which offers five different lighting functions, is now also available as an option for the SL 63 AMG. These functions are designed for typical driving and weather situations: country mode, motorway mode, enhanced fog lamps, the cornering light function and the active light function. The variably controlled bi-xenon headlamps automatically activate the different lighting functions. Motorway mode is activated in two stages from 90 km/h, and increases the driver’s range of visibility by up to 60 percent.

The active light function responds to the steering angle and pivots the headlamps to the side when the driver enters a bend in the road. On an extended bend this allows him to see around 25 metres further than with conventional dipped beams. The cornering light function is automatically activated when the driver turns the wheel and/or operates the indicators at speeds below 70 km/h. This means that the cornering light function not only offers more safety when turning off at crossroads and junctions, but is also active during low-speed cornering and provides better illumination of the road verges. The enhanced fog lamps cast a wide beam to illuminate the edges of the road, enabling the driver to find his way safely. In this way intelligent headlamp technology makes a major contribution to road safety.

The dynamic appeal of the SL 63 AMG can be further enhanced with exclusive optional extras from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO. These include:

Further personalisation of the SL 63 AMG is possible with the extensive range of designo items. The exclusive designo range has enjoyed increasing popularity since its first launch more than twelve years ago. AMG customers in particular like to opt for this unique personalisation range, and give their roadster that very personal and unusual touch.

Twelve different designo metallic paint finishes in particularly scratch-resistant nano-technology can be combined with twelve single-tone designo leather interiors – with practically no limit to personal taste. If Exclusive designo leather is specified, not only the seats and centre door panels and the lower door sections, but also the lower section of the dashboard, the instrument cluster shroud, the armrest cover, the parcel shelf and the centre console are lined in the chosen designo leather colour. The liner of the vario-roof and the A and C-pillars are lined in anthracite, alpaca grey or pebble beige Alcantara. designo wood trim is also available in natural matt oak grain, as well as the unique designo stone trim of genuine granite: Labrador blue pearl and Star Galaxy.

Other optional extras for the SL 63 AMG (selection):

Mercedes-Benz set new trends in open-top car development with the vario-roof, which celebrated its world premiere in the Mercedes-Benz SLK in 1996. At the touch of a button, this folding hardtop turns the SL 63 AMG into a weatherproof, year-round car with the day-to-day practicality and noise comfort of a coupé. Turning the SL 63 AMG into a coupé (or vice versa) takes only 16 seconds. Customers wanting a touch of typical open-air roadster feeling even with the roof closed can opt for a glass version of the vario-roof, which treats the occupants to unique all-round visibility. This optional extra creates a large glass surface extending from the windscreen and across the roof area to the rear window.