Who says hybrids have to be uninteresting? Mercedes-Benz obviously does not believe so, since it has now launched the most powerful version of its legendary SL model ever made, with all of that power coming from electricity.
It’s not all down to battery packs and electric motors, though, because there’s still a massive 4-litre Biturbo V8 engine under the hood that produces an amazing 603bhp. However, Mercedes-AMG has combined it with a 201bhp rear-axle motor for a total system output of 805bhp. We’re not sure where the German label acquired the additional horse, either.
The most powerful SL is also one of the fastest, with Mercedes boasting a 0-60mph time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 196mph, which is electronically limited. Because 200 mph would have been ridiculous.
Although hybrid in nature, the SL 63 S E Performance can only travel eight miles on electricity alone, thus the 6.1 kWh battery is primarily there for increased performance.
Everything is operational
In terms of driving experience, this is very much an AMG product, with a clever all-wheel-drive system that can deliver power to whichever axle needs it the most, and no fewer than seven different modes to choose from, ranging from pure electric (for eight miles, remember) to shouty RACE mode. There’s even rear-axle steering for improved handling.
To deal with the massive amount of power on offer, Mercedes-AMG has also designed an optional AMG Aerodynamics Package, which includes an active aerodynamic ‘element’ hidden in the underbody in front of the engine.
This lowers automatically at speeds of 50mph or above, creating a ‘Venturi effect’ that “sucks the car to the road and reduces front-axle lift,” according to Mercedes-AMG.
In addition, engineers decided to include a retractable rear spoiler that deploys and changes position based on the drive mode.
“In the Mercedes-Benz portfolio, the SL has always been an icon.” “The latest version of the legendary roadster carries this status forward,” stated Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG.
For the time being, this is only a first look, so there’s no news on pricing, but given that the ‘regular’ SL63 costs over ₹170,76271.87 / $205,000 / AUS$375,000, you can bet it won’t be cheap
