Peter Lyon
November 6, 2024
Entering the Mercedes-AMG Malaysia lineup alongside the SL43 and G63 will be the sporty SL63 4Matic+, a car that was introduced in August of last year, and was finally launched today.
The S63 4Matic+ (also called the 4M+ for short) is fully imported from Germany and costs RM1,898,888 in Malaysia on the road and comes with a standard four-year unlimited mileage warranty.
With the fully-fitted AMG kit, which includes more aggressive bumper designs with carbon fibre inserts, carbon fibre wing mirrors, and less chrome treatment that also covers the 21-inch AMG 10-twin-spoke alloys, the SL63 4Matic+ stands out against the SL43 even though the S63 is no longer the top-of-the-range AMG roadster globally.
Given the nature of such a flashy high performance two-door, it comes as no surprise to see this AMG get bright yellow brake calipers. In contrast to round exhaust pipes, the squarish quad tailpipes at the back, also compliment the brake calipers.
The main distinction between the two is that the powertrains are located beneath the long, low-slung bonnet. The SL63 4Matic+ is fitted with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 585 horsepower and 800 Nm, which could be the last V8 used in an AMG coupe.
With its fully-variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system and AMG Speedshift MCT 9G nine-speed automatic transmission, the SL63 can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds (compared to 4.9 seconds for the SL43). If you keep your foot firmly planted, it’ll reach a top speed of 315 km/h.
In addition, the SL63 4Matic+ is equipped with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, which combines active rear-wheel steering and active anti-roll stabilisation with the AMG locking rear differential delivering a more thrilling driving experience.
The SL63 sets itself apart from the SL43’s interior with carbon fibre accents on the door cards, centre console, and dashboard rather than aluminium or piano black. Nappa leather upholstery, an 11-speaker Burmester sound system, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, an AMG Performance steering wheel, an 11.9-inch portrait centre touchscreen running the most recent version of the MBUX operating system, and an Airscarf feature integrated into the seats are among the other features that are essentially the same for both versions. And that stylish cloth roof can be opened in 15 seconds and function at up to 60 km/h.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
While it’s the pinnacle of Mercedes SLs, this SL63 looks like being the last model to employ a V8—given that the electrification age is coming on strong. The 585 hp engine it gets is truly sensational, delivers lightning fast response thanks to the 9-speed gearbox and that deep throaty sound is a rumble for the ages. However the slightly elevated price of just under RM2M will sort out those with deep pockets.
