Mercedes-AMG released the latest member of its iconic roadster SL – SL 63 S E Performance. This is also the first hybrid version in the history of this model and the most powerful one.
AMG’s fifth plug-in hybrid model, the SL 63 S E Performance will go on sale next year and will be one of the fastest convertibles on the market.
The car uses basically the same powertrain as the AMG GT 63 S E Performance and S63 E Performance sedans, powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a maximum power of 603 horsepower, coupled with a 201-horsepower rear electric motor. Combined, the comprehensive output reaches an astonishing 804 horsepower and the peak torque reaches 1420 Nm.
Thanks to its powerful powertrain, the SL 63 S E Performance can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 315 km/h, which is only slightly slower than the McLaren 750S and Porsche 911 Turbo S convertibles. a little.
The new car’s braking system uses carbon ceramic brake discs and is equipped with PHEV-specific bronze calipers. The new car’s electric motor is directly connected to the rear axle and provides power when accelerating, overtaking and starting off. It’s connected to a two-speed gearbox that’s mated to an engine-matched six-speed automatic that can send its power to the front wheels when the rear wheels start to lose grip. The car also comes standard with rear-wheel steering to improve low- and high-speed handling.
To provide better grip in high-demand situations, the new car’s rear axle is equipped with a mechanical limited-slip differential, above which is mounted a “lightweight, high-performance” 400V battery developed jointly with the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team. Group. The battery pack has been specially developed to deliver reliable performance in high-demand situations, with a special focus on improving heat dissipation, and the vehicle can travel up to 13 kilometers in pure electric mode.
The new car offers eight driving modes: Electric, Battery Hold, Comfort, Smoothness, Sport, Sport Plus, Race and Individual, each with different throttle response, shift speed, steering effort, sound and chassis damping. Up to four energy recovery levels are available in each mode, allowing more than 100 kilowatts of power to be recovered into the battery pack.
The new car will only use electric power when it is started, but the driver will hear the simulated engine sound of the V8 engine in the car.
Design-wise, the car remains largely unchanged from the standard SL 63 AMG, but adds a charging port on the rear bumper and red “E Performance” badges on the trunk and front fenders.
The plug-in hybrid also rides on bespoke, aerodynamically optimized 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels, while more aerodynamic elements include a carbon fiber front spoiler, and a ducktail rear spoiler.
