2016 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG

Introduced in 2012, the R231 generation of Mercedes-Benz SL had the distinction of being the first production Merc to use a full-aluminium body shell. This led to improvements in weight reduction (with the R231 being up to 140 kilos lighter than the car it replaced) and torsional rigidity. In 2016, the SL was updated with new front-end styling and other improvements, and on the top of the product line were the two AMG models: SL 63 and SL 65. What we have here is the former, a 2016 Mercedes-AMG SL 63. It’s not only lighter than before, with a 5.5-litre Biturbo V8, it’s more powerful, too; the official figures were 577 bhp and a colossal 664 lb.ft. A luxurious GT that would do 0-62 mph in about 4 seconds, and complement the pace with the aural drama that is quite frankly second to none.

This 2016 example exemplifies its luxury GT character not just by its dynamic abilities and pace but also through its high spec. Some of the optional extras ticked for this car include a Harman Kardon surround system, Distronic Plus and Steering Pilot, closing aid for doors, electric wind deflector and Airscarf, multi-contour seats, etc. It’s done 43,000 miles, has one former keeper (the vendor is its second owner, for the last four years), and comes with a full-service history. Apart from the regular service recently, the vendor has also had some parts replaced, effectively making it completely ready for its third owner. You can read more about the service, what’s been replaced, etc., below.

The R231 SL came exactly six decades after the 300 SL racing car catalysed the dream of making a road-going SL, which was turned to reality two years later. The R231 might’ve not had motorsport origins but it was no less special. While the standard version benefitted from trick ABC (anti-roll body control) and a nine-speed gearbox, the SL 63 didn’t need either. A hot rod in its truest sense, the car’s looks complement that with imposing styling all around, a long bonnet, and hunkered-down rear.

This Obsidian Black car has a little more than 40,000 miles and five years of use on it, but that’s not apparent. You’ll find some marks on the car, these are mainly stone chips on the paint and an odd scratch. For instance, there are some near the right headlamp, some on the far left side of the bumper, and the bonnet has a spot, too. Elsewhere, the black paint is shiny and works exceptionally well on the car. The stunning 19-inch AMG wheels look to be devoid of any damage and look just about perfect. The badges are in place, except the offside one, which seems to have an ‘i’ missing.

Unlike the convertible SLs of the past, from the R230 onwards, Mercedes had begun to offer a folding hardtop. On the R231 too, that trend continued, and it’s safe to say that the car looks equally good with the roof up and down. You can’t say that about a lot of other, similarly expensive cars, but then not a lot of other cars can compete with the SL in other departments, either.

The interior, for instance, is another strong point of the car. It might just have the seating capacity for two, but it’s a bonafide luxury sports car, so that’s pretty much what one would expect from it. The quality, fit, and finish are second to none, especially when compared to others in the segment. The dashboard design isn’t the newest, it doesn’t have a large screen, and the instrument cluster consists of actual meters and not screens. If you don’t think that’s too antique in comparison to modern sports cars, the SL’s cabin will win your heart. Like it has won ours.

This example is quite close to the perfect-spec SL 63 and it shows not just in the shiny black exterior but also its rather welcoming red interior. The nice mix of materials (carbon fibre, plastic, Nappa leather, etc.) gives this cabin a touch more individuality and class that can’t be taken away when the car ages. The optional extras for the interior include the multi-contour ventilated seats, which extend the side bolstering and thus the support when cornering hard. That ensures you can indulge in carrying more speed without having to cause any discomfort to yourself or the passenger. The presence of a panoramic roof means you don’t have to fold the roof down always to enjoy more light in the cabin. It also has lambswool over rugs.

In terms of condition, the AMG-badged seats do show their age but aren’t too tired or damaged. Similarly, the dashboard (which looks pristine), the carpet, door cards, and the boot are all good. The vendor mentions that the car’s boot can hold up to five bags and still have space for the roof. He further states, ‘the car is perfect for a week away for two people using the luggage set that will be sold with the car’. He adds, ‘I still believe the SL is the best two-seater on the market for luggage capacity’.

The substantial weight saving with the adoption of an all-aluminium bodyshell means the SL was more engaging to drive than before. The turbocharged V8 engine turns this luxury sports car into a proper hot rod, and let’s not forget that it’s a sonorous V8, so you’re guaranteed aural satisfaction every time you drive this. But it’s a Mercedes, first and foremost, so if you intend to enjoy a relaxed, relatively laid-back drive, it’s just a matter of selecting the right drive mode, choosing ‘comfort’ for suspension, and enjoying the high-quality motoring that the SL offers.

The underbody is clean, and the vendor has got a few components replaced (from Mercedes-Benz) like the nearside rear air suspension strut, rear radar system sensor, and the brake discs and pads for both front and rear. While the front tyres are good, the rear ones are close to requiring a replacement. A set of winter tyres is available, but they’ll need to be collected from Manchester, says the vendor.

He previously had an R231 SL500 but didn’t find it exciting enough. The SL 63 is a different beast altogether, and according to him, it has ‘explosive acceleration and exhaust note reminiscent of machine gun fire’. Quite the way to put it…

This 2016 SL 63 comes with full-service history (at Mercedes-Benz) and you can check the previous invoices in the photo gallery below. The last service, according to the records, was in 2020 at around 39,500 miles. It has an MoT valid till later this year. Previous MoTs show that the car cleared its tests without failing or getting an advisory. With the vendor, who is its second owner and has had the car for the last four years, it was running on a custom registration but is back to the original now.

This 2016 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is a fast, well-balanced, and luxurious way to travel. What’s really impressive is that Mercedes-Benz made it lighter, added massive power, but didn’t make it uncomfortable. It’s not going to be the track car of choice but if someone decided to take it for a quick lap around a race track, it won’t disappoint.

At an estimated £45,000 - £53,000, the SL 63 is a hot rod that turns into a long-distance cruiser at the push of a button. Push another button and it’ll let you enjoy the summer breeze. It’s a multi-faceted car, more talented than the SL probably has ever been. While the upcoming AMG-developed R232 might have everyone’s attention, it’s this one that doesn’t deserve to be missed, actually.

Viewing is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, and as stated this car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.