2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL-Class 63S E Performance Review

In recent years, the luxury sports car market in Malaysia has continued to become more segmented. Consumers no longer solely pursue pure performance but place greater emphasis on the balance between daily practicality and brand sophistication. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL-Class 63S E Performance, as the brand's first plug-in hybrid SL model, not only continues the open-top lineage of the SL series but also breaks convention in its class with a combined power of 816PS and torque of 1420N·m. In this test drive, we primarily aim to verify whether it can balance track passion with daily commuting comfort.

From a distance, the new car still maintains the classic long-hood, short-deck proportions of the SL series, with a front grille featuring a large vertical-bar design paired with AMG's exclusive badge, providing high recognition. The car's side profile is streamlined, with a waistline extending from the hood to the rear, enhancing its muscular stance. The 21-inch dual five-spoke wheels and wide front and rear tires (front 275/35 R21, rear 305/30 R21) further reinforce its sporty attributes. The rear features horizontally oriented LED taillights, and the quad exhaust outlets on both sides clearly define its performance identity. The overall design retains classic elements while incorporating modern aesthetics through detailed upgrades.

Inside the cabin, the center console is tilted 6 degrees toward the driver, a thoughtful design. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel offers clear display, and the 11.9-inch central control screen supports both touch input and voice control, with a system smoothness that meets luxury brand standards. The interior materials mainly consist of Nappa leather paired with metal trims, delivering an outstanding sense of quality. The front seats support electric adjustment and heating functions, offering strong support and soft padding, ensuring comfort even during long drives. For practical features, keyless entry, HUD head-up display, and a 360-degree panoramic camera are all standard equipment. The Burmester® 11-speaker sound system delivers excellent audio quality, making everyday use highly convenient.

In terms of space, the vehicle dimensions are 4705×2100×1354mm with a wheelbase of 2700mm. The front-row seating space is ample, with more than a fist's width of headroom and legroom for a passenger 180cm tall. The rear seats are more suitable for occasional use and short trips, but may feel slightly cramped for long distances. Storage space is average; the center armrest box and door panel storage pockets can hold everyday small items. The trunk is adequate when the convertible top is closed, but space becomes limited when the top is open, requiring luggage to be minimized.

In terms of powertrain, the new car is equipped with a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine paired with a rear-axle electric motor, forming a plug-in hybrid system with a combined output of 600kW (816PS) and 1420N·m of torque. It is matched with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. In normal mode, the car starts smoothly, with the electric motor providing quiet low-speed driving. When switching to Sport+ mode, the throttle response becomes noticeably quicker, delivering a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 2.9 seconds with an intense and sustained push-back feel. When overtaking, deep pressing of the gas pedal triggers swift downshifts from the transmission, providing power on demand. Even during high-speed cruising, the vehicle maintains strong acceleration capabilities.

The handling performance is impressive, with precise steering and minimal play. The feedback from the road surface is clearly perceptible during cornering. The front and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned on the stiffer side but retains a degree of comfort. When passing over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension quickly absorbs vibrations, keeping the vehicle stable. The ceramic ventilated brake discs offer excellent braking performance, with linear brake pedal feel and no deviation of the vehicle during emergency braking. The pure electric range is only 13km, mainly suitable for low-speed commutes or short-distance trips, so daily use primarily relies on the hybrid mode. The combined fuel consumption is 7.9L/100km, considering its class, this performance is commendable.

In terms of ride comfort, the noise insulation is excellent when the convertible top is closed, with wind noise and tire noise controlled within a reasonable range at high speeds; when the convertible top is open, conversations inside the car are unaffected at speeds below 80km/h. The seat heating function is very practical in cool weather, and the automatic air conditioning can quickly adjust the cabin temperature. The energy recovery system offers three levels of adjustment, with the highest level providing noticeable recovery force without compromising ride comfort.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2025 AMG SL 63S E Performance stand out: leading performance parameters in its class (such as superior combined torque compared to the Porsche 911 Turbo S), rich and practical features, and daily driving comfort that far surpasses traditional performance cars. The shortcomings are its relatively short pure electric range and limited rear-seat space.

This car is more suitable for two types of buyers: one, luxury car users who pursue performance but require a vehicle for daily commuting, and two, those who enjoy convertible driving and value brand prestige. It is not purely a track machine but a luxury GT sports car that balances excitement and practicality — if you are looking for a car that can provide driving pleasure on the weekends while ensuring effortless commuting during workdays, it is worth considering.