Mercedes-Benz AMG SL-Class 2024 Review

The convertible GT sports car market in Malaysia has always been a niche yet highly attractive segment. Consumers seek a balance of performance and luxury, while placing importance on daily practicality—after all, there aren't many models that can cater to both weekend drives and short trips with friends. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL-Class 63 4Matic+ is designed to meet this demand, featuring a 577-horsepower 4.0T V8 twin-turbo engine, 3.6-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, and a foldable soft-top convertible design, making it an irresistible choice for performance enthusiasts. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether it can strike the optimal balance between aggressive performance and daily comfort, and whether it justifies its price tag of nearly 1.9 million Malaysian Ringgit.

From a distance, the new model retains the SL series' classic long hood and short front overhang proportions, giving it a low and muscular stance. The front features AMG's signature vertical slat chrome grille, complemented by sharply contoured LED headlight clusters on both sides, enhancing its recognizability. The daytime running lights integrated within the headlights create a sharp visual effect when illuminated. The side profile showcases smooth lines, with a waistline running from the hood to the rear, passing through the door handles. The 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with wide tires (front 275/35R21 and rear 305/30R21) further enhance its sporty character. The rear design is minimalistic, with horizontally arranged LED taillights echoing the quad round exhaust tips. When the soft-top is folded down, the roofline transitions seamlessly without looking out of place.

Stepping inside, the interior primarily features black leather and metal trims, offering solid material quality. Almost all areas within reach are made of soft materials. The center console tilts towards the driver, featuring an 11.9-inch adjustable touchscreen to prevent glare. The screen runs the MBUX system smoothly and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A HUD head-up display and a fully digital instrument cluster come as standard, providing clear information and allowing the driver to monitor the vehicle's status effortlessly. The front seats are power-adjustable with excellent bolstering, and the lumbar support can be adjusted as needed, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The rear seats, though not very spacious, can accommodate adults on short trips and can be split 50:50 to expand cargo space when folded. Additionally, the Burmester 17-speaker sound system delivers outstanding audio quality, with minimal impact on sound performance even in convertible mode.

In terms of performance, the 4.0T V8 twin-turbo engine delivers a maximum power of 424 kW (577 PS) and a peak torque of 800 Nm, paired with a 9-speed DCT transmission and the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. In normal mode, the power delivery is smooth, making it suitable for daily commutes. Switching to sport+ mode sharpens throttle response, and with a deep press of the accelerator, the instant surge of power delivers a thrilling sense of acceleration. Its 3.6-second 0-100 km/h acceleration capability makes it nearly unmatched in straight-line speed. The transmission offers quick shift transitions with a clear shifting logic, whether upshifting or downshifting, maintaining an engaging drive.

Handling performance is equally impressive, with precise steering, minimal dead zones, and a light feel at low speeds transitioning to a steady feel at high speeds. The suspension system employs a multi-link independent structure. In normal mode, it absorbs most road imperfections to ensure comfort, while in sport mode, the suspension stiffens, enhancing support and reducing body roll during turns for high stability. During our test drive, we specifically evaluated its cornering abilities. The car exhibited strong grip and the all-wheel drive system intelligently distributed power, maintaining excellent trackability even during fast corners. Braking performance is also commendable, with a linear pedal feel and ample braking force. During emergency braking, the car remained stable.

In terms of fuel consumption, it is about 12L/100km during city driving and about 8L/100km on highways. Considering its performance, this fuel consumption level is within the expected range. The noise control is well done; when the convertible top is closed, the cabin remains quiet with wind and tire noise barely noticeable. In the convertible state, at speeds below 80km/h, wind noise is within an acceptable range and does not affect normal conversation.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2024 AMG SL-Class 63 4Matic+ lies in its balance between performance and comfort — it satisfies driving enthusiasts' pursuit of speed while ensuring everyday comfort. Compared to vehicles in the same class, it has more features than the Porsche 911 Convertible and offers better pricing; compared to the BMW M8 Convertible, it emphasizes luxury more. It is suitable for those who want a high-performance sports car while considering everyday practicality, such as 30-45 year-old entrepreneurs, executives, or performance enthusiasts who enjoy weekend drives.

In summary, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL-Class 63 4Matic+ is a well-rounded convertible GT sports car. It not only delivers impressive performance but also offers decent practicality and comfort. If you are a consumer seeking both performance and luxury and have a sufficient budget, it is definitely worth considering.