Mercedes-Benz AMG SL-Class 63 4Matic+ 2024 Review

In Malaysia's luxury sports car market, two-door GT models have always held a unique position—they need to balance everyday driving comfort with the passion of high-performance vehicles. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL-Class 63 4Matic+ is the latest contender in this niche market. With its 577PS V8 twin-turbo engine, variable all-wheel-drive system, and four-seater layout as its core selling points, it aims to strike a balance between "daily usability" and "performance release." In this test drive, we will focus on examining whether it can simultaneously embody the elegance of a luxury GT and the ferocity of an AMG, as well as the practicality of its four-seater design.

From the exterior, the new car continues the SL series' long-hood, short-rear design, with overall smooth and muscular lines. The front features AMG's signature vertical-slat grille, complemented by a large honeycomb air intake below, which makes for a highly aggressive visual impact. Two raised muscle lines on the hood extend from the A-pillar to the grille, further enhancing the performance feel. On the side, 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (front 275/35R21, rear 305/30R21) paired with wide rear fenders give a low and stable stance; flush door handles and frameless doors add a touch of elegance. At the rear, horizontally stretched LED taillights offer high recognition when illuminated; the dual-round quad exhaust pipes at the bottom are a direct testament to the vehicle's AMG performance identity.

Opening the door reveals an interior dominated by black Nappa leather, complemented by silver aluminum trims, blending luxury with sportiness. The most striking feature on the central console is the 11.9-inch adjustable-angle touchscreen, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with smooth interface performance and user-friendly operation in line with Mercedes-Benz's typical standards. Below it, some physical buttons remain for convenient use while driving. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster can be switched between classic, sporty, and other modes, offering clear and intuitive data display. The HUD head-up display system supports customizable content, projecting speed, navigation, and other information onto the windshield to enhance driving focus. The front seats feature electric adjustment with excellent support and multi-directional adaptability, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The rear seats offer a two-seat layout with a 50:50 split-folding backrest. Although legroom is limited (wheelbase: 2700mm), they are sufficient for short-term passengers or carrying personal belongings. In terms of storage, the front central armrest and door pockets are moderately sized, while the trunk provides a standard capacity of 213L, expandable to 532L with the rear seats folded down, meeting the luggage needs for everyday short trips.

In terms of power, the new car is equipped with a 4.0L V8 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 424kW (577PS) and a peak torque of 800N·m. It is paired with a 9-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission and a 4Matic+ variable all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 315km/h. During actual driving, switching to Comfort mode provides a smooth and linear power output. The transmission's gear changes are proactive and seamless, making it suitable for everyday urban commutes. Switching to Sport+ mode, the throttle response becomes highly sensitive, and pressing the accelerator deep unleashes the thunderous roar of the V8 engine, filling the cabin with sound and delivering intense and sustained thrust, while gear shifts become noticeably quicker, allowing easy overtaking maneuvers. The chassis features a front and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, tuned for a sporty feel but retaining a degree of comfort: on city roads, the suspension filters out most small vibrations; over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, the vehicle maintains a stable response with minimal body movement, offering a more comfortable ride compared to pure performance sports cars in the same class. The steering system is highly precise with little slack—steady at high speeds and stable when cornering, effectively suppressing body roll.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested under half urban congested road conditions and half highway cruising, and the combined fuel consumption is approximately 12.8L per 100 kilometers. Considering its 4.0L V8 engine displacement, this performance is at a normal level compared to vehicles in the same class. The braking performance is excellent, with a stable vehicle posture during emergency braking, a short braking distance, and a linear response. Regarding noise control, wind noise and tire noise are well suppressed during highway cruising (120km/h), and only slight engine sounds can be heard inside the cabin. The Burmester 17-speaker sound system delivers outstanding sound quality, further isolating external noise and enhancing the driving experience.

In terms of safety features, the new car comes standard with 5 airbags, lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, ACC adaptive cruise, a 360-degree panoramic camera system, and more, achieving a mainstream safety level in its class.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 63 4Matic+ lie in its powerful V8 twin-turbo engine, a chassis that balances comfort and sportiness, a practical four-seater layout for everyday use, and Mercedes-Benz's signature luxurious interiors and advanced tech features. Compared with its peer, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, it has better power specifications, and the four-seater layout offers higher practicality. When compared to the BMW M850i, the AMG brand emphasizes performance attributes and provides a more engaging driving experience.

This car suits two types of people: first, young consumers seeking a combination of performance and luxury, who require the comfort of daily commuting but also desire to occasionally unleash driving passion; second, family users who value quality of life, as the four-seater layout can accommodate short trips with their family while still showcasing personal taste with the AMG brand identity.

In summary, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL-Class 63 4Matic+ is a "versatile" luxury GT sports car that retains AMG's performance DNA while balancing practicality and comfort for daily use. It is a noteworthy contender in the luxury sports car market.