Mercedes-AMG SL63 2023: Australian pricing confirmed for drop-top 911 rival

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Mercedes-AMG has announced pricing and specification of its new SL roadster for Australia – and the brand’s halo convertible certainly doesn’t come cheap. 

Available in a single ‘63’ twin-turbocharged V8 guise for now, the new SL will start from $374,900 before on-road costs – some would say ‘reassuringly expensive’ for one of the Benz brand’s longest-running and most exclusive name plates. 

The near-$400K list price puts the new, AMG-developed SL well and truly into Porsche 911 territory, as well as being a strong competitor for the likes of the Jaguar F-Type and the Lexus LC500. 

Although the AMG SL will come with several powertrains globally, the Australian-spec SL will only be available with the highest tune of twin-turbo V8 engine at this time. 

This decision appears to be a change of heart from what Mercedes-Benz Australia originally envisioned, with an earlier Chasing Cars report saying that the SL43 would be the first variant to come to local shores. 

Overseas AMG SL variants detailed 

In other markets, such as Europe, the Mercedes-AMG SL is also available in ‘43’ and ‘55’ nameplates. 

The AMG SL43 is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder found in the AMG A45 S hyper hatch, producing 280kW/480Nm. An SL55 option is also available with a detuned 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that produces ‘just’ 350kW/700Nm. 

In Australia, the SL has previously sold in pretty small numbers, with Mercedes-Benz shifting just 22 cars in 2019, and 30 cars in 2018. 

The last SL to be sold in Australia was the Mercedes-Benz SL 500 that sold for $292,500 back in 2020, before it was discontinued. That means the SL nameplate has seen a $82,400 price increase since it was last sold in Australia. 

How much AMG SL do you get for your $375K?

The new Mercedes-AMG SL roadster has an entirely new body shell, crafted mainly of aluminium. Mercedes says that the torsional rigidity has increased by 18 percent as a result. 

Active aerodynamics play a big part in the new AMG SL, with Mercedes saying that “regardless of whether the top is up or down, the vehicle character and driving characteristics remain unchanged”. 

Mercedes has been able to pull 21 kilograms out of the folding roof mechanism, with the open and closing procedure taking 15 seconds. 

Mercedes has stuck to what it knows best and has fitted its well-known 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine to the SL that produces outputs of 430kW/800Nm. This engine is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. 

For those who might want to drift this expensive beast, a race drive program that includes a drift mode, is standard. An AMG electronic locking rear differential is also standard for greater control during sideways antics. 

Other features to note include AMG active ride control suspension, hydraulic anti-roll stabilisation and front axle lift (can raise by up to 30mm). 

Standard features on the AMG SL include:

• 11.9-inch tablet-style central display 
• 11-speaker Burmester sound system
• 64-colour ambient lighting 
• Dual-zone climate control
• Mechanical wind deflector 
• Wireless charging 
• Integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• 21-inch 10-twin-spoke alloy wheels
• Driving assistance package including active lane keep, traffic sign assist, active steering assist
• Eight airbags 
• 360-degree camera 
• Active parking assist 
• Interior monitoring system 

Mercedes-AMG SL 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• SL63 4MATIC (AWD): $374,900