The new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG: Design and equipment - New AMG brand face

By | Published Tuesday, 8 May 2012

The top-of-the-range AMG model is once again playing a leading role - this time in terms of design. The SL 63 AMG is the first high-performance model to feature the new brand face. The two elements which dominate the form – the radiator grille and the lower cooling air intake – are retained but in reinterpreted form which gives them a more distinctive identity in terms of dynamism and the sense of perceived value they convey. The central styling feature is the new "twin blade" radiator grille in silver chrome. The Mercedes star is mounted on two blade-like louvres whose profile recalls that of an aircraft wing. The more pronounced V-shape of the radiator grille optimises the longitudinal proportions of the vehicle and so adds even greater visual emphasis to the attributes of aerodynamics and purism.

Below the radiator grille with its twin blades, the stylised "A" - a characteristic feature of AMG vehicles - is retained. A gap formed below a fine black fin at the lower edge of the cooling air opening allows optimum airflow over the cooling modules – a perfect combination of aesthetics and high technology. The lower cross strut in the front apron is also finished in silver chrome and is given a perceived sense of depth by the gap above it – a distinctive note which adds the perfect finishing touch to the front of the vehicle. The "twin blade" radiator grille and lower cross strut are the two complementary styling elements which underline the new AMG brand face – a look which will be picked up by the styling of future AMG models and so further increase the recognition value of the AMG performance brand.

AMG bodystyling with characteristic features

The SL 63 AMG boasts classic sports car proportions: the long bonnet, compact passenger compartment set well back, and the powerful rear are all combined skilfully with the characteristic AMG bodystyling features. These include the front apron with black grilles and large openings for engine oil, water, charge air and transmission oil coolers, the side skirt panelling and the exciting profile of the diffuser-style rear apron with body-coloured insert. The standard-specification ILS headlamps are characterised by very high-quality tubes for the low and main beam which have been styled with great attention to detail, plus a chrome bracket surrounding the main headlamp and the flared arrangement of the indicator lamps and sidelights. All of the further functions feature LED technology – such as the distinctively curved sidelights. The surrounds of the special AMG daytime driving lights, the side fins on the wings and the fins on the bonnet have the same silver-chrome finish as the radiator grille and the lower strut in the front apron.

The side profile is dominated by the "V8 BITURBO" logos and the titanium grey-painted 5-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with high-sheen finish. The front axle is fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres on 9.0 x 19 rims, while the rear has 285/30 R 19 tyres on 10 x 19 rims. A highlight at the rear is the AMG sports exhaust system, with its two chromed twin tailpipes integrated into the bumper. The AMG spoiler lip helps to reduce lift on the rear axle while increasing driving stability at high speeds.

Exceptional quality of interior finish

The interior of the SL 63 AMG is characterised by the typical wrap-around effect, as already featured in the CLS 63 AMG: in conjunction with the beltlines on the doors and the parcel shelf, the upper section of the dashboard creates a formal unity. The generous amount of space, high-quality materials, high sense of perceived value and lovingly crafted details displaying tangible and visible precision all exude a sense of ultimate quality. Minimal gap dimensions please the eye and reflect the high precision with which the SL has been produced.

A delight for all of the senses: this comes courtesy of the specific style elements, familiar from the SLS AMG, such as the four air vents in the style of jet engines, the AMG DRIVE UNIT - exclusive to AMG - and the leather-clad E-SELECT selector lever with embossed AMG badge. To the left of the selector lever are three buttons: the front button operates the 3-stage ESP® system, the centre button controls the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, while the rear button with the AMG symbol is used to store personal settings (transmission mode, suspension mode, ESP® function). Pressing briefly on the AMG button enables the configuration options to be called up, while holding down the button longer allows the desired setup to be chosen, as confirmed by means of an audible signal. In addition, pressing a button at any time also displays the chosen setup in the instrument cluster.

AMG main menu and AMG Performance steering wheel

Two tube-shaped round cockpit instruments provide information on engine rpm and tank capacity (left), and road speed and coolant temperature (right). Three-dimensional graduated rings, back-lit dials in the centre of the speedometer and rev counter, AMG-specific red dials and the 360 km/h speedometer scale all add to the emotional appeal. The driver is greeted by an AMG start-up screen which appears in the centrally located three-dimensional TFT colour display. The AMG main menu is also integrated into the central display: three modes of "Warm Up", "Set Up" and "RACE" provide the driver with comprehensive information. "Warm Up" displays the engine oil and coolant temperatures as well as the operating status of the ECO start/stop function; "Set Up" provides information on the current ESP® mode, suspension mode and the transmission modes "C", "S", "S+" or "M". In "RACE" mode, the RACETIMER becomes available. The driver can use this to record lap times on a closed-off racing circuit. The gear display is located above the central display.

A visual and tactile highlight of the interior of the SL 63 AMG is the new AMG Performance steering wheel: specially shaped grip areas finished in perforated leather, together with flattened top and bottom sections, help to ensure perfect control of the vehicle. Aluminium shift paddles enable manual shifting. The bottom end of the galvanised spokes features an AMG logo for the first time. The airbag cover, which has a three-dimensional shape, is finished in nappa leather. Twelve function buttons allow the audio and navigation system, the driver assistance systems, the on-board computer and the AMG main menu to be controlled.

Optional nappa leather in four different colours

First-class comfort on long journeys and high levels of lateral support come courtesy of the electrically-adjustable AMG sports seats. They not only feature a distinct V8 seat upholstery layout and AMG badges on the seat backrests, but also 4-way lumbar support, memory function, seat heating and a multicontour function: this allows the seat cushion length and side bolster support to be adjusted. The nappa leather upholstery covers the armrests in the doors and centre console, and includes stitching and edging in contrasting colours. Optional colours range from black, porcelain and Bengal red, to ginger beige/espresso brown. For an even higher quality ambience, Exclusive nappa leather is also available as an option: it includes a nappa leather finish on the dashboard, door panelling, rear compartment panelling and parcel shelf. Contrasting stitching and a roof lining, including A/C pillars finished in DINAMICA microfibre are also included.

The standard ambient lighting bathes the interior in a pleasant indirect light. Three colours (SOLAR, SOLAR red and SOLAR orange) are available to choose from. The fibre-optic cables offering three colour options are fitted on a level between the beltline and door centre panel, almost along the entire length of the doors, behind the trim for the dashboard and in the front panelling. An exclusive highlight reserved for the SL 63 AMG is the AMG-specific analogue clock, located centrally on the dashboard and featuring an IWC design.

The standard equipment on the SL 63 AMG includes AMG carbon-fibre trim, which affords the interior an appealing motorsport feel. Optionally available at no extra cost are aluminium trim elements with a dark or light longitudinal-grain, and also wood trims in high-gloss black ash, light-brown satin or high-gloss brown finishes.

Further standard equipment for the SL 63 AMG at a glance (selection):
- AMG door sill panels in brushed stainless steel with white illumination
- ATTENTION ASSIST
- COMAND Online with 6-disc DVD changer
- anti-theft alarm system
- Frontbass
- remote-unlocking boot lid incl. power closing for boot lid
- Intelligent Light System (ILS)
- MAGIC VISION CONTROL adaptive windscreen cleaning system
- NECK-PRO head restraints
- PRE-SAFE® system
- cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC
- automatic, pop-up roll-over bars for driver and front passenger
- draught-stop

A comprehensive range of attractive optional extras is also available for the SL 63 AMG (selection):
- AIRSCARF neck-level heating
- Active Multicontour Seat package
- Active Parking Assist incl. PARKTRONIC
- Driving Assistance package Plus (DISTRONIC PLUS incl. BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE® brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist)
- Dynamic seats
- harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system
- wood/leather steering wheel
- KEYLESS-GO Convenience package (incl. remote-closing boot lid and HANDS-FREE ACCESS system)
- climatised seats
- electric draught-stop

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system

An attractive highlight among the optional extras for the SL 63 AMG is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, as found on the SLS AMG: Mercedes-Benz and AMG have created it in conjunction with famous Danish audio specialists Bang & Olufsen. The sound system enables an exclusive music experience to be enjoyed at the very highest level. The basis of the system is formed not only by the amplifier with a total output of 900 watts and 12 high-end loudspeakers including Frontbass, but also the precise distribution of the music signals, controlled by the sound processor, to the selectable seating positions of driver, front passenger or the central position.

Thanks to the digital sound processor (DSP), it is also possible to choose between the high-end "reference" studio sound and spacious surround sound. All of the functions are operated using the COMAND system via a special Bang & Olufsen menu. Particular highlights include the illuminated lens tweeters on the dashboard – they help to create the characteristic virtual sound stage in front of the vehicle occupants. High-quality aluminium loudspeaker covers finished in silver chrome with the Bang & Olufsen logo give an indication of the exceptional position enjoyed by this high-end system.






























* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH *

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