Mercedes-Benz SL 63

Our verdict

The best folding hard-top in the business gets one of the best V8s around. You’ll have gathered we like it, then...

Comfort

Harder than the non-AMG’d SL, but won’t turn your lower back into bone-powder unless you’re planning a spot of off-roading. The seats are brilliant and the driving position is spot on, but if you’re solely going to use your SL for long-distance cruising, you might want to consider a softer alternative. It’s a fair trade-off for the performance, though.

Performance

Epic. The 6.2-litre V8 is one of our favourite engines, and it fits the SL perfectly. 60mph comes up in 4.6 seconds, and it feels even quicker than that. AMG has ditched Merc’s ‘direct steering’ - which gave a slightly dead, unprogressive feel on turn-in - in favour of its own constant-ratio system, which gives a much more consistent steering feel. Seven-speed auto’ gearbox works surprisingly well here – you can switch the changes from slushy, old-school automatic to proper thumping downshifts. We like.

Cool

Harley Street-style facelift hasn’t helped in this department, and there’s still the niggling feeling that the old SL55 AMG was a little bit cooler…

Quality

Say what you like about Mercedes Benz, they know how to put together a car. They might have had a slightly dodgy reputation over the past few years, but cars like the SL make you realize that engineering is still very much a priority for the firm. Just don't go for a lairy interior combination.

Handling

It doesn't roll, doesn't pitch, there isn't any scuttle shake roof up or down. You can't help but be impressed with the SL. Steering and ride are spot-on, and if you stick the ESP into ‘sport’ mode, you’ve got yourself a proper tail-happy little SL.

Practicality

The roof is quite intrusive in the 235-litre boot when it gets folded, but otherwise the SL is quite practical in terms of two away for a weekend. Don't expect to get much IKEA flatpack in there.

Running costs

Group 20 insurance, high tax, high insurance, low mpg and rock-like residuals. Sorry.