Another downsized hybrid from AMG?

Not quite. This car is proof that AMG’s tradition of building outrageous machines for the sheer fun of it is alive and well, even in an era of electrification.

So, how does AMG go all-out in 2025?

By starting with an already extravagant SL63, hardly the car you’d call underpowered, and injecting it with a wholly unnecessary electric rocket booster. Yes, someone at AMG decided that a 577bhp SL63 wasn’t enough, nor was the more “entry-level” SL55 with 469bhp. The solution? Crank the madness up to 11.

Cue the arrival of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, now beefed up to 604bhp, paired with a 200bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels through a two-speed transmission. Even the electric motor alone delivers more than enough performance, but when you bring the V8 into the mix, this roadster ventures into hypercar territory.

By the numbers

The result? A combined output of 805bhp and a colossal 1,047lb ft of torque. That’s Pagani-level power in a Mercedes SL, with torque capable of reviving long-dead cultural relics like MySpace or Woolworths.

In AMG’s golden era, the brand was synonymous with brutish V8s, later offering V12-powered monsters like the S65 and SL65 for customers who craved over-the-top luxury and power. But with modern emissions regulations reigning in V12s, AMG’s new hybrid approach fills the void.

But what’s the catch?

Well, there are a few. For starters, shoehorning a 4.8kWh battery into a sleek, low-slung roadster that’s already packed with tech hydraulic suspension, four-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, and a folding roof takes its toll. Boot space is halved, leaving just enough room for charging cables (which you probably won’t use given the SL63 S’s laughable 8-mile electric-only range).

Then there’s the weight. Adding hybrid tech gives you an extra 201bhp but also adds 225kg to the SL63, meaning each additional horsepower drags along 1.1kg of extra mass. Not exactly efficient.

Is it a clever tax dodge?

Not really. While the hybrid setup reduces CO2 emissions to 180g/km (120g/km less than the standard SL63), it’s still in the top tax bracket. And compared to rivals like the Bentley Continental GTC, which boasts up to 50 miles of electric range and 30g/km emissions, the SL63 S isn’t winning any eco-awards.

So, who’s buying this?

The rich and slightly unhinged. This is a car for those who crave the top-of-the-line, the most powerful, and the most absurd. Priced close to £200,000, it rockets from 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and almost hits 200mph. It’s irrational and over-the-top in the best way possible, harking back to AMG’s glory days of unapologetic excess.

What’s it like to drive?

In a word: bonkers. On a damp or cold road, it’ll happily spin all four tyres in third gear, even with 2.3 tonnes pressing down on the four-wheel-drive system. The nine-speed gearbox feels almost too eager, with short ratios that often result in bouncing off the rev limiter unless you stay in fourth gear, which still delivers ballistic acceleration.

The hybrid system ensures the electric motor is always ready to boost, but with only 8 miles of range, you’re unlikely to plug it in. Instead, the V8 spends its time recharging the battery, leaving you with sub-20mpg fuel economy. On the plus side, the electric mode allows for quiet, stealthy getaways when needed, handy for early mornings!

The SL63 S also benefits from AMG’s cross-linked hydraulic damping system, which feels far more refined than in earlier SLs. It’s impressively comfortable in “Comfort” mode and masks its weight well during single corners. But through a series of bends, physics catches up, and the car’s bulk becomes evident.

Should you ever find yourself in a James Bond-style chase, though, the SL63 S will leave competitors like the Aston Martin DB12 Volante or Bentley Continental GTC trailing in its wake.

Inside the cabin

While rivals like Aston Martin and Bentley focus on indulgent luxury, the SL’s interior leans towards a modern, high-tech aesthetic. Its centerpiece is a touchscreen borrowed from the C-Class, which tilts electronically to reduce glare when the roof is down, a feature that inadvertently highlights how impractical touchscreens can be in a roadster.

That said, there are some highlights, like the posh air vents and the excellent front seats equipped with Mercedes’ Airscarf neck warmers.

Should you buy one?

Rationally, no. It’s too expensive, too heavy, too impractical, and too fast for its own good. But that’s precisely what makes it so appealing.

The SL63 S E Performance is a glorious contradiction, a car that combines absurd levels of power with silent electric cruising. It’s crammed with modern tech (and all the annoyances that come with it, like haptic buttons and endless drive modes) yet channels the spirit of AMG’s old-school V12 monsters.

For those in the know, it’s a stealthy masterpiece, a near-200mph roadster that looks nearly identical to its lesser siblings. If you want everyone to notice your expensive taste, look elsewhere. But if you want the most outrageous AMG in the lineup, this is it.