- The 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL63 S E Performance is a plug-in hybrid pushing out 805 horsepower and 1047 pound-feet of torque.
- This monstrous output comes via a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 paired with a rear-mounted electric motor.
- The SL63 S E Performance arrives next year and should cost north of $200,000.
If you’re a fan of burly Teutonic performance machines, get used to seeing the “E Performance” moniker. Mercedes is busy hybridizing its AMG lineup, following up the controversial four-cylinder C63 S E Performance with V-8-powered plug-in versions of the S63 and GT63 S four-door. Now it’s the elegant SL roadster’s turn, with the 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL63 S E Performance set to reach dealerships next year with an 805-horsepower hybrid powertrain that makes this the most potent SL ever.
While all three V-8-powered E Performance hybrids use a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 paired with an electric motor on the rear axle, they each achieve different power outputs. The SL’s eight-cylinder is rated at 603 hp and 627 pound-feet of torque, with the 201-hp electric motor bringing the total to a mighty 805 ponies and 1047 pound-feet of torque. That’s some serious muscle, but the SL still sits below the 831-hp, 1082-pound-foot GT63 and 1055-pound-foot S63 in Mercedes-AMG’s hierarchy.
Mercedes claims that the SL63 S E Performance rips to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The standard 577-hp SL63 reached 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds in our testing, so that estimate for the hybrid sounds conservative to us. The electric motor’s power can also be sent to the front axle via the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system if more traction is needed when wheel slip is detected at the rear.
The permanently excited synchronous electric motor is mated to a two-speed transmission and a limited-slip rear differential. It is fed by a 6.1-kWh battery sitting above the rear axle, which Mercedes says is inspired by learnings from the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team. Instead of maximizing driving range, it focuses on rapid power delivery. Charging occurs via a 3.7-kW onboard AC charger, and while Mercedes has yet to quote an electric driving range figure, we wouldn’t expect more than 15 miles before the gas engine kicks in. Four different levels of regenerative braking are selectable via a steering wheel button, with the most extreme mode providing one-pedal driving like in many EVs.
A few small changes differentiate the E Performance from other AMG SL models, including a charge port on the rear end below the right-side taillight and grooved trapezoidal tailpipes. “E Performance” badges live on the front fenders, while an “SL63 S” badge on the rear decklid is emblazoned in red. 20- and 21-inch wheels are offered, and the the infotainment system features hybrid-specific displays.
The hybrid SL is fitted with standard active roll stabilization and rear-wheel steering. A retractable rear spoiler helps provide downforce, and the SL63 S E Performance is also offered with an optional aerodynamics package that adds an underbody spoiler ahead of the engine which lowers by 1.6 inches at 50 mph to minimize front-axle lift. Along with energy regeneration, the SL sheds speed via huge ceramic brakes, with six-piston fixed calipers clamping 16.5-inch discs up front and single-piston floating calipers working with 15.0-inch discs at the rear.
Mercedes has yet to release pricing for the SL63 S E Performance, but given that the nonhybrid SL63 starts at $188,150, we bet the E Performance’s starting price will crest the $200K mark. Sales will start at some point next year, with more info to be revealed in the coming months.
Associate News Editor
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.