2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 is a luxurious, high-performance monster of a sports car.
Model Overview
The SL65 AMG is a performance-tuned variant of the Mercedes-Benz SL, which ranks high in the super luxury sports car class for its powerful engine, comfortable handling dynamics and sleek design.
While Mercedes-Benz produces two AMG trims, reviewers agree that the SL65 is the show-stopper. "If the 538 horses of the SL63 aren't enough, or if you're just hell-bent on winning the numerological pissing contest in your law firm's parking garage, Mercedes also brings back the SL65 AMG, whose turbocharged V12 cranks out 604 horsepower and a BRABUS-like 738 lb-ft of torque," writes AutoBlog. In other words, the SL65 may seem unnecessary to some -- but awesome nonetheless.
The 2009 SL65 AMG V12 engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
- "Well-heeled torque junkies will find this Benz droptop very addicting. ... The SL65 may seem like overkill, but its one of the surest ways to get noticed, if not your license revoked." -- Car and Driver
- "Now, here is a car that doesn't puff its chest out, strut around and pretend to be doing anything - it just does it, sort of like von Richthofen giving a quick demonstration on how to shoot down a French barrage balloon without wasting a lot of time or energy. There's a cool perfection here that's stunning." -- Road and Track
- "The SL 65 is the ultimate ultra-performance touring car with more power than anyone needs. Then again, the SL has never been about need. We love these cars." -- New Car Test Drive
The Bottom Line
While the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG is exclusive in its own right, the SL65 kicks it up a notch with more power, sports capability and panache. However, it costs nearly $200K. For that much dough you could buy an Aston Martin DB9 or Ferrari Gallardo, which are certified exotics. Neither of these alternatives are roadsters, but reviewers say they are more exclusive and capable than the SL65.
Performance Dynamics
Test drivers report that the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG's vast breadth of power and performance abilities delight. Reviews, however, are split over its Active Body Control suspension system.
The SL65 AMG features a 6.3-liter biturbo V12 engine that produces 604 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 738 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 - 4,000 rpm. An AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission is standard. According to Mercedes-Benz, the SL65 AMG has a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The EPA reports that it nets a city/highway fuel economy of 11/18 mpg.
The rear-wheel drive SL65 AMG features rack-and-pinion power steering and a sports suspension system with Active Body Control (ABC). Also standard is a high-performance AMG braking system with anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that enhances stability in adverse driving conditions by selectively applying brakes and reducing engine torque.
- "The SL65 AMG has a twin-turbocharged V12 that puts out 604 horsepower. It is a torquey beast that delivers a rush of power bested only by exotics and pro drag cars. It's a lot of car, perhaps too much for an unskilled driver as its immense power can make it hard to handle. ... With just a 0.2-second difference in 0-60 times, you might think there wouldn't be much difference between the SL63 and the SL65. You'd be wrong. While the SL63 is a grunty, torquey beast, the SL65 delivers a rush of power that throws you back into your seat and feels like a jet taking off." -- New Car Test Drive
- "[T]he revised Active Body Control features computer-controlled shock absorbers that constantly control body movement depending on the car's speed, steering angle and other factors. The overall result is a better SL (particularly in AMG form) that provides excellent feedback and flat cornering at any speed." -- Edmunds
- "Mercedes' ABC (Active Body Control) suspension provides a civilized and supple ride while eliminating body roll and brake dive, and the effect is a combination of serenity and absolute leech-like grip in the corners. A few of our editors who have track-tested this system don't like it much, criticizing its slightly artificial feel and poor early-warning feedback for the approaching limits of grip. ... For all that insular suspension technology, the steering is surprisingly live, with good feedback. The car slices accurately through corners, and the immense cast-iron brake rotors haul it down quickly and safely when a stack of pallets falls off a vineyard truck." -- Road and Track