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A new SL hitting the streets? Not shocking; Mercedes-Benz has been rolling out striking two-seater SL sports cars for decades. However, Mercedes-AMG seems to be fully committed to demonstrating the merit of hybrid performance cars with its new E Performance model. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance is a far cry from the SL 55 AMGs of old.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance breaks into four-digit torque territory

A green 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance shows off its rear-end styling.
The new SL 63 S E Performance | Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-AMG’s latest drop-top SL model pairs a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 with a rear-mounted electric motor to produce over 1,000 lb-ft of torque. 

Engine typeBiturbo 4.0L V8 with a hybrid electric motor
Battery6.1 kWh
Horsepower805 hp
Torque1,047 lb-ft 

Alone, the twin-turbo V8 produces 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it mightier than anything from the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 persuasion. However, with the addition of the 201-horsepower electric motor, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance (a mouthful, I know) bumps power output to 805. 

It’s the most powerful factory Mercedes-Benz ever to wear an SL badge. Not just by a small margin, either. The previous SL 63 produces 577 horsepower, a long way from the latest electrified model.  

How fast is the 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance?

Should the pilot launch it with care, the 2024 SL 63 S E Performance will race to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, per Mercedes-Benz Media. However, with power channeled through the Merc’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system, it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility that the SL 63 S E Performance will outrun the marque’s claims. 

What’s more, Mercedes-AMG says the new drop-top hybrid will hit 196 mph until the electronic governor steps in to shut down your good time. 

Unfortunately, a shiftable nine-speed automatic transmission is the closest you’ll come to grabbing a gear in the SL 63 S E Performance

The nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission is the model’s only gearbox option. As a result, fans won’t be able to grab a gear in their convertible sports car. Of course, this isn’t out-of-character for SL-badged vehicles. 

Many of the SLs of yesteryear packed automatic transmissions rather than manual units. Even sans a third pedal, the SL 63 S E Performance will be an absolute cruise missile.

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