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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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Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).