Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 63 AMG

Costs

Apart from the considerable initial outlay, the SL 63 AMG is not a cheap car to run. Admittedly its fuel consumption figures aren't that bad, particularly when driven conservatively, but its emission figures will make for even more costly trips when driving into London's Congestion charging zone or any future emissions-linked road toll zone. Insurance costs will also be high, as will servicing and tyre costs - especially if you drive the car hard.

Space and practicality

Buy a car like this and you'll soon discover what it means to travel light. That said, there is enough space in the boot for some decent sized squashy bags while the cabin offers a surprising number of cubbyholes of useable sizes. Nets in the footwell, the storage in the centre console and a generous sized glovebox add to the car's levels of practicality.

Controls and display

There's an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, plus an easy to read AMG instrument clusters. Most of the controls are tipped with aluminium which adds to the sporty feel of the cabin, and they are laid out in a logical and easily accessible manner. The dash swoops down towards the driver in the centre, where most of the controls are located, and they are intuitive to navigate. All of the displays are clear and uncomplicated to read while the switchgear displays a quality feel.

Comfort

Despite its sporting character the SL 63 AMG is an accomplished cruiser, able to provide a smooth, relaxing and comfortable ride if and when desired by the driver. The well specced interior, with the body hugging AMG sports seats, ensure occupants are snug. The Airscarf system, a heater located just behind the occupant's neck, ensures that passengers stay warm when motoring with the roof down. The fully adjustable steering wheel also guarantees a comfortable driving position.

Car security

In terms of security, there's the usual alarm system with immobiliser and interior protection and central locking. The storage boxes are located behind the seats, in the doors and under the passenger seat. Some are lockable and invaluable for keeping the cabin clutter-free with your possessions out of sight. The convertible hard-top roof offers an advantage over fabric roofs.

Car safety

In addition to ABS, there's an AMG-specific three-stage ESP system, Active Body Control, a high-performance braking system, adaptive brake lights and a new Intelligent Lighting System, with lighting functions for different types of road and directional headlights. Should the worst happen, there are automatically deployed pop-up roll bars and four airbags - driver, passenger and head/neck sidebags.

Driver appeal

The SL 63 AMG is one of the best driving experiences money can buy. Everything about the car appeals to the senses; it looks good, the V8 engine sounds great and its handling and driving characteristics are impressive. It's lost the rawness of its predecessor, offering a more refined ride.

Family car appeal

The SL 63 AMG holds little family appeal, unless it's acquired as the family's second car and has been bought with the intention of treating the parents to some fun on the weekends. It may double as a one-passenger family taxi, but the boot space will limit what it can transport. The same applies to shopping trips, so it's best role is as a self-indulgent purchase for motoring pleasure.

First car appeal

There are few that hold less first car appeal than an SL AMG. Not only is the price tag considerable, but insurance will be equally eye-watering. Inexperienced drivers shouldn't really choose something so powerful, and they are also likely to find the SL's modest rearward visibility an issue.

Quality and image

The Mercedes SL is a car with a long and distinguished history and the sales figures prove it. Along with the SL 65 AMG, both AMG variants are considered to be the trophy cars of the range. It's flashy and pricey but says much about the brand, exuding quality and class, and the car has become an icon for the rich and famous. Quality comes at a price, though.

Accessibility

Its low ride height might pose a slight difficulty for some, particularly since the door sills are raised and require stepping over to enter the cabin. However, the doors open wide and once settled into the cabin the driver and passenger benefit from the multi-way electrically adjustable AMG sports seats. The memory function is worth programming for added convenience.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

A Harmon Kardon Logic7 surround sound system takes care of the music, and includes an MP3-compatible CD or DVD player as well as Bluetooth phone interface. A top of the range Europe-wide sat-nav system is displayed on a high-resolution colour display. A voice-operated control system for audio, navigation and telephone is also included, as is a music library function to store audio files plus an SD memory card slot.

Colours and trim

The interior is filled with soft leather with aluminium and carbon fibre trim, giving the cabin a quality and modern feel. There's a good range of colours to choose from. It's hard to find a colour that the SL 63 AMG doesn't look good in; white works best, while red, both standard and metallic, is the least flattering.

Parking

The speed sensitive steering provides plenty of assistance at low speeds so parking is easy when manoeuvring. The low ride height and restricted rear visibility don't help but it is the long shape of the car, and the inability to see where the bonnet and boot start and end, that can make for some tricky and testing times. This is one car you don't want to damage.

Spare wheel

Steel space saver fitted as standard.