ROAD TRIP: Modern Classic Mercedes-AMG SL65

by Hannes Oosthuizen

An extensive road trip and an early morning drive through the Karoo at the wheel of the musclebound SL65 yielded a number of memorable experiences.

Words: Wilhelm Lutjeharms

Images: Duwyne Aspeling

Human beings are curious creatures. No matter how prosperous we are, we yearn to achieve more and accumulate more than what we have. If you could afford it, surely you would opt for the awesome power of the modern classic Mercedes-AMG SL65 at the expense of its meagre SL63 sibling? But then, in the car world, more doesn’t always been better. There are numerous such examples out there. 

The muscular exterior

The designo selenite grey magno paint finish would not be my first choice, but it undoubtedly gives the car a dark, brooding aura. The chrome and carbon-fibre adornments and shiny 19(f)/20(r)-inch, 10-spoke wheels do everything in their capacity to inform road users (also adding a bling factor that won’t be to all tastes) that this is the most expensive SL model you could buy at the time. Behind them are massive carbon ceramic brake discs and bronze coloured brake callipers. Take a closer look and you’ll spot there are carbon trimmings on the front and rear bumper. 

Step inside, and the wealth of the SL65’s opulent finishes continues. The quilted seats are eminently comfortable and offer the necessary level of support. There are smatterings of carbon-fibre here too, while this facelifted model still offers the original R129’s main interior features. This means, if you were expecting trimmings, technology and infotainment screens from the superior S-Class Cabriolet, you may be a trifle disappointed. Needless to say, when you appreciate a car for the experience it can offer, and are more concerned about what is hiding underneath that huge, vented bonnet, the (then) one-generation-old interior is of little concern – especially today. The moment the engine rumbles into life there is a deep, burbling sound from the exhaust. It sounds different to AMG’s V8s, being even deeper in its aural pleasure. 

On the highway when I get blocked behind a truck for a while, there are a few opportunities to drop back and then rapidly increase speed. And, it is during these small bursts of torque that I immediately sense what a punch the combination of a massive 463 kW and 1 000 N.m can deliver. You simply need to (lightly) flex your right foot and the SL will surge urgently forward. Make no mistake though; even at parking speeds you sense there is an immense amount of weight in the nose. Fully fuelled, it tips the scales at a hefty 1 883 kg. Having said that, in 2024, that suddenly doesn’t seem that heavy taking the weight of modern cars into account. 

Cruise control (dis)engaged

With cruise control in operation, the rev needle sits at a very relaxed 1 850 rpm and the speedometer indicates 120 km/h. If an engine was ever unstressed at highway speeds, this must surely rank up there with the best. AMG’s 6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine was installed in several of the brand’s products. You can just about make a case for each of them, and the SL65 is no exception.

When I turn off the highway towards the first evening’s stop, the small rural town of Sutherland, I wonder what that road, the one I’ve never been on, will be like. Quickly any doubts are laid to rest. Firstly there are a number of long stretches, and as they present themselves, the SL65 pushes through the dry and harsh landscape at speeds you can only safely achieve on a handful of places on earth. However, the SL is surefooted and the brakes do a sterling job of impeding the behemoth’s speed when required. However, a marvellous sweeping bend accompanies every long straight. Braking hard from a long dash at high speed, you need to quickly recalibrate your brain as you enter one of these long turns.

But, to my surprise, that was not the best part. As the kilometres fly past and I’m cocooned in the air-conditioned cabin, there was another surprise in store. I was told before the trip that there was a pass before you enter the town, but I didn’t know what to expect of it.

It really is the cherry on the cake. Although the surface is not perfect, it twists around a number of the rocky hills. You have to keep the sheer mass of the SL in mind, but the moment a corner opens up and you plant your foot on the accelerator, the ’65 virtually bosses the car towards the horizon.

One of the most fascinating aspects of piloting a SL65 is to do a comparison between the behaviours of the rev counter and the speedometer. You can be doing a seriously high speed, and the rev needle will sit at a very relaxed nine o’clock or 10 o’clock position. Flex your right foot, and the speedometer will climb very quickly, followed by the slow movement of the rev counter. 

Day 2

After a good night’s rest, I decide to get up at around 05:00 to experience what is, without a doubt, one of the most deserted pieces of tarmac in South Africa. The R356 heads out of Sutherland towards South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), but with the sun still hiding below the barren landscape, there is not a living being in sight.

The surface is better than the great stretch of road we experienced yesterday, and again I utilise the opportunity to pilot the SL with fervour… Only this time, the roof is down and the seat warmers and Air Scarf are switched on.

The SL65 is very sensitive to road surface quality; it definitely doesn’t ride as pliantly as the SL63 or the SL500, but on this stretch of road it’s in its element. The crisp early-morning air (around 7 degrees Celsius) will have a significant effect on the turbocharged powertrain’s performance, and although I can’t measure it, the car feels more awake and delivers its lofty outputs vigorously.

Until 10 minutes ago I was still sleepy, but now I’m wide awake and marvelling at the sheer breadth of the car’s abilities. 

Handing back the key

When I put my foot all the way down, the needle swings to the red line at 6 000 rpm. The SL picks up speed like no heavyweight convertible should have the right to, and all too quickly I need to brake for a set of corners. I can’t help but now understand more than ever before why Horacio Pagani selected this engine for his supercars. 

After playing on this road (where most of these photographs were taken) it is time for breakfast. I realised that whomever owns and pilots one of these cars will be treated to one of the most luxurious and powerful convertibles on the market! Select an appropriate open road and you are in for a treat! 

Specifications

Model: Mercedes-AMG SL65 (R231) 

Engine: M279 AMG, 5.0-litre, V12 biturbo

Power: 463 kW between 4 800 – 5 400 rpm

Torque: 1 000 N.m between 2 300 – 4 300rpm 

Transmission: 7-speed automatic, RWD

Weight: 1 950 kg

0-100 km/h: 4.0 seconds

Top Speed: 250 km/h (300 km/h with AMG Driver’s package)

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