2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance now in Malaysia with 816PS PHEV powertrain, RM2.17m price

Alongside the GT 63 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched AMG’s most powerful SL model yet, the SL 63 S E Performance, a plug-in hybrid sports car that redefines performance and luxury, but at the expense of being a mouthful to pronounce, and priced at an eye-watering RM2,168,888. 

Under the its outstretched bonnet lies an M177 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that, on its own, produces 612 PS and 850 Nm of torque, but this is paired with a rear-mounted electric motor delivering an additional 204 PS and 320 Nm, bringing the total output to a bonkers 816 PS and 1,420 Nm. Power is delivered through a two-speed transmission, all-wheel drive, and a mechanical rear limited-slip differential, ensuring phenomenal grip and acceleration.

Unsurprisingly, the SL 63 S E Performance shoots from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, and its top speed is electronically capped at 317 km/h. Juice is stored in 6.1 kWh 400V lithium-ion battery mounted at the rear and liquid cooled to maintain an optimal temperature. For those short trips without triggering the engine at all, that battery offers an electric-only range of up to 13 km, charged via a 3.7 kW onboard AC charger.

This latest SL generation also revives a few classic features. For the first time since the R129, it comes with four seats (well, 2+2...) as well as and a fabric soft top, which opens in near silence in just 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60 km/h. Dynamic driving is enhanced by AMG Active Ride Control with active roll stabilisation, rear-axle steering, and multiple cosmetic and aerodynamic packages including the AMG Night Package, Aerodynamics Package, and Carbon Fibre Exterior Package.

The weight penalty of its hybrid components mean a kerb weight of almost 2.2 tonnes, and  fittingly braking is handled by a set of standard carbon ceramic rotors hidden behind the 21-inch forged wheels. The car uses six-piston bronze-finished front callipers and single-piston rear callipers, clamping down on 420 mm front and 380 mm rear rotors for extra stout stopping power.

In terms of aerodynamics, the SL 63 S E Performance features patent-protected active carbon aerodynamic element, concealed under the engine, extends downward by 40 mm at 80 km/h to improve handling, which is also fitted to the AMG GT it launched alongside. Meanwhile, the active rear spoiler adjusts into five different positions from 80 km/h onwards, depending on driving conditions and selected modes.

Speaking of which, the car offers eight drive modes: Electric, Battery Hold, Comfort, Smoothness, Sport, Sport+, Race, and Individual. Except for Smoothness mode, each setting features four levels of driver-selectable regenerative braking, with the highest level enabling one-pedal driving.

Inside, the cabin boasts AMG Performance seats with integrated headrests, Mercedes-Benz’s Airscarf, massage features, and diamond-quilted Nappa leather upholstery taken from the Manufaktur collection.

With this launch, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has rounded out the local offering for their high-end R232 SL range, with this PHEV-enhanced AMG drop top grand tourer sitting above the previously launched SL43 and non-hybrid SL 63 4Matic+ as the pack’s flagship.