Skip advert
Advertisement

New York show: Mercedes SL65 AMG

Mercedes has shown off the most powerful version of its range-topping SL, the SL65 AMG, at the New York motor show

Fresh from showing off the new SL63 AMG in Geneva, Mercedes has chosen the New York motor show as the location to launch an even more powerful, V12-engined version. That’s right, the SL65 AMG is back.

Highlights are pretty much as before. The new SL65 is powered by an evolved version of the previous car’s twin-turbocharged 6-litre V12, which puts out a walloping 621bhp along with – wait for it – 738lb ft of torque. That’s an increase of nearly 20 percent over the previous ’65, and mean that it will be the quickest SL yet. The official 3.9-second 0-62mph time and limited 186mph top speed only tell part of the story – we can anticipate that, in straight lines at least, this SL will likely have the ability to show its posher SLS sister a clean pair of heels. Ceramic brakes will be optional, and Mercedes has finally managed to engineer a seven-speed automatic transmission capable of handling the SL65’s astonishing torque figure – the previous car had to make do with the older-tech five-speeder.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Although pricing hasn’t been announced the SL65 will – as before - carry a towering pricetag – Mercedes was hinting that US buyers will be looking at finding the thick end of $200,000 for one. And the car that was actually shown on the stand in New York will be even rarer, it’s a limited-to-45 ‘45th Anniversary Edition’ (see what they did there?) with unique Magno Graphite matt paint, a ‘twin blade’ radiator grille and a natty carbonfibre rear spoiler. 

We’ll bring you more details – and UK prices – as soon as they’re announced.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (2010 - 2015): Germany's answer to the Ferrari 599
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Reviews

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (2010 - 2015): Germany's answer to the Ferrari 599

The Mercedes-Benz SLS is a fully bespoke supercar that’s a slice of purest AMG
21 Nov 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ferrari 296 Challenge 2025 review – Maranello's hybrid supercar goes V6-only
Ferrari 296 Challenge
Reviews

Ferrari 296 Challenge 2025 review – Maranello's hybrid supercar goes V6-only

Stripped of the road car’s heavy and complex hybrid technology, Ferrari’s entry-level competition car provides a glimpse of an alternative universe
15 Mar 2025
Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming
2025 Porsche 911 GT3
News

Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming

The 911 will get even more exclusive and desirable variants with increased customisability going forward
12 Mar 2025
Best hypercars 2025 – the ultimate dream cars
Best hypercars 2025
Best cars

Best hypercars 2025 – the ultimate dream cars

Fastidiously engineered and breathtakingly fast, these are the finest hypercars of all time
17 Mar 2025