Mercedes-AMG (R231) SL65: Classic Drive

An extensive road trip (including an early morning drive) through the Karoo at the ‘wheel of the muscular R231-series Mercedes-AMG SL65 yielded many memorable experiences. You may not need a biturbo V12 in your life, but you’ll want one!

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, wouldn’t you rather opt for the awesome power of the modern-classic Mercedes-AMG SL65 instead of its humble SL63 sibling? But then, in the car world, more doesn’t always mean better. There are numerous examples of that out there…

The SL65’s muscular exterior

The Designo selenite grey magno paint finish of the SL65 wouldn’t 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 (and add a bling factor that won’t be to all tastes) that this is the most expensive Mercedes-Benz SL variant you could buy at the time.

Behind the handsome alloys 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.

Mercedes-AMG SL65 front three-quarter view

Step inside, and the wealth of the Mercedes-AMG SL65‘s opulent finishes continues. The quilted leather 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 R231’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) 1-generation-old interior is of little concern – especially on crisp Karoo day.

Specifications

Model: Mercedes-AMG SL65 (R231)
Engine: M279 AMG, 6.0-litre, V12 biturbo
Power: 463 kW from 4 800 to 5 400 rpm
Torque: 1 000 Nm from 2 300 to 4 300rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic, RWD
Weight: 1 950 kg
0-100 km/h: 4.0 sec (claimed)
Top Speed: 250 kph (300 kph with AMG Driver’s package)

The moment the 6.0-litre biturbo V12 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 Nm can deliver.

You simply need to (lightly) flex your right foot and the Mercedes-AMG SL65 will surge urgently forward. Make no mistake though; even at parking speeds, you sense there is an immense amount of weight in the Teutonic roadster’s 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 in the Mercedes-AMG

With cruise control in operation, the rev needle sits at a very relaxed 1 850 rpm and the speedometer indicates 120 kph. 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 Mercedes-AMG 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 several long stretches, and as they present themselves, the SL65 pushes through the dry and harsh landscape at speeds you can only safely achieve in a handful of places on Earth.

However, the SL65 is surefooted and the brakes do a sterling job of impeding the behemoth’s speed when needed. However, a marvellous sweeping bend accompanies every long straight. When braking hard from a long dash, 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 simply fly past while I am blissfully cocooned in the ‘Benz’s air-conditioned cabin, there is another surprise in store. Before the trip, I was told that there was a pass before you entered the town, but I didn’t know what to expect from it.

It truly is the cherry on the cake. Although its surface is not perfect, the road twists around several of the rocky hills. You have to keep the sheer mass of the SL65 in mind, but the moment a corner opens up and you plant your foot on the accelerator, the mighty V12 virtually bosses the car towards the horizon.

Wilhelm Lutjeharms drive the Mercedes-AMG SL65

One of the most fascinating aspects of piloting a Mercedes-AMG 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 9- or 10 o’clock position. Flex your right foot on the long pedal, and the speedometer will climb very quickly, followed by the slow movement of the rev counter.

Day 2 with the Mercedes-AMG SL65

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 the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), but with the sun still hiding below the barren landscape, there is not a living being in sight.

Mercedes-AMG SL65 rear three-quarter view

The surface is better than the great stretch of road we experienced yesterday, and again I utilise the opportunity to pilot the Mercedes-AMG SL65 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 most definitely doesn’t ride as pliantly as the SL63 or the SL500, but on this stretch of road it’s absolutely 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.

When I flatten my foot, the needle swings to the red line at 6 000 rpm. The SL65 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. Yes, I can understand, more than ever before, why Horacio Pagani selected this engine for his supercars.

Summary

After playing on this road (where most of these photographs were taken) it is time for breakfast. I realised that whoever owns and pilots a Mercedes-AMG SL65 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!

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