MODERN CLASSIC: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

During a (short-lived) golden era, Mercedes-Benz offered a number of V12-engined cars in its line up. One of them was the quite enticing roadster in the shape of the SL65 AMG. We head to Ou Kaapse Weg outside Cape Town to experience a good example. 

Words and images: Wilhelm Lutjeharms

During the noughties and the early 2010s, a power war was being waged between the big German Big Three, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. Every year a new model in their respective product portfolios would be released, always accompanied by a significant bump in power. Before downsizing became the norm, big V8s, V10s and even V12s, as is the case in the subject of this article, were the norm, not the exception.

• Find a classic Mercedes-Benz for yourself here. 

This brings us to the SL65 AMG seen on these photos - this particular example was, until recently, up for sale at MotoVillage. There was, of course, also the hardcore top-of-the-range SL65 Black Series, which had a fixed roof and even more of a performance focus, but if you wanted to lower the roof and have the best performance, then this is the model you would be looking at. By contrast, today, the only SL in our local line-up is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine! However, in other markets there are also the SL55 and the SL63.

Under the hood

Mercedes-Benz didn’t hold back when it came to the SL65, but this engine also powered a number of other AMG models. The 6.0-litre, V12, bi-turbo unit developed a full 450 kW and a monstrous 1 000 Nm of torque from a relaxed 2 000 rpm. True, the SL65 is no lightweight, "tipping" the scales at around 2 tonnes, but with those power figures, you are always going to have access to a punch down the road with a flex of your right foot.

I believe this generation of SL has aged rather well. They do look their age, of course, but at the same time there are still smooth and relatively modern elements to them. Expectedly the engine generates a lot of heat, the reason for the various air outlets surrounding the V12. These include the two on the bonnet, below the windscreen, one on each side behind the front wheels and also on the front bumper just in front of the wheels. Talking about the wheels, with their five double-spoke 19-inch design they do add to the visual drama – in a subtle Mercedes-Benz kind of way. 

Lower yourself into the seat and here you will find all the modern conveniences that you would require – except for the latest software and large infotainment screen. However, I didn’t miss those things...

The cabin is one that offers comfort, while the seats also offer the necessary support. The starter button is neatly situated on top of the gearlever, while the button to lower or raise the roof is placed just in front of the centre arm rest. It doesn't have the plethora of buttons to select various driving models that we’ve become accustomed to, but rather only a comfort and sport setting for the gearbox and the ABC (active body control) sport setting for the suspension – that, is it. 

On the road

Press the starter button and there is a deep note from the engine and the four exhaust pipes. It is still a smooth and sophisticated sound though and not intrusive.

As I pull away, it is evident that only the smallest of throttle inputs have a significant effect on the car’s acceleration. Initially it is the immense level of torque that impresses, as the revs don’t need to raise above 2 000 or 3 000 rpm for you to already experience what this car is capable of. The SL65 accelerates in an absolutely effortless manner.

Head along some twisties, and there is no denying the SL65s weight. At the same time the pliant, but firm suspension connected to the wide tyres (at the rear 285/30 R19 and at the front 255/35 R19) allows the SL65 to feel solid in the corners with a restrictive amount of body roll and enough grip. I say "enough", as there is a clear feeling that if you switch off the ESP system and become reckless with the available power and torque, you will quite quickly be able to brake traction and, at lower speeds, to spin the tyres.

At times you struggle to reach the red line at 6 000 rpm. During that last 2 000 rpm the SL65 pulls with a serious amount of vigour, but still the engine doesn’t feel like it is put under any stress as it blasts towards 6 000 rpm as if it is just getting into its stride. There is some feedback through the steering wheel, but nothing like you would expect from a sports car. This is, after all, a high-powered GT, ideal for covering vast distances at high speeds. 

Summary

Featuring heated and cooled seats, a semi-modern interior, a foldable hard top with a sunroof and performance to match nearly any modern super car, it is hard to fault the SL65, particularly at the prices they are trading for right now. It was, at the time of its introduction, one of Mercedes-Benz’s most expensive cars, which a potential buyer should never forget, but these days, and for the money, it almost offers unmatched straight-line performance.

Specifications:

2006 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

Engine: 6.0-litre, V12 bi-turbo, petrol

Power: 450 kW at 4 800 – 5 100 rpm 

Torque: 1 000 Nm at 2 000 – 4 000 rpm 

Transmission: 5-speed automatic, RWD 

Weight: 2 020 kg

0-100 km/h: 4.2 seconds

Top speed: 250 km/h (ltd.)

Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres