Mercedes-AMG stormed into the 2012 roadster season with the unveiling of the MY2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG V12 Roadster at the New York Auto Show. This high-performance convertible, launched in US dealerships in November 2012, represented the pinnacle of open-top driving, blending immense power with luxurious refinement. At its heart lay the formidable AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine, delivering a staggering 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Complementing this raw power was a significant weight reduction achieved through an all-aluminum body-in-white, making the MY13 SL65 AMG a remarkable 254 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The redesigned front end immediately signaled its arrival with a striking “twin-blade” grille, featuring two blade-shaped fins and a high-gloss chrome horizontal bar on the front skirt.
The SL65 AMG joined the SL family alongside the SL550 and SL63 AMG roadsters, each offering a distinct blend of performance and luxury. While the SL550 was positioned as the entry point with a starting price of $106,375 and a May release, and the SL63 AMG followed in July, the SL65 AMG stood as the ultimate expression of AMG’s engineering prowess in a convertible form.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH at the time, emphasized the unique appeal of this model: “The combination of exclusive V12 dynamics and cultivated roadster pleasure was already unique in the previous model. We are certain that, with the new SL65 AMG, we have developed a stunning high-performance automobile beyond compare for a small, but loyal fan base.”
Beyond sheer power, the SL65 AMG also embraced intelligent design for improved efficiency. The lightweight aluminum bodyshell played a crucial role in reducing fuel consumption. Further enhancements included the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed transmission, the ECO stop/start function, and optimized engine and alternator management. Despite these efficiency improvements, the engine output was actually increased from 604 hp to 621 hp, while torque remained a massive 738 lb-ft.
This potent combination translated into breathtaking performance. The SL65 AMG could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph in the US market. The hallmark of the AMG V12 biturbo engine was not just its raw power, but also its instantaneous acceleration, seamless power delivery, and the signature AMG V12 soundtrack. The SL65 AMG delivered a driving experience that was both exhilarating and refined.
| Specification | SL65 AMG |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,980 cm3 |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.25 x 3.66 inches |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0 : 1 |
| Power | 621 hp @ 4,800 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 738 lb-ft @ 2,300-4,300 rpm |
| Vehicle Weight | 4,299 pounds |
| Fuel Economy | TBD |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 186 mph (electronically limited) |
AMG 6.0-Liter V12 Biturbo Engine: Engineering Excellence
The heart of the SL65 AMG, the AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine (M 279), was a significant evolution of the previous M 275 unit. AMG engineers implemented substantial upgrades to extract even more performance. New turbochargers with enlarged spiral cross-sections, redesigned manifolds, and optimized wastegate channels contributed to an additional 17 horsepower. The multi-spark ignition system, featuring twelve twin ignition coils, worked in concert with a more advanced engine management system and refined cylinder heads to ensure more complete and efficient combustion. This resulted in reduced emissions, further aided by an enhanced catalytic converter system.
The redesigned AMG sport exhaust system featured optimized pipe routing for improved exhaust flow and a weight reduction of seven pounds through thinner pipe walls. Beyond its technical advancements, the engine’s aesthetics were also emphasized. A carbon-fiber and aluminum engine cover visually highlighted the exceptional nature of the twelve-cylinder powerplant.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed Transmission: Performance and Efficiency
For the first time in the SL65 AMG, the immense power of the V12 biturbo engine was channeled through the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed transmission. This pairing brought together raw power with enhanced efficiency and driving dynamics. The wide gear ratio spread of the seven-speed automatic transmission allowed for lower engine speeds, contributing to reduced fuel consumption. A new fuel-economy torque converter, low-friction bearings, and intelligent transmission oil thermal management further optimized power transfer to the wheels.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed transmission offered four distinct drive programs, selectable via a button on the center console: Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), Sport plus (S+), and Manual (M). In “C” mode, the ECO stop/start function was always active, prioritizing fuel efficiency. For a more engaging and dynamic driving experience, “S,” “S+,” and “M” modes offered increasingly responsive gear changes. These modes also featured an automatic double-declutch function for downshifts and brief, precise ignition and injection retardation during upshifts under full load, resulting in quicker shift times.
Intelligent Lightweight Design: Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Construction
The new SL65 AMG prioritized lightweight construction to enhance performance, handling, and efficiency. Compared to the steel construction of the previous model, the all-aluminum body-in-white of the new SL65 AMG achieved significant weight savings while also improving stiffness, safety, and comfort. Intelligent lightweight design extended to component optimization for specific applications. Various aluminum forming processes were employed, including gravity die casting, vacuum pressure casting, extruded profiles, and aluminum sheets of varying thicknesses. Magnesium, an even lighter material, was used for the cover behind the fuel tank. High-strength steel tubes were integrated into the A-pillars for enhanced safety.
Further weight reduction was achieved with the rear decklid, which utilized a carbon composite internal frame. A plastic exterior shell was bonded to this stiff carbon component, resulting in an eleven-pound weight saving compared to a conventional rear lid. These comprehensive lightweight design measures resulted in a curb weight of 4,299 pounds for the new SL65 AMG, a substantial 254 pounds less than its predecessor.
AMG Sport Suspension Based on Active Body Control: Handling and Comfort
The chassis of the SL65 AMG also benefited from lightweight engineering principles. The four-link front suspension incorporated aluminum steering knuckles and control arms, with aluminum also used extensively in the multilink rear axle suspension parts. This reduction in unsprung mass improved agility and enhanced the responsiveness of the suspension. The SL65 AMG retained the Active Body Control (ABC) active suspension system as standard. The AMG sports suspension, based on ABC, was a further refined version of the system used in the SL63 AMG, specifically tuned for the V12 model.
Handling and performance were paramount in the development of the chassis. Two suspension settings were available at the touch of a button: “Sport” for a firmer, more dynamic setup with reduced body roll, and “Comfort” for enhanced ride quality over long distances. Increased negative camber on both axles and revised elastokinematics further contributed to improved agility and higher cornering speeds.
New Electromechanical AMG Speed-Sensitive Steering and High-Performance Braking
The SL65 AMG featured a newly developed electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering system, providing precise control and feedback. The steering ratio was fixed and direct, while the power assistance varied based on the selected chassis mode. Standard equipment included 3-stage ESP®, an AMG-exclusive feature with “SPORT Handling” mode for spirited driving. An AMG rear-axle locking differential, also standard, effectively managed the engine’s immense power delivery.
Braking performance was equally impressive, befitting an AMG high-performance vehicle. The SL65 AMG featured newly designed brakes with 15.4 x 1.4 inch compound discs and six-piston fixed calipers at the front axle, and 14.2 x 1.0 inch integral discs with single-piston floating calipers at the rear. An electric parking brake was standard. For even greater braking capability, the AMG carbon ceramic brake system, derived from the SLS AMG, was available as an option.
Distinctive AMG Styling: The New “Face”
Visually, the SL65 AMG made a strong statement as a high-performance roadster. It debuted the new AMG “face,” characterized by a reinterpretation of the grille and lower air inlet for a more dynamic and premium appearance. The central design element was the new twin-blade grille finished in high-gloss chrome. The Mercedes star was prominently mounted on two blade-like fins with aerofoil profiles. The grille’s more pronounced arrow shape enhanced the vehicle’s proportions, emphasizing its aerodynamic design.
The stylized “A,” a hallmark of AMG vehicles, was retained beneath the twin-blade grille. A slit along the lower edge of the air intake, concealed beneath a fine black fin, optimized airflow to the cooling modules. The lower horizontal bar on the front skirt, finished in high-gloss chrome, added visual depth and a premium accent. These design elements, particularly the twin-blade grille and lower horizontal bar, established the new AMG brand “face,” which would be further developed in future AMG models.
Distinguishing the SL65 AMG from the SL63 AMG were carefully applied high-gloss chrome accents. In addition to the twin-blade grille and lower horizontal bar, the bezels of the AMG-specific LED daytime running lights, the side fins on the fenders, and the hood fins all featured the same finish. The characteristic AMG styling also included a front skirt with large cooling openings, unique sill panels, an AMG spoiler lip, and a rear skirt with a diffuser-look inlay.
Typical V12 identifiers included the chromed, standalone dual end pipes of the AMG sports exhaust, “V12 BITURBO” lettering on the fenders, and titanium grey painted and polished 5-spoke AMG alloy wheels. Optional AMG forged alloy multi-spoke wheels from the AMG Performance Studio were also available, further reducing unsprung mass.
Retractable Hard-Top and MAGIC SKY CONTROL: Open-Air Freedom
The sixth-generation SL continued to offer a space-saving electro-hydraulic retractable hard-top, transforming the SL65 AMG from a roadster to a coupe in under 20 seconds. A standout feature was the MAGIC SKY CONTROL, allowing the roof’s transparency to be switched from light to dark at the touch of a button, enhancing the open-air experience.
Luxurious Interior: Sensory Delight
The interior of the SL65 AMG distinguished itself from the SL63 AMG with exclusive design and equipment. Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats, upholstered in exclusive leather with AMG-specific V12 diamond stitching, were a focal point. This distinctive stitching extended to the center door panels. AMG logos embossed on the seatbacks, AIRSCARF neck-level heating, multi-contour function, seat memory, and seat ventilation were all standard. The designo headliner in leather with AMG V12 diamond stitching completed the luxurious ambiance.
The cockpit design drew inspiration from the SLS AMG, with jet-engine style air vents, the E-SELECT gear lever, and the AMG DRIVE UNIT. AMG carbon trim elements, an IWC-design analog clock, chromed and illuminated AMG entry trim, and an AMG performance steering wheel further elevated the interior. The AMG instrument panel with a 225 mph scale and an AMG start-up display hinted at the car’s performance capabilities.
Extensive Standard Equipment:
The SL65 AMG came generously equipped with standard features, including:
- AIRSCARF neck-level heating system
- PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
- ATTENTION ASSIST
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Pre-Safe Brake
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG Surround Sound System
- Frontbass
- Carbon fiber trim
- COMAND with 40 GB hard-drive GPS navigation
- In-dash 6-disc DVD changer
- Multi-color ambient lighting
- IWC-design analogue dashboard clock
- Anti-theft alarm
- Power trunk closer with hands-free access
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- LED daytime running lights
- Bi-Xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
- KEYLESS-GO
- Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation
- MAGIC VISION CONTROL (heated)
- NECK-PRO Active Head Restraints
- Mercedes-Benz mbrace2TM
- Retractable hard top with easy pack feature
- MAGIC SKY CONTROL
- Power wind screen
- Soft-close doors
- Automatic pop-up rollover protection for driver and passenger
AMG Performance Studio Options:
For further personalization, the AMG Performance Studio offered options such as:
- AMG Carbon Ceramic Braking System
- AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package
- AMG Performance Media
Paint Finishes and Upholstery:
A range of standard and designo paint finishes were available, along with exclusive leather upholstery options, allowing buyers to tailor the SL65 AMG to their individual tastes.
One of the World’s Safest Roadsters:
The SL65 AMG prioritized safety with its collision-optimized aluminum structure, standard PRE-SAFE® System, and advanced assistance systems. The stiff aluminum body-in-white provided a robust occupant cell, while defined crumple zones and pop-up rollover bars enhanced occupant protection. Advanced restraint systems and pedestrian protection measures further contributed to its safety credentials, making it one of the safest roadsters in its class.
