Mercedes-Benz Malaysia may have launched two new AMG models on the same day—at Sepang International Circuit, no less—but they are rather different beasts. There are commonalities, of course, the key one being a rip-roaring 4.0l biturbo V8, hand-built according to Affalterbach’s famous ‘one man, one engine’ philosophy. Another is that, among the brand’s typical word salad suffix, is the coveted ‘63’ tag. But, ultimately, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupé (from about RM1.9 million) and the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance (from about RM2.2 million) present a dichotomy as to exactly which predatory, sporting two-door is for you.
The GT is a relatively new line from Mercedes-AMG, now only in its second generation as a road-going sports car that keeps one wheel on the track. It gets 577bhp from its petrol-only powerplant, and is good for 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds. Intelligent all-wheel drive distributes its 800Nm of torque to all four wheels, including a 100 per cent rear bias if required. Active roll stabilisation, rear-axle steering, and lightweight composite brake discs all contribute to its high-performance dynamics—as does aerodynamic sophistication, which includes active elements hidden in the underbody of the front engine. Despite the sporting emphasis, it does not neglect interior luxuries, with materials and workmanship up to the Mercedes-Benz standard. From the central 11.9in touchscreen, drivers can access displays and data made available specifically for AMG, including output, torque, and power distribution.
The SL, meanwhile, has a legacy that goes back much further—all the way back to the gullwing door days of the 1950s. As the top-level Performance variant, it packs some serious punch: 805bhp, 1,420Nm of torque, and 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds. These blistering figures are attained thanks to the contribution from the electric motor, positioned over the rear axle, which provides an extra, immediate boost when needed. It is a hybrid system derived from F1 and is designed for performance, first and foremost—the paltry 13km of electric-only range is evidence of that. Much of the AMG wizardry has also made it over, including rear-axle steering, composite brake system, and active aerodynamics. However, the SL has its own signature in that it is a convertible, sporting a retractable soft top in classic roadster fashion.
Although they may seem similar at a glance—especially in the looks department, all squinty headlights and gaping intakes, and long bonnets and aggressively slatted front grilles—these two latest releases really do occupy different niches. The GT is a purer, more focused take on sporting prowess, even as it compromises little on luxury. The SL, in the meantime, is a bit of a contradiction in that it packs incredible power in a rather more lifestyle-oriented set-up—between the inherent lack of stiffness of the roof-less chassis and the weight of the batteries, it is not going to be quite as agile. Either one, though, is still a bit of a flex.
