Under gloriously sunny weather out at Sepang Circuit’s Driving Experience Center, Mercedes-Benz recently carried forward Mercedes-AMG’s legacy of gutsily powerful engines with even more finely developed handling dynamics, by unleashing the latest two powerhouses from Affalterbach’s arsenal of performance. These were of course the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupé and new SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE, embodying breathtaking fusions of motorsport honed driving performance and strikingly iconic design.
Both of them share the same roots, being built on the brand’s Modular Sports Architecture (MSA) and powered by AMG’s 4-liter M177 twin turbocharged V8 engine, but therein the similarities end. The new GT 63 Coupé builds on its predecessor’s success with even more dynamic edge and sports car bite, while the SL 63 S convertible brings a more vigorously progressive design to the SL-Class’ illustrious sporty Grand Touring heritage coupled with hybrid power.
Amanda Zhang, CEO & President of Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia, said, “At Mercedes-Benz, we strive to create moments that stir the senses and leave lasting impressions. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupé and Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE are bold expressions of this philosophy. They embody the thrill, precision, and unmistakable character of AMG, while staying true to our promise of luxury, innovation, and presence. This is what it means to experience a Mercedes moment — pure emotion at every turn.”
Nadia Trimmel, Vice President, Marketing & Sales of Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia, added, “The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupé and Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE represent the ultimate expression of AMG performance and engineering mastery. Both are powered by the iconic AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, delivering explosive power, razor-sharp throttle response, and a sound that’s unmistakably AMG. The AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupé is the pinnacle of the modern sports car — combining motorsport precision with surprising everyday usability — while the AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE redefines open-top performance with its innovative hybrid technology, seamlessly blending electric boost with V8 power for thrilling acceleration and grand touring luxury. Together, they showcase the full spectrum of AMG’s high- performance DNA: from track-honed intensity to top-down exhilaration.”
A particular highlight at the launch was the previous generation Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO campaigned by Malaysian gentleman racer Douglas Khoo’s team Viper Niza Racing – this year it has already clinched a second placed GT AM class & 6th overall finish at the grueling Motul 12 Hours of Sepang race, before scoring another P2 class finish in the Michelin 12 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
With AMG’s thundering 4-liter V8 biturbo engine entirely assembled by one man’s hand in Affalterbach, then mid-front-mounted within its nose, the 2nd generation Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupé certainly doesn’t lack for punch — all 585 horses under its hood deliver a blisteringly quick 3.2 second sprint from rest to 100 km/h, while a heightened degree of agility truly puts it in its own league. Something most amply demonstrated by a thrillingly energetic debut performed here by racing driver Dominic Ang, powering the GT 63 Coupé onto the tarmac stage before immediately pitching it into a series of rip-roaring, tyre-smoking donuts around the SL 63 S which stood imposingly rock solid beneath the sunny skies.
Unmistakably AMG in every way, the Coupé’s thrilling performance & versatile usability are packaged into a subtly expanded 2+2 form athletically proportioned by its long wheelbase, steeply raked windscreen and short overhangs. A widened overall track, bold radiator grille shell, poised silhouette, smoothly sculpted surfaces, and muscular wheel arches highlight its dynamic stance while promising a thrilling driving experience. Moving rearwards, the sleek fastback profile, integrated active rear spoiler, and aerodynamically sculpted rear diffuser make for an impactful finale. Rounded out with the 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels, AMG Exterior Carbon Package & Night package, the new GT 63 Coupé is truly made to draw onlookers and leave a lasting impression.
There are serious aerodynamic functions built into that form too, with the two-part AIRPANEL active air control system being a particular technical highlight. This consists of both horizontal louvres in the upper air intake, and vertical slats behind the front apron’s lower air intake. All slats remain closed in normal driving situations, cutting drag while ducting air towards the underbody to reduce unwanted frontal lift. At speeds over 180 km/h and when higher temperatures require more cooling, they open (the second system only from 180 km/h) and allow maximum cooling air to flow to the heat exchangers.
Another active aerodynamic element exclusively developed & patented by AMG, is the 2 kilogram carbon fiber profile concealed within the underbody just ahead of the engine. Reacting to the selected AMG drive programme, it automatically extends by 40 millimetres at 80 km/h or more, forming a Venturi effect to reduce front axle lift while virtually sucking the car closer to the surface beneath it. Its handling benefit is most positively felt by the driver in its steering, as understeer is reduced through corners without compromising directional stability.
These aforementioned AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programmes comprise Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, and RACE, precisely tailoring the vehicle’s characteristics and driving experience for varying road conditions.
The system governs all on-board electro-mechanical dynamics systems, including the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. This provides actively responsive torque distribution across both front & rear axles via an electromechanically controlled clutch. A sophisticated matrix continuously calculates and delivers the best torque distribution according to prevailing conditions & the driver’s intent, from a traction oriented 50:50 split all the way to pure rear-wheel drive; aiding both driving stability and agile lateral dynamics.
Both active suspension & all-wheel steering make their presence known in the GT Coupé for the first time. The former, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL enhances driving dynamics with advanced electromechanical stabilisers on both axles, and sensors monitoring driving conditions and the road surface up to 1,000 times a second. Using these data inputs, both steering & suspension can adapt instantly to compensate for body roll, resulting in an especially compliant, stable ride with much less undesirable frame movements during braking, cornering, and acceleration even through roads that are less than perfect.
This not only betters ride comfort in everyday usage, it also delivers exceptional agility and controlled stability during spirited driving with the car less likely to be thrown off line by bumps or road undulations. Lateral dynamics are sharpened for better driver engagement, while maintaining a smoothly composed feel at higher straight line speeds. Active rear-axle steering is also an advantage here, steering the rear wheels in either the opposite direction to the front wheels up to 100 km/h or in the same direction over that velocity. It thus equally enhances both dynamic agility and higher speed stability, driving characteristics that would contradict each other without rear-axle steering. The result is a more controllable vehicle balance on the limit, while requiring less steering effort thanks to a more direct translation of front wheel steering inputs.
Moving inside, the new GT 63 Coupé’s interior design further develops AMG’s renowned high-performance sports car DNA for a new digital era, while embodying high material quality, workmanship and attention to detail that elevate its luxurious ambiance. Even so, the cockpit is uncompromisingly driver focused with a streamlined overall design & fully digital instrument cluster integrated into its 3D visor-like impression. The instrument panel’s lower section flows seamlessly into the centre console, functionally centred around the 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen which includes access to extensive AMG-specific content across five display styles.
The AMG Performance menu allows a wide range of data to be called up at the tap of a finger; from horsepower, torque, and lateral acceleration readouts to the all-wheel drive system’s power distribution, or tyre pressures and fluid temperatures reflecting the vehicle’s present condition. Even further still, alternative display readouts include front & rear axle wheel angles, or the oil pressure within the suspension’s active roll stabilisation system. Below this, a capacitive display button controls the infotainment volume, assistance systems, and driving mode selection from Comfort to RACE. Further enhancing RACE mode, the AMG TRACK PACE telemetry system is integrated with the MBUX infotainment system and records over 80 individual data parameters, from acceleration & speed to steering angle and brake pedal actuation, ten times each second through a pre-defined route. Up to four of these parameters can be called up together as a live display in the Telemetry screen.
A particular highlight is found in AMG’s Performance seats, combining strongly contoured forms for ideal lateral support with AMG badging & integrated head restraints — making for a truly indulgent experience in every usage scenario, from more relaxed touring to committed track day attacks.
Meanwhile, for those who prefer to do their even grander touring in topless style embellished with a bigger helping of horsepower, the new SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE merges supercar level performance and driving dynamics with everyday usability thanks to its classic soft-top roof & equipment features on par with Mercedes-Benz’s most luxurious sedan models. As AMG’s fifth model to incorporate advanced E PERFORMANCE hybrid technology, it combines the same AMG M177 hand-crafted 4-liter biturbo V8 engine as the GT 63 Coupé with an electric drive unit for explosive power and instant response. Total outputs are an incredible 816 hp and up to 1,420 Nm of torque, launching it from 0 to 100 km/h in only 2.9 seconds & a top speed of 317 km/h. Quite simply, it’s the most powerful member yet of Stuttgart’s renowned SL roadster family.
Further detailing its drivetrain, the rear axle-mounted electric drive unit integrates a 204 hp permanently excited synchronous electric motor with an electrically switched two-speed transmission & mechanical limited-slip differential. There are numerous advantages afforded by this compactly engineered design – energizing the rear axle directly, the electric motor’s propulsive energy is less compromised by drivetrain losses, boosting throttle response when accelerating from low speeds or overtaking. With increased rear axle load, electric drive power can be transferred to the front wheels as required via the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive’s mechanical cardan shaft and front wheel drive shafts. The system’s rear axle positioning also optimizes the car’s weight and axle load distribution, further aiding its handling dynamics.
Also positioned in the rear for ideal weight distribution, the system’s 400-volt lithium-ion battery was developed using race-proven technologies derived from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s racing cars, combining high power density with rapid energy discharging. With a 6.1 kWh capacity, it delivers a constant 70 kW output, while up to 150 kW of peak power can be discharged during full throttle moments. It is designed for fast power discharge rather than extending the car’s range, and can be charged via the 3.7 kW on-board charger.
Its high energy output & demand based recuperation allows the electrical power to be harnessed instantly and reproduced frequently. Derived from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1™ racing car’s hybrid power pack, its operating strategy always delivers maximum propulsion when needed – during corner exit acceleration or when overtaking, for instance.
With temperature stability also being vitally important to any battery’s optimal performance, an advanced direct cooling system flows a highly developed coolant around all 560 cells to control their heat individually. This positively impacts its performance, service life, and safety, while also optimizing its energy recuperation during off-throttle moments when the accelerator pedal is released.
A total of eight AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programmes comprising “Electric”, “Battery Hold”, “Comfort”, “Smoothness”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, “RACE”, and “Individual” are precisely tailored to adapt the new drive technology to all anticipated driving requirements, selected via the AMG button & central console display or AMG steering wheel buttons. They adapt vital parameters including drive and transmission response, steering weight, chassis damping & sound for a selection of driving experiences varying from the efficient to the dynamic.
Active aerodynamics are also further refined on the new AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE, adapted to work better with its performance hybrid technology. As on the new GT 63 Coupé, a patented active carbon fiber front underbody aero element reacts to the selected AMG drive mode and automatically extends 40 millimetres downwards at speeds of 80 km/h & higher, balancing out its dynamic driving behaviour.
On top of this, AMG’s aerodynamics team has also optimized the boot lid’s extendable rear spoiler control software for its higher performance while balancing the frontal aero – at speeds of 80 km/h and upwards, it varies its angle of attack through five new positions to enhance driving stability or reduce air drag according to the active drive mode. AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL with active roll stabilisation and rear-axle steering are also present here, enabling the SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE to deliver thrilling dynamic agility without compromising on its luxurious comfort & stability at higher continent crossing velocities.
Next to the new GT 63 Coupé’s more sporting cabin, the SL’s interior embodies an even higher level of luxurious comfort. Its electrically adjustable AMG Performance seats feature integrated headrests and sporty ventilation openings for exemplary long distance comfort. Yet its driving performance hasn’t been forgotten either: the MBUX multimedia system’s central touchscreen includes AMG and hybrid-specific displays and functions. High-quality graphics visualize the hybrid drive system’s power flow of the drive system, while speed, power, torque, electrical system temperatures can also be called up.
My day out with these towering testaments to AMG power didn’t end there however – towards the evening, several enthusiastic driving friends from The Rad Crew turned up with none other than their Mercedes-AMG C190 GT R, along with a facelifted R230 SL 63 AMG that lent the proceedings an even more evocative air with its thunderously loud 6.2-liter M156 V8 engine. This afforded a rare opportunity to observe the evolution of these iconic AMG models, from the previous to current generations.
A particularly notable highlight in the Mercedes-AMG SLs’ interior progression pointed out by the SL 63’s friendly owner, was in the execution of their AIRSCARF systems – Stuttgart’s patented solution of ducting warm air from the seat headrest vents to create a virtual ‘scarf’ around the occupants’ necks & shoulders, enabling them to enjoy comfortable top-down driving even in colder winter climates. Being more pronounced in the older SL 63’s headrests with their fans even distinctly visible, the AIRSCARF vents in the new SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE are more sleekly integrated into its overall seat profiles, reflecting an even more refined attention to detail.
Interested to add these German powerhouses to your personal driving collection? Pricing starts from RM 1,882,888 for the new GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupé, and RM 2,168,888 for its convertible SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE stablemate.
