- Competes with: BMW 6 Series
- Looks like: A top-of-the-line SL-Class
- Drivetrain: 621-hp, 6.0-liter V-12; seven-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: November 2012
The newly redesigned 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class gets another — now top-of-the-line — trim added to its roster before the model’s official retail launch in May, according to the luxury carmaker. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG brings V-12 power back to the SL-Class lineup after a one-year hiatus. It will debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.
The SL65 AMG packs a 621-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V-12, which produces 738 pounds-feet of torque. That’s up from 604 hp on the 2011 SL65 AMG. Like the SL63 AMG, this model is powered by the same seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission. The engine gets larger air openings for cooling the engine oil, water and transmission oil, according to Mercedes. All that power allows the SL65 to acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the SL63.
Along with the brawnier engine, the SL65 gets distinguishing marks to separate it from its other SL brethren. Exterior updates include high-polished chrome, a differently styled lower diffuser and AMG-specific LED daytime running lights. The SL65 also gets a body-colored, AMG-specific spoiler lip and rear skirt inlay.
In the cabin, there are AMG-specific sport seats with carbon fiber trim, a chrome instrument cluster and an analog clock designed by IWC Schaffhausen, among other changes.
Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing for the SL65 AMG yet, but the base SL550 will start at $106,375 when it goes on sale in May. The SL63 AMG goes on sale in July with the SL65 AMG following in November.
