I had my LC 500 convertible out this morning. Yes, wonderful sound in a wonderful car. The Merc is in another segment, price, power plus AWD. My Lexus will run for a long time and has been super easy to own. I would not want a Merc once the warranty period has passed.
Na MB SL 63 is on another level. The MB AMG SL63 also is a superior piece of machinery. AMG are master engine builders The LC 500 while very good can't match it except maybe in the reliability department but there are reasons for that too if you'd like find out.
Nop, you don't pay extra; you do not buy the product. Companies need to listen to the demand and the only way that happens is by feeling it in the bank.
Agree. Everything great about the SL63 has been discarded. No metal roof, 4 seats not 2, 4 wheel drive not 2. Every other SL63 is a roadster, this one is not. I own a 2017 SL63 and will never buy this version 👍🏻
Just because it’s convertible doesn’t mean they are in same class. Trust me I drove both and this is considered sports car and LC 500 is not. That’s important no? It’s like comparing SL63 to Ferrari Roadster. They are different cars with different prices. SL is almost twice as LC and to me the money worth it for 63 because as I mentioned the driving experience is different. Perfect balance of sport and luxury. Also this looks much better than Lexus. But that’s just my opinion.
They aren't in the same class you Muppets. How do you lot not even get this?? The LC is mych much closer to the CLE & CLE 53 Cabriolets than it is the SL 63 or 55. A car has been out almost 2 yrs, another one over 7 years, and somehow people watching a car channel don't even know the difference in vehicle class?? What's next, compare an E Class Cabriolet to a Bentley Cabriolet?? They're both convertibles after all??
@@nicolasdelabassetiere8829 Paying cash? Absolutely. On finance, which is how most of these cars will be “bought”? I imagine the difference won’t be that much per month.
About the traffic light camera stuff: In Germany, it's basically impossible to look at the traffic lights, without doing yoga in your car. They are always in super weird angles... While I don't like Mercedes that much (different story), I would really like to have that feature in my car. Seems like German engineering for German problems 😅
There are plenty of reviews on UA-cam on it. The LC500 is hideous in a special Japanese way and the interior is years past it's prime. It is also slower than my F Pace SVR.
@@frednerk8366 "slower" as in you can actually use more than 1 gear and rev it out properly 500hp is not slow and frankly is still a fast car period i dont think anyone has ever genuinely criticised it for not enough power lmao, LC is almost universally viewed as a stunning car so youre in the minority on that one, the interior is still leagues in front of most cars considering they didnt just throw a massive tablet on the dash that replaces all the physical controls.
This is prettier and far more reliable. But I hate the iPad/Playstation aspect. It needs 2 Swiss analog gauges only and a tiny screen low on the dash for preferences/nav and the like, much like the Cayman setup.
@@antikytheramechanism7909 The F Type turned out to be quite reliable, especially considerin the usual Jaguar reliability issues. Soft top Mercs n Beemers always tend to face issues with the convertible mechanism completely failing or malfunctioning in the first few years of ownership. Something I've surprisingly not seen in the F Types.
@@antikytheramechanism7909 Agree. I have the short-lived AMG S63 Cabrio with the two 12" screens... it would be perfect with analog or at least analog-shaped openings with digital screens (like Porsche do).
The interior is a mess. An iPad leaning against the front t dashboard just looks crap but most of all it’s a four seater. So it’s not an SL! Only my opinion but as an owner of an older SL I think Mercedes have lost the plot 🤷♂️
Yes, the only issue I have with this car is the iPad thing. But the rest is all perfect. Also it’s interesting that Mercedes actually made this car 4 seater because it listened to what previous SL owners wanted in their new SL and most wanted it to have 2 more seats in the back ;)
@@ns7203 I find that unlikely if I may say so. I’m on my third SL in fifteen years; 2003, 350, 2014, 400, 2017, 500 and I know a lot of other SL owners through the Merc Club and car meets. I have never met anyone who said they wanted two more seats in the back, in fact quite the opposite. The SL has always been a two seater and owners love it for just that. If you want four seats you buy a different car. I believe the reason Mercedes gave it two more seats was to align it against the Porsche 911. Unfortunately it has two seats that are absolutely useless apart from throwing a coat on so what was the point? That space could have been given over to more boot space and front seat room for extended long distance touring which is what the SL is all about. I think the problem lies with the badging as described. This is not an SL, nothing like it, it’s an AMG convertible.
@@dhdove it is not like I’m saying it, it’s a known thing,, Mercedes surveyed its most loyal SL customers before making the new SL and most say they wanted a back seat. Research it.
@@dhdove and btw, have you test driven it? Please do and talk. It’s a perfect balance between look/luxury and experience/performance like no other car.
When i see an expensive car with a digital billboard stuck to the dash i try and picture the dash without it, could actually be a thing of beauty. With all these pricey optional extra rip offs these days, they might as well add a 'fold away screen' option. And pls, at this price, i want beautiful analog dials
Did you hire a new videographer? Rolling shots and takes from the exterior really enhance the production value. I don't know if it can be done for future videos in terms of budget but it's so cool to see!
In my opinion, Mercedes messed up with the soft top, the unique selling point of the modern SL was a hardtop roof, so you had the best of both worlds a coupe in winter and a convertible when summer came around. I would worry that someone might slash the roof.
They can’t build the SL anymore. We have rejected our 2nd in 6 months. One had casting sand from the ending in the water system. So the cooling fans would go wild(needed about 40flushes) took 4 months to reject that was supposed to collect on the 28th (today) but it didn’t start when they were doing pre handover checks I think it’s something to do with the fuses they had to recall. I guess they need to redo them
They can’t build any Mercedes anymore. I collected a new S500 two weeks ago and it rattles like a twenty year old Citroen. Dealer has tried multiple fixes without luck and then threw up their hands. It’s been rejected but I expect it to take months as yours did.
I'll get one. I don't like the iPad and see it as a blemish on a supermodel. I'd prefer 2 analog gauges and a tiny screen I can turn off. It's almost a fatal flaw but this thing is so drop dead gorgeous overall.
Agree. I have the short-lived AMG S63 Cabrio with the two 12" screens... it would be perfect with analog or at least analog-shaped openings with digital screens (like Porsche do).
Sam! I'm so glad to see your channel is still around! Been subscribed to you since the Abarth days, I still vividly remember your video on the short shifter for it!
35 is young to me as I'm 54, so you aren't old yet. You're a family man now. I preferred the AMG GTC also. A great car with a wide body like an R but usable 550BHP. If I could choose 1 I'd have the new AMG GT, I not a big fan of Convertibles. Except for the MCL Spiders or 911 Targa's.
Drive the SL63 with an open top and you'd never want the AMG GT... I own a SL63 and got a GT63 as a loaner from my dealer and while it drives a tiny bit sportier and has a more spontaneous throttle response from a stop, the SL is more fun to drive because of the open top and the sound.
Anyone else noticed that these DCT boxes are so good now that it is pointless changing gear yourself? It worked in the single-clutch automated manuals but when it's DCT it feels like the car is just humouring you and making you think you're doing something.
As a subscriber, a Guildfordian and an AMG fan, this video was a joy to watch 👌. That screen does seem way too distracting though, I don't know how phones can be illegal while driving yet large infotainment systems and tech are fine
I always ensure to watch in 4k, and damn something about the colourization in the first few shots is just hitting different! Thank you Sam for paying attention to all the tiny details. We do notice!!
The start button was an idea from luxury watch manufacturers because let's face it if you've got an SL 55 & above, you've probably got a £6-10k+ watch too. If you wear your watch on your left wrist, you're almost guaranteed to scratch the bezel, case, lugs or links at some point while starting & stopping the car.
That title was my exact thought when it launched, especially when they only make an AMG, not like the old SL days. ANNNNNND when they had the AMG GT Convertible. Looking forward to this one!
Agreed. Botched convertible roof controls are unforgivable for Mercedes. Because they've executed perfectly for decades in the R230 and R231 generations. One big metal switch on the console is more than intuitive. Incredibly frustrating for prior gen SL drivers.
For those who haven't realised it, this car is like £10k less than a Ferrari Roma! Which on finance at that point means it's like 1 option away from a Roma on monthly payments
as a 6ft5 lanky type I love the traffic light view on my Merc because if I have the sun visors down I have to stoop down to see traffic lights. Also I find the pop out handles are easy to use, they pop out automatically but if you wait too long and they go back in you just swipe them gently and they pop out again.
I feel like nowadays a common problem with cars like the SL is that they are missunderstood by people. It seems like many dont see a car for what it is but rather for something that it isn't if that makes sense. Nonetheless I am a huge fan of the current SL63 and it would be my only choice of the variants.
The traffic light view would be VERY useful in Germany. Due to the location of the lights. If you're first at the lights, they're so close to you that you have to contort your back and neck to see them sometimes.
I have the traffic light thing in my cla and it’s quite handy when sometimes you maybe park too close or the lights themselves are in an awkward position.
The traffic light assist is definitely great in other EU countries where the lights aren’t positioned as far back as in the UK ( eg. Netherlands/Belgium ) That was for sure a positive about the UK road infrastructure for me in the Mini doing my roadtrip last summer, considering my car is so low positioned.
Traffic light camera is necessary because in many countries, the traffic lights aren't visible because of the flat front windshield and the flat shape of the car. The tiltable screen is amazing when there is glare (driving with an open top), I drove all summer with it and I was amazed. The MBUX system IS intuitive, no issues here. The roof button is no issue in real life. Yes, the door handles suck and sometimes even catch my hand, hurting me. Stupid system.
Surely the traffic light view camera enables you to take advantage of stopping at lights to adjust things that would otherwise be a distraction whilst actually driving. You can adjust temp/seat heating and keep an eye on the screen for the lights.
The traffic light camera is for the low roof in the states the traffic lights aren’t always level with your line of sight especially if you drive beneath them
Ahh, the traffic light screen maybe genius! If you’re at the lights but looking down to adjust stereo or heating etc.. you can then notice if the lights have changed. I’m only guessing but it could be what this feature is for
I saw on some other review that the traffic light camera is for US traffic lights, which are apparently more overhead. Not sure how that works in practice but that was the thinking.
Beautiful cars inside and out. It seems like some of their tech takes away from the driving experience instead of adding to it. You mentioned your Panamera which would be nice to see more content with that car.
Not many Mercedes fans here. I like them! I Would not say no to a Gt Black and a Gullwing as well as a new Gt thanks. I will live with the tech. Beautiful car more interesting than hearing about how fast a modified M3 or M2 can lap the Nurburging. Boring alert!
Core functions of a car must be easy to find and to operate - in a way you d blindly find them whilst having the eyes on the road. Let alone that if a car (or anything else) makes you want to forget about the tech or certain functions, they simply have no place in it. In case of features the car must be built with but aren t needed or wanted by the driver, there must be a one click deactivation button (could be easily programmable once and for all by the driver with all the tech cars come with).
Wow Sam…I don’t think I have ever seen you turn off a go pro :) love the video tho! Seems to be few fans of the GT here in the US, but I’m really drawn to the coupe. Trying to decide between it and a 992GTS. Thanks!
Porsche 911 991.1 is peak screen size, tech requirement (except no apple play) and button range for me. Love the look of that Merc but boy the interior would annoy me so much.
If I were to buy an SL (and I've often nearly done it), it'd definitely be a previous generation SL500. Hard top, proper buttons, non-AMG so a nice ride, and all the power you need (455ps).
The interesting part is: It isn't really a GT car, this is what many here don't seem to understand. This is not an old SL, it is much sportier and faster, even on the track but people don't get it. Like the video said...performance (incl. track!) is somewhere between a Mercedes AMG GTC and GT-R. To compare it to a Porsche 911: It is somewhere between a Carrera GTS and the Turbo (not S).
Great video as always, but where do manufacturers dream their prices up from? At your second hand buying target they make sense, but at list, all manufacturers are having the buyers pants down!
I understand why you guys review the cars you do, we all dream. However, as someone who is twice your age and 10 times more experienced you do finally learn what is really important when you drive cars in your 70's, there is no single car that ticks all of the boxes, i own 3 mercedes models, an e class 350 diesel coupe for trans continental grand tourismo , an eclass 350 diesel cabrio for sunny holidays anywhere in europe with the missus/boss and a 350 r172 slk for trips through the pyrenees for coffee's and lunch, if any of that fails to satisfy i have a 1800 goldwing and a yamaha 1600 wildstar when the sensible rebel raises its head. All purchased second hand, all highly reliable and total investment far less than any new sl or amg gt!!
In Germany the traffic lights are much closer to the car than they are in the UK, that camera would help you see it without having to bend yourself over. Bit pointless in the UK but quite nice feature in Germany.
I've just had the new GT63 for a test, it's a fantastic brute of a car but i feel the touch screen loses part of the elegance the car demands. screens as we know get very outdated quickly, nicely engineered handheld controls/ buttons look and age well. Rear seats i feel is just added weight the car doesn't need. £170k for the one i drove! I can't help but feel the older GT variants are the ones to have as they offer 90% of what this does and have already done there initial steep depreciation.
Best build quality I had for a very long time in the SL63...compared to other major brands. I guess you have a beef with the drivers but the car is really OK.
Is this the new Z8? A car critically misunderstood by the press as a "sports car", but enjoyed by those in the know as the ultimate cruiser? One thing the Z8 has going for it - it doesn't possess anything like the interior design disasters of the Mercedes. There's one intuitive way to do anything in the BMW, not three different ways, none of which are pleasant to use or logical, or solutions to problems that exist only because the designers created them. I think it's easy to see where the criticism of the new SL has come from.
That’s the problem though, reviews complain about it not being smooth enough like old SL’s, it’s too hard for an SL. You have the, basically same, GT for sporty driving.
That massive screen would for me be the first reason not to buy ANY car. I want physical buttons for heater, a/c, radio etc. that I can operate without looking. Edit: Also it makes NO sense whatsoever that you're not allowed to touch your phone in most countries (and that's totally fine!), but that kind of screen to operate your car is ok?
I can assure you you don’t. I’ve lived with a screen centric car for many years now and it’s literally no different. Everything I need is on the wheel and climate control does the rest…
@@gregorygant4242funnily enough in the more minimalist interior of the Tesla it looks perfectly fine, it looks like it’s meant to be there. Here it just looks ugly and completely out of place. That’s what I think anyway lol.
I haven’t seen 9/10 reviews saying the SL is bad all the reviews I’ve seen say it’s very good pretty much like yours. They only say it’s not as good as the 911 which is a fair comment.
Mercedes and tech go hand in hand. I just think theirs too much now. Most of it you'll never use or just use once then forget. As for the styling. Looks to me from the front doors back, a lot of 911, especially with the roof up. I do like it, but the interior could be less fussy and better thought out.
Let’s not make a fuss about everything & start embracing the now. How can we not like rain but love the healthy thriving vegetation when sunny. Life is a compromise. Great review though.
Why it struggles is psychology, people will say it’s too soft too heavy et al… buy something ‘dynamic’ then keep it on all the comfort settings … (backseats it a gt3 anyone 🤔😜). 99% of these ring honed cars will toddle up and down the high street and never be pushed anywhere near the limit, look at the gt3rs it’s too fast not for normal roads, but for normal people! lol Or maybe I just think this as I’m older than Sam. 🤷🏼♂️
I'm 77, and I have a 2014 MB SL63 BiTurbo Performance Model. This New SL 63 is actually Heavier,by 180 Kg,Smaller V8 of 4.0L Bi Turbo, and AWD(?). I have not seen Snow here in Australia on the East Coast. And Finally it's a Rag Roof! I'll keep my SL63,Thanks. Oh, and it's more Expensive.....
The new SL63 is VERY fast, incl. the track, many people just don't realize it. The 2014 SL63 is a toy compared to this, not as fast on straights and not even close in curves. I know actually a couple of owners of old SL who got the new one and sold it after only one year because the car was too sporty for them. The weight doesn't say anything about this car, the adaptive chassis and the rear axle steering do wonders, so does the AWD. I have to disappoint you and the AWD has nothing to do with snow but traction/stability. The time you actually start gaining grip/traction, the new SL63 is already two cars ahead of you in your old SL.
I did a quick search for prices in Toronto Canada. There are none available used and the new ones hover around 1/4million. A beautiful used GTS is under 100k. An easy choice for me. These will be snapped up as the lady's car for families where price is not a consideration and she is over the suv.
A great critical review! Mercedes has come under continued & consistent criticism for its reliance on the Tesla-like large glass screen control-display in lieu of that where physical controls are more intuitive and practical. Driver distraction is a major problem as a result! Mercedes needs to do a complete ergonomic re-engineering of their control and display systems.
I enjoy the big display tremendously, it works very well but it looks a bit like an old iPad, this is the only thing bothering me. The display quality is amazing and the tiltable display is a joy to use when there is sun glare.
Hi Sam. I have been following you for years. Can you remember something? You travelled once to a hotel in Scotland, I thought it was with the M2,,, but that video showed yorkshire. Can you remember where you stayed as I can't find the video and I wanted to book it. Only if you have time to answer our even if you remember. Cheers
Great review. Beautiful car - shame about the ludicrous GUI system. Why should it compare directly with any competitor? It needs only appeal to SL-type buyers; certainly not 911 Turbo people.
![Choosing A New Colour For My Ferrari 360 CS! [Restoration Ep.1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z0oPaWsX1dM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Choosing A New Colour For My Ferrari 360 CS! [Restoration Ep.1]](/img/tr.png)
Will depreciate like a superyacht
Please say it is true. I'll grab this next.
I hope so! That’s when I’ll step in! 😂
Thankfully, This is how us “normal people” can drive AMG’s.
It already has
I hope it does; an entry level SL43 is £100k+
35... old man?! 🤣🤣🤣 Now go and drive the Lexus LC500 and listen to that engine!
Yes please
Specifically get the convertible. That V8 sounds absolutely amazing
I had my LC 500 convertible out this morning. Yes, wonderful sound in a wonderful car. The Merc is in another segment, price, power plus AWD. My Lexus will run for a long time and has been super easy to own. I would not want a Merc once the warranty period has passed.
@@jerrywarren2007 Tacky Jap crap...like a Grand Seiko. Superbly made & very reliable...for those with no soul!
Na MB SL 63 is on another level.
The MB AMG SL63 also is a superior piece of machinery.
AMG are master engine builders
The LC 500 while very good can't match it except maybe in the reliability department but there are reasons for that too if you'd like find out.
That screen is crazy. I'd happily pay more for physical buttons.
I'll pay to repair them if that is what they are worried about. I'll pay extra for them as well.
True - you and many others are complaining about this Tesla-like glass control/display feature which is distrustful and dangerous to use!
Agreed.
Nop, you don't pay extra; you do not buy the product. Companies need to listen to the demand and the only way that happens is by feeling it in the bank.
the screen reminds me of the new ford explorer ev, the way it pivots
I love the new format, I’ve never seen you use a cameraman and it’s added a new depth to your channel. Keep it up !!
When the camera moved it was a shock... Fully agree though. Keep it up Sam. 😁
I love the camera man set up too!
All that tech nonsense is going to be a dealbreaker for the target buyer of this car
I have a feeling that it will increase its appeal. Not a drivers car but someone who will love all the crap n it. A driver won’t buy one of these.
Agree. Everything great about the SL63 has been discarded. No metal roof, 4 seats not 2, 4 wheel drive not 2. Every other SL63 is a roadster, this one is not. I own a 2017 SL63 and will never buy this version 👍🏻
These screens will date these cars. Remember built in cell phones!
That's the point...
Saw another comment mentioning it, but I would too like to see you drive the latest lc500 cabrio
In the UK that has been discontinued. I have a LC coupe and love it
Just because it’s convertible doesn’t mean they are in same class. Trust me I drove both and this is considered sports car and LC 500 is not. That’s important no? It’s like comparing SL63 to Ferrari Roadster. They are different cars with different prices. SL is almost twice as LC and to me the money worth it for 63 because as I mentioned the driving experience is different. Perfect balance of sport and luxury. Also this looks much better than Lexus. But that’s just my opinion.
The SL63 is, dynamically and sound wise, in a different league than the LC500.
They aren't in the same class you Muppets.
How do you lot not even get this??
The LC is mych much closer to the CLE & CLE 53 Cabriolets than it is the SL 63 or 55.
A car has been out almost 2 yrs, another one over 7 years, and somehow people watching a car channel don't even know the difference in vehicle class??
What's next, compare an E Class Cabriolet to a Bentley Cabriolet?? They're both convertibles after all??
DB12 for me in this segment.
I like that but the depreciation - holy hell.
Different price segment I believe. Closer to a Roma and Bentley
@@nicolasdelabassetiere8829 Paying cash? Absolutely. On finance, which is how most of these cars will be “bought”? I imagine the difference won’t be that much per month.
Get ahold of an LC500. Having driven both, the Lexus is a more fun car to be in and drive.
He’s 35 not 65!
Lexus is a total non entity of a brand
@@TIMSANDYSURF😂, maybe get the coupe LC500
@@julian987r4let's pretend that's true, you saying you would buy the less exiting car just because of the brand?
LC owner here! love them
About the traffic light camera stuff: In Germany, it's basically impossible to look at the traffic lights, without doing yoga in your car. They are always in super weird angles... While I don't like Mercedes that much (different story), I would really like to have that feature in my car. Seems like German engineering for German problems 😅
As a Dutch person with a Dutch height.(2,04m) I would love it on my cars. 😅
Tesla do this too, with a chime when they go green. A nice feature for hard to see lights.
Why does everyone ignore the Lc500, that is literally the best car in any category money can buy, please sam do a video and fall in love with it too
Content really. Lexus brand doesn't really bring views. Views help to pay and cover cars when it comes to ownership, insurance and maintenance.
Best car money can buy in any category is a bit punchy 😂
There are plenty of reviews on UA-cam on it. The LC500 is hideous in a special Japanese way and the interior is years past it's prime. It is also slower than my F Pace SVR.
@@frednerk8366
whats the difference of that to a random npc car anyway? thats not a cool car why even mention
@@frednerk8366 "slower" as in you can actually use more than 1 gear and rev it out properly 500hp is not slow and frankly is still a fast car period i dont think anyone has ever genuinely criticised it for not enough power lmao, LC is almost universally viewed as a stunning car so youre in the minority on that one, the interior is still leagues in front of most cars considering they didnt just throw a massive tablet on the dash that replaces all the physical controls.
I‘d replace this playstation with a Jaguar F-Type with nice buttons, proper sound and analog instruments… but maybe I‘m getting old too 😅
I'd actually have something like the XKRS/XKRS-GT instead.
This is prettier and far more reliable. But I hate the iPad/Playstation aspect. It needs 2 Swiss analog gauges only and a tiny screen low on the dash for preferences/nav and the like, much like the Cayman setup.
@@antikytheramechanism7909 The F Type turned out to be quite reliable, especially considerin the usual Jaguar reliability issues. Soft top Mercs n Beemers always tend to face issues with the convertible mechanism completely failing or malfunctioning in the first few years of ownership. Something I've surprisingly not seen in the F Types.
@@antikytheramechanism7909 Agree. I have the short-lived AMG S63 Cabrio with the two 12" screens... it would be perfect with analog or at least analog-shaped openings with digital screens (like Porsche do).
All those Mercedes qualities you listed don’t really apply as much anymore. Lexus however……
I was thinking that, I have seen tiktoks of the new SL with the interior squeaking when parts are pressed.
This is the first car I did over 300kph in, maxed it out at 328. It will forever have a place in my heart. It’s an incredible engine
The interior is a mess. An iPad leaning against the front t dashboard just looks crap but most of all it’s a four seater. So it’s not an SL!
Only my opinion but as an owner of an older SL I think Mercedes have lost the plot 🤷♂️
Yes, the only issue I have with this car is the iPad thing. But the rest is all perfect. Also it’s interesting that Mercedes actually made this car 4 seater because it listened to what previous SL owners wanted in their new SL and most wanted it to have 2 more seats in the back ;)
@@ns7203 I find that unlikely if I may say so. I’m on my third SL in fifteen years; 2003, 350, 2014, 400, 2017, 500 and I know a lot of other SL owners through the Merc Club and car meets. I have never met anyone who said they wanted two more seats in the back, in fact quite the opposite. The SL has always been a two seater and owners love it for just that. If you want four seats you buy a different car.
I believe the reason Mercedes gave it two more seats was to align it against the Porsche 911. Unfortunately it has two seats that are absolutely useless apart from throwing a coat on so what was the point? That space could have been given over to more boot space and front seat room for extended long distance touring which is what the SL is all about.
I think the problem lies with the badging as described. This is not an SL, nothing like it, it’s an AMG convertible.
Totally agree. I drive a 2017 SL63 and this might be a great car however, it is definitely NOT an SL. I’ll never own one out of choice 👍🏻
@@dhdove it is not like I’m saying it, it’s a known thing,, Mercedes surveyed its most loyal SL customers before making the new SL and most say they wanted a back seat. Research it.
@@dhdove and btw, have you test driven it? Please do and talk. It’s a perfect balance between look/luxury and experience/performance like no other car.
Sam the Lexus LC500 is perfection. Build quality, lifetime warranty and the 5l is epic. The 3.5l hybrid is good too. 👌 well worth trying.
Enjoyed the different camera work in this video. The front end of that Merc looks killer in the chase shots
When i see an expensive car with a digital billboard stuck to the dash i try and picture the dash without it, could actually be a thing of beauty.
With all these pricey optional extra rip offs these days, they might as well add a 'fold away screen' option.
And pls, at this price, i want beautiful analog dials
Do check out the LC500.
Big screens full stop need to go. New Vantage has found the sweet spot between a respectable sized screen along with buttons.
Did you hire a new videographer? Rolling shots and takes from the exterior really enhance the production value. I don't know if it can be done for future videos in terms of budget but it's so cool to see!
In my opinion, Mercedes messed up with the soft top, the unique selling point of the modern SL was a hardtop roof, so you had the best of both worlds a coupe in winter and a convertible when summer came around. I would worry that someone might slash the roof.
Totally agree - it was a monumental mistake. It was the differentiator that decided I bought a 2017 SL63 over a 2017 F-Type R 👍🏻
@@Bruce4lmighty Nice, enjoy your SL63 in good health and happiness bud. 🙂
Its certainly a looker! Least they kept the V8 too
They can’t build the SL anymore. We have rejected our 2nd in 6 months. One had casting sand from the ending in the water system. So the cooling fans would go wild(needed about 40flushes) took 4 months to reject that was supposed to collect on the 28th (today) but it didn’t start when they were doing pre handover checks I think it’s something to do with the fuses they had to recall. I guess they need to redo them
However I still love it
They can’t build any Mercedes anymore. I collected a new S500 two weeks ago and it rattles like a twenty year old Citroen. Dealer has tried multiple fixes without luck and then threw up their hands. It’s been rejected but I expect it to take months as yours did.
I'll get one. I don't like the iPad and see it as a blemish on a supermodel. I'd prefer 2 analog gauges and a tiny screen I can turn off. It's almost a fatal flaw but this thing is so drop dead gorgeous overall.
Agree. I have the short-lived AMG S63 Cabrio with the two 12" screens... it would be perfect with analog or at least analog-shaped openings with digital screens (like Porsche do).
Sam! I'm so glad to see your channel is still around! Been subscribed to you since the Abarth days, I still vividly remember your video on the short shifter for it!
Ill repeat it so your know your viewers want to see it. Drive the new lexus LC500 (convertible if possible).
Those screws holding the front number plate on.... WHY??! Anything else but silver self tappers, please!
The only way to force companies into a different design (no physical buttons, ridiculous crossover hypes, etc) is to just... Not buy their product.
35 is young to me as I'm 54, so you aren't old yet. You're a family man now. I preferred the AMG GTC also. A great car with a wide body like an R but usable 550BHP. If I could choose 1 I'd have the new AMG GT, I not a big fan of Convertibles. Except for the MCL Spiders or 911 Targa's.
Couldn't agree more. Yes!!!
Drive the SL63 with an open top and you'd never want the AMG GT... I own a SL63 and got a GT63 as a loaner from my dealer and while it drives a tiny bit sportier and has a more spontaneous throttle response from a stop, the SL is more fun to drive because of the open top and the sound.
I really enjoyed the new filming format in this video!
Anyone else noticed that these DCT boxes are so good now that it is pointless changing gear yourself? It worked in the single-clutch automated manuals but when it's DCT it feels like the car is just humouring you and making you think you're doing something.
As a subscriber, a Guildfordian and an AMG fan, this video was a joy to watch 👌.
That screen does seem way too distracting though, I don't know how phones can be illegal while driving yet large infotainment systems and tech are fine
I always ensure to watch in 4k, and damn something about the colourization in the first few shots is just hitting different! Thank you Sam for paying attention to all the tiny details. We do notice!!
Great video Sam, love the setup with Camera person too!
The start button was an idea from luxury watch manufacturers because let's face it if you've got an SL 55 & above, you've probably got a £6-10k+ watch too. If you wear your watch on your left wrist, you're almost guaranteed to scratch the bezel, case, lugs or links at some point while starting & stopping the car.
LC500!!!! Pls. Edit: Convertible if can 😂
That title was my exact thought when it launched, especially when they only make an AMG, not like the old SL days. ANNNNNND when they had the AMG GT Convertible. Looking forward to this one!
Lovely car, but the screen is a major downside in my view. Totally misses the mark from a 'purpose' perspective.
I hate it, almost a deal breaker as the 911 had some gauges. Then the 911 goes crazy with a giant display. A wart on a supermodel.
Agreed. Botched convertible roof controls are unforgivable for Mercedes. Because they've executed perfectly for decades in the R230 and R231 generations. One big metal switch on the console is more than intuitive. Incredibly frustrating for prior gen SL drivers.
For those who haven't realised it, this car is like £10k less than a Ferrari Roma! Which on finance at that point means it's like 1 option away from a Roma on monthly payments
as a 6ft5 lanky type I love the traffic light view on my Merc because if I have the sun visors down I have to stoop down to see traffic lights. Also I find the pop out handles are easy to use, they pop out automatically but if you wait too long and they go back in you just swipe them gently and they pop out again.
Crazy thing is you can buy a second gen Conti GTC or even a first gen GTC SS for less than the base price of one of these!!! Insane
I feel like nowadays a common problem with cars like the SL is that they are missunderstood by people. It seems like many dont see a car for what it is but rather for something that it isn't if that makes sense.
Nonetheless I am a huge fan of the current SL63 and it would be my only choice of the variants.
production is insane now!!
I intend to buy an LC500.
Please do a LC500 comparison!
No one else noticing the new camera angles??? Did Sam hire a cameraman???
Sam's now an 'old man', so having someone else to run around with the cameras makes sense 😉
High build quality? Was that a joke? 😅😅😅
What I was thinking lol.
My SL63 has an amazing build quality, 2023 car.
Silver with a red roof would be beautiful
The traffic light view would be VERY useful in Germany. Due to the location of the lights. If you're first at the lights, they're so close to you that you have to contort your back and neck to see them sometimes.
That swetter have such a good fit and no logos, I love it!!
I have the traffic light thing in my cla and it’s quite handy when sometimes you maybe park too close or the lights themselves are in an awkward position.
The traffic light assist is definitely great in other EU countries where the lights aren’t positioned as far back as in the UK ( eg. Netherlands/Belgium ) That was for sure a positive about the UK road infrastructure for me in the Mini doing my roadtrip last summer, considering my car is so low positioned.
Traffic light camera is necessary because in many countries, the traffic lights aren't visible because of the flat front windshield and the flat shape of the car. The tiltable screen is amazing when there is glare (driving with an open top), I drove all summer with it and I was amazed. The MBUX system IS intuitive, no issues here. The roof button is no issue in real life. Yes, the door handles suck and sometimes even catch my hand, hurting me. Stupid system.
Surely the traffic light view camera enables you to take advantage of stopping at lights to adjust things that would otherwise be a distraction whilst actually driving. You can adjust temp/seat heating and keep an eye on the screen for the lights.
I imagine it might also help if you’re short and using the sun visor would block the lights (this is something I have to deal with).
@@igotbeans
Good things come in small packages. 😊
The traffic light camera is for the low roof in the states the traffic lights aren’t always level with your line of sight especially if you drive beneath them
35 old? I am age 59. The weather this last week have been horrible!
Ahh, the traffic light screen maybe genius! If you’re at the lights but looking down to adjust stereo or heating etc.. you can then notice if the lights have changed. I’m only guessing but it could be what this feature is for
11 degrees? Just had a sweet drive in the Belgian Ardennes in the R129 top down in 8 degrees C with the heater on and the seats 🔥 Great fun.
I liked this style of video!
I saw on some other review that the traffic light camera is for US traffic lights, which are apparently more overhead. Not sure how that works in practice but that was the thinking.
Beautiful cars inside and out. It seems like some of their tech takes away from the driving experience instead of adding to it. You mentioned your Panamera which would be nice to see more content with that car.
2004 SL63 sounds like a thunder in a cold start, this new 2024/25 "SL" Sounds like my grandma's 2001 renault megane. :(((
2004? You mean SL55?
It’s SL55 and the new one still sounds very good
Not many Mercedes fans here. I like them! I Would not say no to a Gt Black and a Gullwing as well as a new Gt thanks. I will live with the tech. Beautiful car more interesting than hearing about how fast a modified M3 or M2 can lap the Nurburging. Boring alert!
Every Lexus Lc fan boy is here, for an Amg review! Interesting ;)
Core functions of a car must be easy to find and to operate - in a way you d blindly find them whilst having the eyes on the road. Let alone that if a car (or anything else) makes you want to forget about the tech or certain functions, they simply have no place in it. In case of features the car must be built with but aren t needed or wanted by the driver, there must be a one click deactivation button (could be easily programmable once and for all by the driver with all the tech cars come with).
I own a 55, love it, tried the LC500, i didnt find it compelling. Fabulous looks though.
Honest evaluation, great car no other competitor because it is not really a sports car. It is a really cool small, two seat convertible. Enough said.
Wow Sam…I don’t think I have ever seen you turn off a go pro :) love the video tho! Seems to be few fans of the GT here in the US, but I’m really drawn to the coupe. Trying to decide between it and a 992GTS. Thanks!
Porsche 911 991.1 is peak screen size, tech requirement (except no apple play) and button range for me. Love the look of that Merc but boy the interior would annoy me so much.
My guess for the traffic light camera is to allow better viewing of high hanging traffic light.
If I were to buy an SL (and I've often nearly done it), it'd definitely be a previous generation SL500. Hard top, proper buttons, non-AMG so a nice ride, and all the power you need (455ps).
People act like being formula 1 drivers. For 99 percent of us, daily driving a GT car like this would be amazing.
The interesting part is: It isn't really a GT car, this is what many here don't seem to understand. This is not an old SL, it is much sportier and faster, even on the track but people don't get it. Like the video said...performance (incl. track!) is somewhere between a Mercedes AMG GTC and GT-R. To compare it to a Porsche 911: It is somewhere between a Carrera GTS and the Turbo (not S).
I've never heard as many crackling plastic as in the latest AMGs
And he mentioned amazing build quality at the beginning 👀🤦♂️ Riiight.
Great video as always, but where do manufacturers dream their prices up from?
At your second hand buying target they make sense, but at list, all manufacturers are having the buyers pants down!
I drive a small truck and those traffic light cameras would come in very handy at times.
I have a 2019 A35 and i'm getting the facelift next. The A35 and 45 interiors still have physical buttons.
Like a big Miata!
I understand why you guys review the cars you do, we all dream. However, as someone who is twice your age and 10 times more experienced you do finally learn what is really important when you drive cars in your 70's, there is no single car that ticks all of the boxes, i own 3 mercedes models, an e class 350 diesel coupe for trans continental grand tourismo , an eclass 350 diesel cabrio for sunny holidays anywhere in europe with the missus/boss and a 350 r172 slk for trips through the pyrenees for coffee's and lunch, if any of that fails to satisfy i have a 1800 goldwing and a yamaha 1600 wildstar when the sensible rebel raises its head. All purchased second hand, all highly reliable and total investment far less than any new sl or amg gt!!
In Germany the traffic lights are much closer to the car than they are in the UK, that camera would help you see it without having to bend yourself over.
Bit pointless in the UK but quite nice feature in Germany.
STG Sunday coffee time 😊
Me here for the content then realizing you have a camera person…😮
I've just had the new GT63 for a test, it's a fantastic brute of a car but i feel the touch screen loses part of the elegance the car demands. screens as we know get very outdated quickly, nicely engineered handheld controls/ buttons look and age well. Rear seats i feel is just added weight the car doesn't need. £170k for the one i drove! I can't help but feel the older GT variants are the ones to have as they offer 90% of what this does and have already done there initial steep depreciation.
High build quality - are you kidding? But the worst thing about Mercedes are the drivers!!
Best build quality I had for a very long time in the SL63...compared to other major brands. I guess you have a beef with the drivers but the car is really OK.
Is this the new Z8? A car critically misunderstood by the press as a "sports car", but enjoyed by those in the know as the ultimate cruiser? One thing the Z8 has going for it - it doesn't possess anything like the interior design disasters of the Mercedes. There's one intuitive way to do anything in the BMW, not three different ways, none of which are pleasant to use or logical, or solutions to problems that exist only because the designers created them. I think it's easy to see where the criticism of the new SL has come from.
That’s the problem though, reviews complain about it not being smooth enough like old SL’s, it’s too hard for an SL. You have the, basically same, GT for sporty driving.
That massive screen would for me be the first reason not to buy ANY car. I want physical buttons for heater, a/c, radio etc. that I can operate without looking.
Edit: Also it makes NO sense whatsoever that you're not allowed to touch your phone in most countries (and that's totally fine!), but that kind of screen to operate your car is ok?
Probably the worst feature to ever come out, a swivel wheel is pushing it for me even and I’m 24
I can assure you you don’t. I’ve lived with a screen centric car for many years now and it’s literally no different. Everything I need is on the wheel and climate control does the rest…
Truth.
The iPad in the middle looks so bad.
Then get a Tesla with an even bigger
tablet in the middle for a dashboard,
that'll keep you happy .
Lol,lol !
@@gregorygant4242 Yeah... No
@@gregorygant4242funnily enough in the more minimalist interior of the Tesla it looks perfectly fine, it looks like it’s meant to be there. Here it just looks ugly and completely out of place. That’s what I think anyway lol.
I haven’t seen 9/10 reviews saying the SL is bad all the reviews I’ve seen say it’s very good pretty much like yours. They only say it’s not as good as the 911 which is a fair comment.
Jumping onboard, drive the LC500!
Mercedes and tech go hand in hand. I just think theirs too much now. Most of it you'll never use or just use once then forget.
As for the styling. Looks to me from the front doors back, a lot of 911, especially with the roof up. I do like it, but the interior could be less fussy and better thought out.
Let’s not make a fuss about everything & start embracing the now. How can we not like rain but love the healthy thriving vegetation when sunny. Life is a compromise. Great review though.
Why it struggles is psychology, people will say it’s too soft too heavy et al… buy something ‘dynamic’ then keep it on all the comfort settings … (backseats it a gt3 anyone 🤔😜). 99% of these ring honed cars will toddle up and down the high street and never be pushed anywhere near the limit, look at the gt3rs it’s too fast not for normal roads, but for normal people! lol Or maybe I just think this as I’m older than Sam. 🤷🏼♂️
I'm 77, and I have a 2014 MB SL63 BiTurbo Performance Model. This New SL 63 is actually Heavier,by 180 Kg,Smaller V8 of 4.0L Bi Turbo, and AWD(?). I have not seen Snow here in Australia on the East Coast. And Finally it's a Rag Roof! I'll keep my SL63,Thanks. Oh, and it's more Expensive.....
The new SL63 is VERY fast, incl. the track, many people just don't realize it. The 2014 SL63 is a toy compared to this, not as fast on straights and not even close in curves. I know actually a couple of owners of old SL who got the new one and sold it after only one year because the car was too sporty for them. The weight doesn't say anything about this car, the adaptive chassis and the rear axle steering do wonders, so does the AWD. I have to disappoint you and the AWD has nothing to do with snow but traction/stability. The time you actually start gaining grip/traction, the new SL63 is already two cars ahead of you in your old SL.
I did a quick search for prices in Toronto Canada. There are none available used and the new ones hover around 1/4million.
A beautiful used GTS is under 100k. An easy choice for me. These will be snapped up as the lady's car for families where price is not a consideration and she is over the suv.
Jason statham and his new Mercedes Sl 63 Amg
A great critical review! Mercedes has come under continued & consistent criticism for its reliance on the Tesla-like large glass screen control-display in lieu of that where physical controls are more intuitive and practical. Driver distraction is a major problem as a result! Mercedes needs to do a complete ergonomic re-engineering of their control and display systems.
I enjoy the big display tremendously, it works very well but it looks a bit like an old iPad, this is the only thing bothering me. The display quality is amazing and the tiltable display is a joy to use when there is sun glare.
The traffic light camera is helpful when the sun is directly behind the traffic light so you aren’t squinting into the sun.
Hi Sam. I have been following you for years. Can you remember something? You travelled once to a hotel in Scotland, I thought it was with the M2,,, but that video showed yorkshire. Can you remember where you stayed as I can't find the video and I wanted to book it. Only if you have time to answer our even if you remember. Cheers
Great review. Beautiful car - shame about the ludicrous GUI system. Why should it compare directly with any competitor? It needs only appeal to SL-type buyers; certainly not 911 Turbo people.
Great review. Thanks