2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63 Hits the Road With its Predecessors on Ignition

Today, it’s easy to overlook the Mercedes-Benz SL among its brothers, the SLC, S-Class convertible, and upcoming AMG GT convertible. But even after 60 years, the very first SL stands out as an iconic endurance racer, and one hell of a beautiful car. On the latest episode of “Ignition,” hosts Jonny Lieberman and Jason Cammisa explore the distinct possibility that the SL has lost some of its magic over the years.

Mercedes first introduced the 300SL, also known as the Gullwing, in 1954. Three years later, a roadster version came out. Not only were the original Gullwings fast, reliable, and competent endurance cars, but they were the first cars ever to pack a direct-injected gasoline engine. On paper, the 2017 Mercedes SL looks even better, boasting V-6, V-8, and V-12 engine options. Lieberman and Cammisa test out the potent 2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63, which gets a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. But somehow, the car can’t quite recapture the same spirit of the original model.

Has the 2017 Mercedes SL lost relevance in the luxury convertible market? Have other automakers found a better formula for success? Watch the video below to find out.

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