New SL AMG comes with race start function

And for the first time the 525 hp SL 63 AMG comes exclusively with the new AMG Drive Unit for the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission that includes a Race Start function.

"The Race Start function, is similar to the system formally used on Formula One cars at the start of a race," said Lee Boyle, Regional Sales Manager, Mercedes-AMG Middle East and Levant. "It enables the SL 63 AMG driver to call on maximum acceleration, while ensuring optimum traction of the driven wheels."

While the vehicle is at a standstill, the driver activates the ESP sports function and presses the brake pedal with his left foot. Having pre-selected the Race Start program using the rotary switch, a confirmation message comes up on the AMG central display. The driver then simply needs to confirm the Race Start function by pulling the "Up" shift paddle once, fully depressing the accelerator and taking their foot off the brakes.

The optimum start-up engine speed is set fully automatically and the SL 63 AMG accelerates away in an instant. The driver does not need to shift gear manually; the AMG transmission changes gear with lightning-fast shift times.

Mercedes-Benz will launch the SL 65 AMG alongside the SL 63 AMG. Thanks to its 612 hp AMG 6.0-litre biturbo engine developing 1000 Newton metres of torque, the V12 SL 65 delivers effortlessly superior refinement in its purest form.

The interior of the new SL 63 AMG offers an alluring combination of exclusive equipment details and a dynamic, practical look. There's a new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its three-spoke design and aluminium AMG shift paddles.

Behind the wheel sits a new AMG instrument cluster with "6.3 V8" lettering on the rev counter and the new-look instrument cluster trimmed in nappa leather with double topstitching above the round gauges.

Both the SL 63 AMG and the SL 65 AMG can be further enhanced with exclusive optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio.

These include an AMG exterior carbon-fibre package, an AMG performance steering wheel and 19-inch AMG twin-spoke forged light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tyres, 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 (only for SL 63 AMG).

The Performance Package developed in the AMG Performance Studio is also available for the SL 63 AMG and includes even more powerful components ideally suited for drivers with sporty inclinations.