Those hips…
Fresh off the review of the current SL, it’s time to delve into the realm of serious AMG performance with a look back at the Mercedes Sl65 Amg Black Series. It might have been a while since this beast crossed your mind, but with its current price tag, it demands attention. The question arises: is the SL65 AMG Black Series a true supercar, especially when you could find a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren for a similar price? Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison: the 2009 Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series versus the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
The current Mercedes SL is undoubtedly a serious sports car, almost to a fault. But if you’re seeking an AMG that truly encourages exhilarating driving experiences, the Black Series badge is the answer. These are not your everyday AMGs; they are rare, track-focused machines with widened fenders and aggressive engine notes. The Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series, in particular, is an exceptional example of this breed. Consider this specific model currently listed: a three-owner car with just under 12,000 miles, residing in Brooklyn, and carrying a hefty price tag of $339,989. This begs the question: is this Mercedes SL truly something special?
Visually, this particular SL65 AMG Black Series is stunning, perhaps even more so in silver than the typical black. It boasts something truly special under the hood: a V12 engine enhanced with two turbochargers. Back in 2009, this powerhouse propelled the car to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds. The exterior design has aged gracefully, arguably better than some of its more recent successors. However, stepping inside is a clear reminder of the era it hails from. Despite being a Mercedes, the emphasis is firmly on performance, not frivolous fun. The convertible top is replaced by a fixed roof, and despite carbon fiber components, it still weighs in at around 4,100 lbs. Yet, there’s an undeniable appeal. You’re guaranteed to be the only one arriving in an SL65 AMG Black Series at your local Cars and Coffee event. But the core question remains: does this rarity and performance elevate it to supercar status?
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
The SLR has a gigantic nose.
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a different beast altogether. Born from a collaboration between Mercedes and McLaren during Mercedes’ stake in the British marque, the SLR always seemed somewhat enigmatic. While production continued until 2010, the design, launched in 2006, now appears considerably older than the SL65 AMG Black Series. Sales figures were modest, with just over 1,000 units produced, adding to its exclusivity.
This exclusivity translates to high prices, with some models reaching staggering figures. To keep the comparison within a similar price bracket to the SL65 AMG Black Series, we look at a hardtop SLR example: priced at $394,999 with under 10,000 miles and six previous owners. Roadster versions can command prices nearing $800,000, making this hardtop seem like a relative bargain. Under the hood, the SLR houses a supercharged V8 engine producing 617 horsepower, offering a distinctly different driving experience compared to the V12 in the Black Series. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission (further highlighting its age), the SLR is marginally quicker to 60 mph at 3.4 seconds. That extra tenth of a second comes at a premium of $27,505.
Inside, the SLR’s interior, while featuring carbon ceramic brakes, active aerodynamics, brake-by-wire technology, and a flat floor with side-exit exhausts, perhaps doesn’t quite convey the feeling of a half-million-dollar car. Remember, while Mercedes styled the SLR, McLaren handled the engineering and development, shifting the car’s character towards a more British, rather than purely German, driving experience. This partnership, rooted in Formula 1, required McLaren to significantly rework Mercedes’ initial concept. One can only imagine the German engineers’ reaction to that level of intervention.
Doors and Dollars
The meme is well-known: true success is marked by owning a Mercedes with upward-swinging doors. The SLR, with its side pipes and gullwing doors, certainly possesses an exotic flair. However, its design hasn’t aged as gracefully as the SL65 AMG Black Series. While the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series may lack the overt flamboyance of gullwing doors, the allure of that twin-turbo V12 engine is undeniably strong.
So, which supercar reigns supreme in this battle of German engineering and performance? The choice ultimately boils down to personal preference: the raw, brutal power and rarity of the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series, or the exotic design and McLaren pedigree of the SLR.
