Mercedes recently unveiled its all new SL lineup, and while the technology it incorporates, such as an aluminum structure and body, are laudable, it doesn’t look the instant classic that the last several generations have been, either in photos, or—according to eyewitnesses—in the metal. So let us celebrate the current model, here in its best version, the SL63. The new one has a lot to live up to…

That’s because the R230 series (introduced in 2003) was almost perfectly proportioned from the get-go. Its classic long-nose/short-tail look wasn’t upset by incorporating the folding metal roof of the smaller SLK, and it has aged very gracefully. A major facelift that brought a more aggressive front fascia in 2008 kept it contemporary, and continual mechanical updating made it competitive with newer rivals.

On the SL63, things reach their apogee; the nose blends just that much better with the aero addenda, big wheels, and other details that distinguish the AMG model. Inside, it still looks great too, though there are some annoyances: the storage bins under the front of the seats make it hard for shorter occupants to get in and out, and the older COMAND infotainment system is dated. No matter; the plush surfacing (especially with the upgraded Designo wood and Amaretto leather, as in our test car) make it feel suitably special. The driving position is great, there’s lots of places to securely store things, and the shelf behind the two seats even has straps for your suitcases—necessary on longer trips, as that metal roof leaves little room for luggage when folded.

The SL63, like all big Benz convertibles, is also incredibly comfortable, in the true Grand Touring tradition; wind noise and turbulence is kept to a minimum, the AirScarf fans in the headrests keep you warm, top down, on chilly nights, and the ride quality is decent for a machine with such a large performance envelope. But all that’s true of a basic—if you can call any six-figure car such—SL500 too.

What makes the SL63 so captivating is the way it blends such attributes with the ability to surprise and delight a keep driver. For a start, its steering is excellent: with enough feel to be useful near the Benz’s high limits, direct and with good linearity and precision. Yet it doesn’t sacrifice straitline tracking, important for a car that will spend most of its life in town and on the highway, not bombing back roads into submission.

That tiller commands a chassis that still can do the business, as well. Turn in is immediate, yet not darty, and the balance stays neutral up to the point where you decide to deactivate the stability control completely and exercise the rear end. That’s easy thanks to the SL63’s greatest asset, namely its hand-built M156 V8, whose stats of 518hp and 465lb-ft of torque are impressive on paper, but not nearly so much as the experience that accompanies opening the throttle on it.

For that unleashes not only stunning acceleration (0-60 in 4.0 seconds and a 12.5-sec quarter mile), but one of the best exhaust blasts ever heard from a production car. Forget your blaring Ferraris and Astons; the gutteral bark on startup and the unholy roar as you rip through the seven speeds of the twin-clutch activated transmission in the SL63 put them to shame. Other aural stimulation comes courtesy of the crackles and barks on downshifts and the canon fire-like overrun blasts. Having driven the twin-turbo V8 that will replace this monster motor, I cant imagine it coming close to the evocativeness and character that this last, bespoke-design AMG motor serves up.

One thing that the new Benz could improve upon is the speed of the SL63 tranny’s reaction to the shift paddles; there is a build in delay once you pull for an up- or downshift that undermines confidence. As the shift times are really fast in the automatic sports settings, it’s likely a software programming choice. While they’re at it, the AMG engineers could work on brake feel too. Ultimate stopping power isn’t in question, but the huge fixed-caliper brakes that come with the Performance Package (which also raises the top speed limiter to an academic 186mph but gives you a more honed suspension calibration and a limited slip diff) are a bit too on/off in their response to normal usage; more linearity would be welcome.

Regardless, this Mercedes gave me one of the great drives of my life. Over a week of touring and tearing through the hills that linked the vineyards above Santa Barbara, to a high speed and scenic dash along the Pacific Coast Highway—even in Los Angeles’ sprawl and crawl itself, where the SL63’s comfort and refinement came to the fore—there was nothing this Benz couldn’t handle with aplomb and make feel special. And with its ability to serve up a cobweb-clearing, organ-rearranging blast from that earth shaking engine only a toe-flex away, it never failed to remind why it is considered one of the great GTs of the modern era. No matter how great the new one may be, this SL63 will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

EPA ratings: Who cares! No really…12/19

Price as tested: $168,125

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