Spotted: Mercedez Benz SL65
I was driving the other day and came across this. I had to stop to take a quick picture because an rarely see any of the Mercedes 65 cars on the road. Normally, I wouldnt look twice at a 500SL, SL55, or SL600 but this was something special. These are known to be very capable and reliable cars and in the used car market they are becoming more affordable for a convertible hardtop roadster. I didnt know too much about these other than they were the flagship model of the SL Class. They are special but look almost identical to the lower models that it is easy to not pay attention.
Mercedes has been known to set the benchmark of luxury and performance by featuring all their best features/ options/ and most powerful engines into their flag ship cars. I decided to do some research on the SL65 and it is truly an impressive machine. The entry level car was the SL500 which had a starting price of $91,300 USD. The SL65 was priced at a whopping $182,100 USD (base price) in 2005! That puts these cars in supercar territory.
SL500: $91,300 Base
SL55: $123,300 Base
SL600: $129,400 Base
SL65: $182,100 Base
What is interesting is that the SL600 has a 0-60 of 3.6 seconds(0.2 faster) but the more powerful SL65 has a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds. It turns out the SL65 doesnt have enough traction to handle the horsepower adequately. Perhaps a set of stickier tires is in order. Also the SL65 is priced $52,000 US Dollars more than then SL600 V12 cars. Not only do you get the twin turbo engine but also the AMG body work not found on the SL600.
I looked up the avg price of an SL65 (2005) and you can get one today for $30,000 US Dollars. What a bargain for such an amazing engine and car. That is a lot of car for the money! It can look a bit outdated and maybe impractical but this represents the company Mercedes Benz showing off what they can do and its pretty amazing. So anytime you see an S65, SL65, G65, dont hesitate to take a closer look. Its top of the line engineering and should be respected for what it represents. I love that engine.
Has anyone driven one?
Production Numbers
SL 65 AMG
2005 651
2006 390
2007 144
2008 120
The SL65 engine: AMG 6.0 Liter twin turbocharged and intercooled SOHC 36 valve V12 aluminum block and heads
Displacement: 365 cu in, 5980cc / 604 bhp @ 5500 rpm / 738 lb-ft Torque @ 2000 rpm
Tranmission: 5 speed
Zero to 60: 3.8 seconds
Zero to 100: 8.2 seconds
Zero to 130: 13.4 seconds
Standing 1/4 mile: 11.9 seconds
Top Speed: 156 mph
Skidpad: 0.93g
Fuel Economy: 12 mpg
What do you think?