On open roads, the combined reserves of internal combustion engine and electric motor provide the car with towering performance. With the roof lowered, you also get to experience a deep and unfiltered baritone blare of exhaust, which is an integral part of the driving appeal, up close.
The new petrol-electric drivetrain not only brings an added 228bhp and 457lb ft over the existing range-topping SL 63 4Matic+, it also adds 225kg to the kerb weight, at 2125kg. It’s not a limiting factor, though. The SL 63 S E Performance balances its dual role as traditional sun-seeking upmarket roadster and rapid open-top grand tourer with aplomb.
But while it never comes across as being quite as precise or as heavily focused as its coupé twin in terms of outright handling, the four-wheel-drive SL 63 S E Performance is among the fastest roadsters you can buy right now, as evidenced by its official 0-62mph time, which is just 0.1sec slower than the GT 63 S E Performance and 0.7sec faster than the SL 63 4Matic+.
