Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim comparison

2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 43 vs AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE

The SL-Class AMG SL 43 starts at $111,950 while the AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE is $207,150. That $95,200 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.

The short answer

This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE gets the 4.0L V8 phev Turbo and AWD, so the $95,200 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.

This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The AMG SL 43 is enough if the 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo with RWD already fits your routine; the AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE only earns the jump when the 4.0L V8 phev Turbo and AWD setup is the point of the upgrade.

If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the AMG SL 43 to the AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE is about $1677/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $100,620 more by the time interest is counted. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.

$95,200
Price Gap
+389 HP
HP Diff
+4 MPG
MPG Diff
Trim navigation

Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.

Compare another trim against AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE stays locked on this side. Pick a different trim for the other slot without leaving the exact head-to-head route.
AMG SL 43 AMG SL 55 AMG SL 63
Compare another trim against AMG SL 43 AMG SL 43 stays locked on this side. Use this row to test the next trim up or down while keeping the exact pair page intact.
AMG SL 55 AMG SL 63 AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE
Lower-price trim
Starts at $111,950
VS
Higher-price trim
Starts at $207,150
Smart Buy: AMG SL 43
Marginal Upgrade: AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE

Who notices the difference

The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.

When both feel the same

The AMG SL 43 and AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.

The upgrade math

You are paying $95,200 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $15,867 per change.

Key Differences at a Glance

This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.

MSRP
$111,950
vs
$207,150
Engine
2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo
vs
4.0L V8 phev Turbo
Drivetrain
RWD
vs
AWD
Horsepower
416 hp
vs
805 hp
All-weather floor mats for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Check prices on Amazon (paid link)

Every Difference, Side by Side

This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.

Engine Biggest
AMG SL 432.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo
AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE4.0L V8 phev Turbo
Fuel Economy
AMG SL 4322 MPG combined
Curb Weight

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.

Spec AMG SL 43 AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE
Pricing
MSRP$111,950$207,150
Powertrain
Engine2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo4.0L V8 phev Turbo
Horsepower416 hp805 hp
Torque369 lb-ft1047 lb-ft
Transmission9-speed shiftable automatic9-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainRWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG1916
Highway MPG2722
Combined MPG2218
Fuel Tank18.5 gal18.5 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$2,650/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,825 lbs4,839 lbs
Wheelbase106.3"106.3"
Length185.2"185.2"
Width75.4"75.4"
Height53.5"53.5"
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper4yr/50k4yr/50k
Powertrain4yr/50k4yr/50k
Corrosion4yr/50k4yr/50k
Roadside Assistance4yr/50k4yr/50k

Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.

2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 43 vs AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE Questions Shoppers Ask

Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class lineup, the Mercedes-Benz brand hub, the Sports Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.

How much more does the 2025 SL-Class AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE cost than the AMG SL 43?

The AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE starts at $207,150 compared to $111,950 for the AMG SL 43. That is a $95,200 difference, or approximately $1677/month more on a 60-month loan.

Do the 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 43 and AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE have the same engine?

No. The AMG SL 43 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo (416 hp, 369 lb-ft), while the AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE has the 4.0L V8 phev Turbo (805 hp, 1047 lb-ft). That is 389 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 9-speed shiftable automatic.

Does the 2025 SL-Class AMG SL 43 come with AWD?

No. The AMG SL 43 comes standard with RWD while the AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.

What warranty does the 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class come with?

All 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims, including both the AMG SL 43 and AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE, come with Mercedes-Benz's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.

Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE worth $95,200 more than the AMG SL 43?

The AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE changes both the engine and drivetrain for $95,200 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.

Which 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim gets better fuel economy, the AMG SL 43 or the AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE?

The AMG SL 43 is the more efficient of the two at 22 combined MPG, versus 18 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.

What $95,200 Gets You

Same most mechanical specs, $95,200 more. The SL-Class AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE adds minor equipment upgrades over the AMG SL 43, but the core driving experience is identical.

AMG SL 43 vs. AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE: Day-to-Day

Engine is where these two diverge most: 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo in the AMG SL 43, 4.0L V8 phev Turbo in the AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE. That means 389 more horsepower and 678 more lb-ft of torque. A significant jump that changes the driving experience. In return, expect about 4 fewer combined MPG. The AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE has AWD while the AMG SL 43 has RWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.

Fuel Economy Comparison

The SL-Class AMG SL 43 gets 4 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $424 per year or $2,120 over five years of ownership.

Summary

The SL-Class AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE costs $95,200 more than the AMG SL 43 (about $1,677/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $15,867 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.

Trim-Matched Accessories

These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.

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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz or any dealership.

Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.

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