Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the SL 63 S E Performance as the first hybrid version of its drop-top grand tourer - and the most powerful variant yet.
It's the fifth plug-in hybrid from the AMG performance division and will be one of the fastest convertibles on sale when it lands next year.
It gets broadly the same powertrain set-up as the GT 63 S E Performance and S63 E Performance saloons. Power comes from a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 603bhp on its own. This is paired with a 201bhp electric motor mounted at the rear for a combined output of 804bhp and that jaw-dropping 1047lb ft torque figure.
As a result, it gets a McLaren 750S-baiting 0-62mph time of 2.9sec and a top speed of 196mph, making it only slightly slower than the Ferrari 296 GTS and Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet.
Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic brakes clamped by bronze-coloured callipers specific to the PHEV.
AMG CEO Michael Schiebe said: "With this unique concept, we offer our customers not only superior performance but also the option of all-electric driving.
"Extensive equipment options and the high-quality materials used also make the SL one of the most exclusive roadsters on the market - a real dream car."
The motor is attached directly to the rear axle and works to boost power under acceleration, when overtaking and getting off the line.
It's connected to a two-speed gearbox that works with the seven-speed automatic gearbox mated to the engine and can send its power to the front wheels when the rears begin to lose grip - a hallmark of the German brand's P3 performance powertrain.
The car also has rear-axle steering as standard to aid both low- and high-speed manoeuvrability.
To aid grip in high-demand situations, a mechanical limited-slip differential is attached to the back axle, above which is mounted a "lightweight, high-performance" 400V battery developed with know-how from the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team.
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Germans and their chocloate brown leather obsession! Cool powertrain though.
Looks stunning!
I'm sure I said this before, aren't 200mph top speeds irrelevant nowadays?, EV powered cars like these get to a 100mph in about 5seconds and in todays driving and roads being busier than ever this is all the performance you need, ok, make them handle brilliantly,but 200mph? that's just an old fashioned Carrot.
It's not an EV.
Apologies, it's Hybrid, needlessly fast,yes, I know only goes as fast as your right foot allows,just here in UK there's not much opportunity other than doing Trsck days.