Top Gear slams Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series...

[PanterroR]

...and Calls it the 'most uncomfortable car in all of human history'...

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After endlessly praising the Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Black Series, you'd expect Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson to be completely enamored with the more powerful SL 65 AMG Black Series. You'd be wrong; in last weekend's episode, he thoroughly slammed it.

On paper the SL Black looks promising, it features a beefy 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 engine with an impressive 670 hp (493 kW) and 1,000 Nm of torque. During a race with the pricey Mercedes-McLaren SLR, the SL lagged behind as it couldn't keep up in the straights but made up for it in the corners.

Just when you think the S L65 AMG Black Series is sounding pretty good, Clarkson decides to point out a few foibles. Despite being "mind boggling" fast with a top speed of 199 mph (320 km/h), Clarkson says the traction control "comes down like an anvil" and the only way you can realistically drive it, is slowly. Even the luxury features fail to improve things as Jezza explains the SL Black is the "most uncomfortable car in all of human history" thanks to one-piece carbon fiber seats from Mercedes' "agony" range.

He finally sums things up by saying the Black represents a decent alternative to the SLR, but it's not worth the price premium over the standard SL.


Source: Top Gear slams Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series - Worldcarfans

 

[Pagani]

All valid points. The Black feels so heavy when handled by Stig. Also, I was surprised that the SLR Roadster beats it in acceleration. The Black appears indeed pointless.

 

[RikfromBelgium]

I agree, also never understood why they removed the cabrio-roof. You want a BS AMG Merc, get the CLK Black. ( btw, is that terminated now with the E-class coupé, new one on the way? )

 

[Tarek]

Like i care for what he says.

 

[VroomVroom]

Who buys a Black Series for comfort or driving to work?

 

[GBOY]

He finally sums things up by saying the Black represents a decent alternative to the SLR, but it's not worth the price premium over the standard SL.

Please give us a more powerful, torquey, agile SL with better handling around the track. Forget about all the comfort elements and price it well below the SLR.
That's precisely what the potential buyers asked for ...

They were looking for an SLR killer? LOL

 

[Zafiro]

Still my favorite Benz, moreso than the SLR.

 

[Sunny]

I guess we can put the "it is more comfortable than a F599" argument to rest then. Yes that was what was put forward when I wondered why any one would pick it over a 599 or GT2 in the Evo (or was it DR?) comparison between the three.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Like i care for what he says.

Exactly! SSDD

Still my favorite Benz, moreso than the SLR.

Really? I thought the C-class was.

 

[modena_360stradale]

After endlessly praising the Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Black Series, you'd expect Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson to be completely enamored with the more powerful SL 65 AMG Black Series. You'd be wrong; in last weekend's episode, he thoroughly slammed it.

Clarkson always has something negative to say about German cars..

Interesting that he rarely criticizes Italian cars for the same faults German ones have. Hard suspension, bad gas mileage, too big, uncomfortable, heavy steering, etc. It's always the same

 

[Merc1]

I guess we can put the "it is more comfortable than a F599" argument to rest then. Yes that was what was put forward when I wondered why any one would pick it over a 599 or GT2 in the Evo (or was it DR?) comparison between the three.

That was regarding the regular SL65, not the SL65 BS. I said I wasn't sure which would be more comfortable between the Ferrari and SL BS. Funny how when the reviewers go along with what you believe the review is treated as gospel, but when they don't go alone with your theories they're clueless "journalists".


Someone would pick the SL BS over a 599 or GT2 because they wanted to, not because of some rancid its better on the track (turn it over broken record) BS. Not everyone who buys these cars are weekend racers.


Uh....and the U.S. market doesn't have those 1-piece seats, it has the regular SL65 seats with a different stitching pattern.

M

 

[Zafiro]

You dont need to be Sherlock Holmes to understand you can't call Black Series a "Comfortable car". These cars were built around the word "sport" so the priorities are others than being daily driver car. BS are built the way I like it

 

[HighestOfHigh]

You dont need to be Sherlock Holmes to understand you can't call Black Series a "Comfortable car". These cars were built around the word "sport" so the priorities are others than being daily driver car. BS are built the way I like it

Exactly! If he wants comfort, tell him to go get a S65 AMG.

 

[Centurion]

The SL65 BS is more of an collectors item than it is a traditional dream car. Mercedes developed it to give enthusiasts a chance to own something radically bizarre, and that will be looked upon as a classic in 20-30 years time. Very much like the CLK DTM -- one unit which is currently listed for $395,000.

 

[Sunny]

That was regarding the regular SL65, not the SL65 BS. I said I wasn't sure which would be more comfortable between the Ferrari and SL BS. Funny how when the reviewers go along with what you believe the review is treated as gospel, but when they don't go alone with your theories they're clueless "journalists".


Someone would pick the SL BS over a 599 or GT2 because they wanted to, not because of some rancid its better on the track (turn it over broken record) BS. Not everyone who buys these cars are weekend racers.


Uh....and the U.S. market doesn't have those 1-piece seats, it has the regular SL65 seats with a different stitching pattern.

M

Well, I guess we misunderstood each other. I would never compare the normal SL65 to a F599, they are both different enough for me to get that. The BS on the other hand is more expensive, performs worse and if TG is to be believed less conformable.

And when I ask why any one would get car A over B, it is a rhetorical question meaning what does A objectively do better than B. Of course, people buy all sorts of cars for all sorts of subjective reasons.

 

[DaSilva]

I would rather have the SLR....
But of course Jeremy talks about the car like it wasn't design
for a special purpose and was likely designet to be a normal fast benz, but like Centurion stated it isn't..
It was made to be a roadversion of the DTM cars...
Still I think the price is the main reason why Jeremy can't look
at the car and say it was made for sport enthusiasts is because it isn't made the right way.

A DTM car dosn't have 740 nm last time I checked nor doest it have 660 bhp.
The road going version is simply just (agian bravo mercedes)
a "look at me" we will win the HP race and our wealthy enthusiast
will have som fun on the ? road ? ...
Cause if I where real whealty I would buy a REAL DTM car when
I was at the track.. and of course.. the SLR when I drove home.

Cool design IMO and I love the rear spoiler...
SL is a real merc classic and stunner for sure!

 

[Sunny]

The SL65 BS is more of an collectors item than it is a traditional dream car. Mercedes developed it to give enthusiasts a chance to own something radically bizarre, and that will be looked upon as a classic in 20-30 years time. Very much like the CLK DTM -- one unit which is currently listed for $395,000.

This is again the same deal as with SLR, except there the reason was "it is more exotic/show stopper". It might be a collector's item, but that doesn't stop people from seeing how it measures up to it's contemporaries on what is the accepted traits for it's class of cars and calling it out if it falls short.

 

[Centurion]

This is again the same deal as with SLR, except there the reason was "it is more exotic/show stopper". It might be a collector's item, but that doesn't stop people from seeing how it measures up to it's contemporaries on what is the accepted traits for it's class of cars and calling it out if it falls short.

From a supercar perspective, the SLR is rather mass produced with over 1,000 units shipped. Supply has in fact exceeded demand, which is why the SLR doesn't retain its value in the same manner as the Enzo which even today can cost 2-3x MRSP. Cars like the M3 CSL, SL65 BS and other limited run cars tend to be heritage cars that means the world to collectors, but sometimes make little sense compared with similar cars. By that said I would not say the SL65 BS offer much value if you're shopping a new top rider. But if you already have 8-30 cars in your garage, it's a berry worth having.

 

[Sunny]

From a supercar perspective, the SLR is rather mass produced with over 1,000 units shipped. Supply has in fact exceeded demand, which is why the SLR doesn't retain its value in the same manner as the Enzo which even today can cost 2-3x MRSP. Cars like the M3 CSL, SL65 BS and other limited run cars tend to be heritage cars that means the world to collectors, but sometimes make little sense compared with similar cars. By that said I would not say the SL65 BS offer much value if you're shopping a new top rider. But if you already have 8-30 cars in your garage, it's a berry worth having.

Of course. Again, I am not questioning why the BS exists. I completely get that, I myself would have it on my shopping list I had the disposable income just to experience the insanity (just that it would be preceded by a huge list of other cars).

My question is rather, how is it better objectively than other cars that would put a similar dent in your bank balance or in this case, even way less. And that is the question magazine comparisons usually try to answer, not how good it will look in my 30 car garage. And in the case of the SL65 BS, the answer to the former is a blank.