Fresh off reviewing the latest Mercedes SL, it’s time to delve into the archives and bring out the big guns from AMG. Let’s rewind to a time when Mercedes-Benz was pushing boundaries, creating machines that were not just luxurious but brutally fast. Today, we’re pitting two titans against each other: the 2009 Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series and the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Is the Black Series truly a supercar contender, especially when you can find an SLR in a similar price bracket? Let’s dive deep.
The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series: Raw Power and Rare Breed
Explore Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series Listings
We’ve called the current SL a serious sports car, almost too serious. But if you’re looking for an AMG with a playful edge, you need to step up to the Black Series. These aren’t your everyday AMGs; they are something truly special. With their aggressive widebody styling, roaring engine notes, and extreme rarity, the Mercedes SL Black Series models are automotive unicorns. Just how rare? Consider this 2009 example:
- Mileage: 11,992 miles
- Ownership: Three previous owners
- History: Spanning Florida, Ohio, and now residing in Brooklyn.
- Price: A hefty $339,989. This SL Black Series needs to justify that price tag.
This particular silver example looks immaculate and arguably more striking than the usual black. Under the hood lies a beast: a hand-built V12 engine force-fed by two turbochargers. Back in 2009, this powertrain catapulted the SL65 AMG Black Series to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds – supercar territory then and still incredibly quick today.
The exterior design has aged gracefully, arguably better than some of its more recent successors. However, stepping inside reveals its era. While beautifully crafted, the interior clearly hails from the late 2000s Mercedes design language.
And in true hardcore Black Series fashion, Mercedes stripped away the frivolous convertible top, replacing it with a fixed roof for enhanced rigidity. Despite the liberal use of carbon fiber, this SL still tips the scales at around 4,100 lbs. Yet, there’s an undeniable appeal. Show up at any car meet in this, and you’re guaranteed to be the only one. But the ultimate question remains: does exclusivity and a powerful engine make it a true supercar?
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: A Grand Tourer with Formula 1 Pedigree
View Mercedes McLaren SLR Listings
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a different breed altogether. Born from a collaboration between Mercedes and McLaren during their Formula 1 partnership, the SLR was meant to be a grand tourer with supercar performance and F1-inspired technology. Launched in 2006 and sold until 2010, its design, while striking, feels more dated than the SL Black Series. Production numbers were limited, with just over 1,000 units made, adding to its exclusivity.
This exclusivity comes at a price. To find an SLR in the same ballpark as our SL Black Series, we look at a hardtop version:
- Price: $394,999
- Mileage: 9,945 miles
- Ownership: A surprising six previous owners.
- History: Clocked miles across Florida, Montana, and Ohio.
Roadster versions of the SLR can command prices soaring towards $800,000, making this hardtop seem like a relative bargain. Power comes from a supercharged V8 producing 617 horsepower, offering a vastly different driving experience compared to the V12 of the Black Series. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission (further highlighting its age), the SLR is marginally quicker to 60 mph at 3.4 seconds. That extra tenth of a second comes at a premium of $27,505 in this price comparison.
The SLR boasted advanced technology for its time, including carbon ceramic brakes, active aerodynamics, a brake-by-wire system, and a flat floor with side-exit exhausts. While styled by Mercedes, McLaren undertook much of the engineering and development, injecting British engineering finesse into the German design. The partnership, rooted in Formula 1, resulted in a car that’s perhaps more “Tea time” than “Oktoberfest” in its character. One can only imagine the design review meetings between German and British engineers!
Doors, Dollars, and Desirability
There’s a certain exotic flair to the SLR with its side pipes and iconic gullwing doors. However, its design hasn’t aged as universally well as the more brutal and focused Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series. While the SLR has the “wow” factor of fancy doors, the Black Series counters with the sheer brute force of a twin-turbo V12.
Ultimately, the choice boils down to personal preference. Do you lean towards the grand touring pedigree and dramatic doors of the SLR, or the raw, visceral power and rarity of the Mercedes SL Black Series? For many, the allure of that hand-built V12 and the more contemporary (yet still classic) design of the Mercedes SL Black Series makes it the more compelling and arguably more “supercar” choice in this head-to-head.
Want Your Car Reviewed?
If you’re in the tri-state area and want your car featured, send in your submissions via email! [email protected]
Support the Cause
This site may receive commissions from product links. Your support is appreciated.
The content on this site is created using Nikon camera bodies and lenses, a Westcott Ice Light 2, Manfrotto tripod, B + W filters and an iMac Pro.
Follow us on Instagram @machineswithsouls
