German Car Zone

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



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

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.

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? )

Like i care for what he says.

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

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

Still my favorite Benz, moreso than the SLR.

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.

Exactly! SSDD

Really? I thought the C-class was.

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