Top Gear Season 13 Episode 3: SL65 AMG Black Series and Small Car Challenge
Jeremy Clarkson tests the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series while the team tries to find small cars that won't leave buyers miserable in the third episode of Top Gear's thirteenth series.
The third episode of Top Gear’s thirteenth series, broadcast on 5 July 2009, put the spotlight on two very different approaches to motoring. Jeremy Clarkson took to the track in the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, while the team’s main challenge saw them hunting for small cars that could deliver practicality without leaving their drivers miserable.
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series on track
Clarkson’s review of the SL 65 AMG Black Series focused on AMG’s most extreme road car at the time. With a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 producing 661bhp and 738lb ft of torque, the Black Series was designed as a stripped-back, hard-edged version of the standard SL65. The fixed roof, wider track and aggressive bodywork set it apart visually. Clarkson explored whether the performance upgrades and dramatic styling translated into a driving experience worthy of the price and the Black Series badge.
Small car challenge: comfort without compromise
The main studio challenge set Clarkson, Hammond and May the task of finding a small car that would not make its owner miserable. This segment put affordable, compact cars under scrutiny, with the presenters each selecting a contender and subjecting them to a series of practical and comfort tests. The aim was to prove that buyers on a budget could find a car that was both sensible and enjoyable to own, in contrast to the stereotype of small cars being dreary or uncomfortable.
- Jeremy Clarkson: often favours performance or luxury, so his pick was watched closely for bias.
- Richard Hammond: typically chooses cars with a fun-to-drive character.
- James May: usually seeks practicality and comfort.
Episode context and links to related episodes
This episode followed the format established by Top Gear’s later series: one main car review, a studio challenge, and the usual blend of banter and competitive spirit. For those interested in the rest of Series 13, the previous episode featured the Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV and a teenage car challenge, while the next episode would see the team embark on a road trip with the Porsche Panamera and a hot hatchback duel.
- /video-top-gear-season-13-episode-2, Top Gear Season 13 Episode 2: Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV and Teenage Car Challenge
- /video-top-gear-season-13-episode-4, Top Gear Season 13 Episode 4: Panamera Road Trip and Hot Hatch Duel
