Overview & Reviews

Easily one of the most recognizable automotive icons of the last half century, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has long epitomized elegance and performance in the grand touring coupe/roadster segments. From the early 300SL models of the 1950s to the present-day retractable hardtops, this two-seater has never wavered from offering the best that Mercedes-Benz could offer.

Regardless of what SL vintage you're considering, you can be certain it will have cutting-edge technology and a comfortable cockpit. The downside to packing in all those safety and luxury features is that the SL is rather big and heavy. As such, a Benz SL isn't going to feel nimble in the vein of a pure, elemental sports car. But in terms of comfort, refinement and image, a new or used SL-Class is nearly peerless.

Current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
The Mercedes-Benz SL lineup consists of three models: SL550, SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG.

The SL550 features a turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 that produces 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the SL63 and you'll get a turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 good for 530 hp and 590 lb-ft. Meanwhile, the SL65 AMG packs a turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 with 621 hp and 738 lb-ft. All engines send their considerable power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. The latter is modified in the AMG models to provide quicker, more responsive gearchanges.

It shouldn't be surprising that there is a substantial amount of luxury and numerous high-tech features for the SL-Class. Highlights include heated and ventilated seats, navigation, adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, a neck-level heating system and a whole suite of media types. And these are just the tip of a very deep iceberg. In addition to their powerhouse engines, the AMG versions also feature specific suspension, steering and brake upgrades, along with several visual enhancements inside and out.

With its sizable dimensions, the SL-Class boasts what could easily be the most accommodating cabin of any two-seat convertible. Drivers taller than 6 feet will fit with sprawling room to spare, and there's even a decent amount of storage space. The trunk is roomy with the top raised and big enough for even large suitcases. You'll have to pack lighter if you want to lower the roof, as it consumes some trunk space when stowed, but the remaining space is still adequate.

As for the roof itself, it remains a novel feature of the SL even if its metal structure and graceful movements are now old hat. Spanning almost the entire width of the car, its panoramic glass portion provides a wonderfully open feel even when the weather dictates you remain indoors. With optional "Magic Sky Control," this glass panel goes from varying degrees of transparent to dark at the touch of a button. Think of a giant, driver-controlled pair of transition sunglasses and you get the idea.

In total, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is an innovative, refined and exciting high-end luxury convertible. Those seeking ultimate driving precision and thrills will be better served by one of its more exotic rivals, but for top-down grand touring, it is tough to beat.

Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Models
The current-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class was introduced for 2013. Once again a retractable-hardtop convertible, it weighs less than its predecessor thanks to extensive use of aluminum construction. The newer SL is also a bigger and more rigid car, which boasts an even larger selection of luxury, convenience and safety goodies than its forebear. Apart from some equipment shuffling and its lacking an analog dash-top clock, these SL models are identical to today's car.

The previous-generation Mercedes-Benz SL was produced from 2003 through 2012; however, a midcycle refresh for '09 means that earlier cars can be differentiated by their less aggressive styling and older generations of Mercedes electronics interfaces. The steering and suspension were also altered at this time for more precise handling.

Regardless of year, this luxury roadster was one of our editors' favorite vehicles of any sort. With a beautifully integrated retractable hardtop that required just the touch of a button to raise or lower, this SL offered the fun of an open roadster along with the security and quiet comfort of a closed coupe. Although it was produced for a very long time by automotive industry standards, this SL's overall desirability never really waned thanks to prudent updates to its equipment, engines and the aforementioned electronics.

Upon this generation's release for 2003, the SL lineup consisted of just the SL500 (5.0-liter V8 with 302 hp), but it was joined by the SL55 AMG a few months later. Besides its 493-hp supercharged V8, the 55 came with AMG-specific suspension, steering, brakes and styling elements.

The V12-powered SL600 (also making 493 hp) debuted in 2004, as did a seven-speed automatic for the SL500. The SL65 AMG bowed the following year and was produced through 2011. It essentially took the many performance upgrades from the V8-powered AMG SL and bolstered it with a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 good for 604 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Both V12 models featured an older five-speed automatic better able to deal with these models' abundant torque. For 2007, the SL55 and SL600 both received power bumps up to 510, and the SL500 was replaced by the SL550, which featured a 5.5-liter V8 and a much more robust 382 hp.

Besides the wealth of other, previously described changes for 2009, the SL63 supplanted the SL55. The SL63 AMG came with a 6.2-liter V8 good for 518 hp and a new seven-speed automated manual transmission. The hyper, low-volume SL65 AMG Black Series was also produced for this year only. There was no 2010 SL-Class, and the SL600 was discontinued at the same time.

With its effortless performance, adaptive suspension, fast-retracting hardtop and wealth of luxury and safety features, we've found it was easy to fall in love with this generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Our complaints are few, centering chiefly on the SL's older version of Mercedes' COMAND interface, which even in its final years used a dash-mounted multidirection button pad rather than the more ergonomic console-mounted knob of newer Benzes. In total, a well-loved used SL-Class should make a wonderful second car, with the same sort of timeless appeal shared with its illustrious predecessors.

The 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offered six-, eight- and 12-cylinder engine choices. Prior to 1994, the cars were named slightly differently, as the numbers came before the letters. Six-cylinder cars (300SL and SL320) made 228 hp, the 500SL/SL500 offered 322 or 302 hp (depending on the year) and the 600SL/SL600 made 389 hp. The sixes could be matched to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, while the V8 and V12 versions initially came with a four-speed automatic only. (They were upgraded to a five-speed unit in 1996.) Apart from a navigation system, these cars could be had with most any luxury and safety feature, such as dual-zone climate control, integrated cell phone, HID headlights and stability control.

Although this generation of the Mercedes SL offered spirited performance, decent handling and plenty of luxury, the driving dynamics proved disappointing to our staff. The culprits were steering that felt somewhat loose on center, a platform that lacked this marque's typically solid feel (giving rise to interior squeaks) and brakes that, although strong in panic situations, felt mushy in normal use. At the time, we also felt the Benz SL was overpriced compared to other competing luxury roadsters, though depreciation has largely negated this potential drawback.

With a run that lasted 18 model years, the 1972-'89 SL was much simpler, both in terms of the vehicle itself and trim levels, than the ones that followed. This Mercedes-Benz SL was powered by various V8 engines, starting with a 4.5-liter (around 180-200 hp), changing to a 3.8-liter of just 155 hp and then adopting a stout 5.6-liter (227 hp) for the final years. The names of these SLs went from 350SL (only for 1972) to 450SL, 380SL and then 560SL. Although you may see a 500SL advertised, be warned that it's a gray-market car, a European version modified by some unknown shop to meet U.S. emissions and crash standards. For obvious reasons, we recommend you steer clear of a gray-market example.

Enthusiasts interested in older generations will want to explore Edmunds' Model History section for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

User Reviews:

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  Not worth the money... - 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Rob-Puyallup - September 6 - 11:13 am

  I was a big fan of Mercedes prior to owning my 2009 SL-63. After having it in the shop for now the 4th time in 5 months, they still cant fix the transmission and excessive oil burn. The new transmission slips like youve lost gears until the car is completely warmed up. Try pulling out into traffic, stepping on the gas and the engine revs, but the car goes nowhere. Then out of no-where, 3-5 sec later the car catapults you into traffic. I was finally told that this is a race- car. You cant expect it to drive like a luxury car. How about that? In addition to having to add a quart of oil every 100 miles Mercedes has some work to do before I would ever recommend this car. Spend elsewhere!

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  Great to buy used - 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By rlovelace1 - September 3 - 5:30 am

  I purchased my SL55 AMG in Feb of 2010. The bad... had to repair air suspension on front and back. The good... MB significantly reduced the cost of the repair. The excitement of most new car purchases ware off in a month or so. Not this car. I look forward to driving this car every day. Performance is very good, looks are great with top up or down. I cant belive how well it handles based on the weight being over 4,300 lbs. It goes where ever you point it with plenty of power on tap. It is a shame this care does not come with a license to speed. Pay the extra cost for the AMG. It is definately worth it.

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  my SL500 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Bob W. - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Whats not to love about this rocket luxury car!

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  Perfect Two-Seater - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By desfourth - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I ordered this car after 9/11 and waited un til I did not have to pay a premium (actually received the car in 10/02). A squeek took a few visits to fix, but M-B did "everything" to take care of it. It is a dream to drive -- hard to believe it is so firm, even with the top down. Absolutely no cowl shake. A real looker.

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  Absolute Best Car Ive Ever Driven - 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By socalh2oskier - July 31 - 1:26 pm

  I traded a 2007 Jag XK for the SL. The Jag is beautiful, the SL is not only gorgeous, it is awe-inspiring when driving. It is more responsive, has a better ride, more power, and better seats--and--it has a hard top that looks great when up. Ive owned Lexus, Range Rover, NSX, Corvette, and several Jags and several BMWs--the SL 550 is head and shoulders above them all--it is absolutely the most fun of any car Ive ever driven--and that includes the new Aston Vantage V8. The SL is nimble,corners flat, is fast, and somehow still maintains a very comfortable ride. I highly recommend it. The only drawbacks are the price and the mediocre gas mileage.

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  Mercedes supercar - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By scarface - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car a few months ago, february 2004, and since the first test drive, I loved it. I sold a ferrari 355 to buy this car, and it was worth it. It is just as fast as the ferrari, yet infinitly more civilized, practical, comfortable, luxurius... This is truly the best car in the world, fast, comfortable, rolls royce level of fit and finish.

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  SL500 convertible - 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Frank J. Fiore - June 7 - 2:46 am

  I have owned Mercedes for over 20 years and this model has got to be the best one yet. The handling is superb, along with its sleek lines. I would recommend this car to anyone who can acquire it. This is a fun car to drive and is very dependable. Both my brothers in law have also purchsed one on my recommendation.

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  Its Been a Great Car to Own - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Vincenzo - June 1 - 8:21 pm

  I have owned this car for almost a year now, and I was expecting it to cost 3-5k a year to maintain. I had an emergency fund in place fully funded and so far its been in the shop for some ball joints in the suspension, an intercooler pump (which is upgraded so it shouldnt break for a while) and couple of new rims because the 2 left got bent. Ive replaced the alternator, crank shaft position sensor, engine and cabin air filters, a few pulleys and a valve cover gasket. Its going to need trunk struts, accumulator spheres, engine/transmission mounts and a few cosmetic touch ups (but overall my car is in really good shape). This car has costed me $2,000 in the first year to get caught up on maintenance which is cheap for a car like this at 14 years old. The engine was shutting off on it when it got warmed up not too long ago. I was able to diagnose the problem in less then 15 minutes at a cost of less then $28. It was the CPS and it was a breeze to install once I got it (took 10 minutes) and every local auto part shop had it in stock. I replaced the alternator myself on it as well and once you know the procedure its easy to replace. You need to remove the fan shroud and it will make it easier but it was a breeze as well. This is a very easy car to work on. The hood opens 90 degrees and theres a lot of room to work almost like an old muscle car. The struts and brakes cost a lot retail but you can find them so cheap to nothing if you shop around so the parts are usually very cheap and sometimes free in my experience if you send the old ones in. The engine parts are almost all metal and you dont have to worry about anything breaking unless you over tighten stuff. The car gets terrible overall fuel economy but its very fast and the acceleration is brutal in a way. There are a few quality problems but theyre very small and the average person wouldnt be able to find them. The quality of materials and build quality is overall extremely high for this vehicle especially when you consider its from the DaimlerChrysler era. Its got a tank like Mercedes-Benz build quality to it. It feels very solid and heavy and the doors are very heavy. The transmissions in these vehicles shift very slow and are a bit cumbersome but are basically the same as youd find in a Sprinter van or almost any other Mercedes in this time period and is found in almost every V12 Mercedes until 2014 or so. You can also find it in many Chrysler vehicles like V8 Grand Cherokees, 300s, Chargers, Challengers, Durangos, you name it. Its even in some Jaguars and 911s. Its a very heavy duty unit and can run for 100s of thousands of miles. When you need to replace it just make sure it has the correct torque converter and youre golden. The unit should be pretty cheap. This is a very intuitive car. I am not a technician or expert and I can easily diagnose anything in this car in 15 minutes or less. Make sure the hydraulic fluid has been getting changed though before you buy one because the car rides on a fully active hydraulic suspension and one pump runs the suspension and steering. If the fluid is not changed before 50k miles at least, the pump will fail, the lines will get clogged and it can ruin your struts. It can total out your car if someone is careless about this and should be done every 30k along with the transmission fluid or even 20k if you can. This is the only thing you have to worry about. The engine mounts go out early because theyre filled with fluid and are soft to make the car ride and settle better so thats normal. Supercharger oil should be done every 20-30k as well and make sure you lubricate the seals and the top. Overall if you listen to what Mercedes tells you to do and do more than what is expected and are good to your car you will be rewarded with one of the most reliable vehicles on the market. 1,000,000 miles on one of these is not uncommon and can go possibly 2,000,000 miles between rebuilds. Its a very solid and simple single overhead cam engine. Its not hard to maintain. Make sure you have an emergency fund in place though. You should have one anyways and it should have at least $12,000 in it.

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  Perfection - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Bruce E. Cook - May 28 - 10:00 am

  German engineering has reached the ultimate level. The Mercedes 500 SL in the 2003 model comes as close to perfection as is possible. After driving this car for ten months, I believe that this is the finest car Ive ever owned. Every aspect of the automobile is a thrill to look at and to drive. It has the look and the feel of what a $100,000 plus car should have for the owner. Well worth the price.

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  Great Car Lotsa Fun - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By IvanUSA - May 26 - 6:00 am

  This is a an exeptional vehicle, hardtop convertible roadster. This is my second one with AMG package on it just not supercharged. I highly recomend this car to every one