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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  Flawless - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By RJP - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Flawless performance. Beautiful styling in and out. It looks exactly the way it performs. Responds instantly to accelerator. Can easily get ahead of other vehicles and into clear road ahead. Handling is superb. Does not lean or sway. Beautifully takes curves with ease. Quintessential sports car. Wish it had more cabin storage, and that it had a better gas mileage.

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  LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By llenroc74 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR. I HATE THIS CAR. EVERYTHING IS GREAT EXCEPT BUILD QUALITY AND RELIABILITY. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION AT 1,300 MILES. BRAKES (Sensotronic) STILL DONT WORK CORRECTLY. DEALER SERVICE IS APPALING. M/B CUSTOMER SERVICE (Montvale, NJ) IS RUDE AND UNHELPFUL. TRYING TO INVOKE MY RIGHTS UNDER NYS LEMON LAW SEEMS FUTILE. MY 4th M/B SL AND MY LAST.

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  best car i have ever owned - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By barrys - November 11 - 10:00 am

  this car is the best car i have ever known.. performance, looks, styling, technology and handling...its the best... period

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  The Finest Luxury Sports Car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By jimminy - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It has meet all of my expectations and is a fine companion to my other Benz, an S500.

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  Red - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By TommyA931 - November 2 - 6:13 am

  This is my 7th red SL in 25 years, so Im pretty well pre-sold. I really loved my 97 SL500, but the 2003 is really a joy, and no more messing with the tops. On a 50+ mile trip at 65MPH it clocks better than 24MPG, goes to 15-17MPG when "romping" on it, but hey, thats why we buy red sports cars, isnt it? The CD-based NAVI stinks compared to my 2007 ML AMG, but you cant get lost in an SL anyway. As always, gets lots of eyeball, and is fun to drive! Ive also owned Porches and Jags, but like the SL best. Worth every penny!

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  $110,000 LEMON - 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By ratanlal - November 1 - 5:26 pm

  New car stalled 4 times. After pulling over and waiting for a few minutes car would start up again. Took it every time to a dealer. No problem found. I hear grinding sound, Dealer says normal. never heard that in any of my 20 other cars I have bought before. Soon as warranty expired, there was a problem. During test Dealer claimed that the Compression cable broke. Cost $2000+. I still hear noise and (sometimes) gears shift at a very high RPM. Went to get Smog test. They said they could not get steady RPM of 2800 to perform the test. This week the door handle broke. Cost $500. I would say that MBZ has VERY POOR QUALITY. Buying MBZ 1984-2007. NEVER AGAIN.

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  The Best Ever - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Buchiepuma - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 11th SL and my 4 V12, This one is by far the best ever. What a great car. It feels and hold the road great. I cant believe that they can top this one. The interior trim is so sophisticated and feels good to. I got the new color mars red with the standard wheels, it hot. I cant ask for more , very happy.

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  Black SL65 - 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Jason Harvey - October 3 - 11:00 am

  I drive this car every day and enjoy each and every minute of it! The power is unlike any other vehicle I have ever driven. Mercedes definiteley delivered this time with AMG! I love my SL65 and I highly recomend it.

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  Near Flawless Vehicle Even 14 Years Old! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Jason Coon - October 2 - 7:30 pm

  Not sure about all the negative comments. I bought this car for my wife as she has always wanted a convertible and geez you just cant go wrong with MB. I bought it over a year ago. It was a 2003 with 29,000 miles on it! I bought it in 2016. The car has never been in accidents and appears to have regular maintenance from records. We have put 8000 miles on it since owning it and almost all the original components are on it and have not failed with one exception (see further below). We do not drive it in the Minnesota winter. The car has been near flawless, fun, reliable, extremely comfortable, and surprisingly a good handling car. Its the whole deal. While it does not have the power my RS6 does, nor equal the cornering and braking of my Porsche or RS6....the comfort and styling just cant be matched. I would rather drive this car than the others. I was so impressed with this car I bought an AMG MB days after. The only thing that does not work is the lumbar control in the drivers seat. We are still on the original brake pads and only have had to do one oil change.

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  I love my mercedes benz - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Kerry - September 4 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 1998 Mercedes SL450. I didnt like it too much so i decided to get something smaller. My AMG is the greatest car ive ever owned. The milage is a +. I would definetly recommend this vehicle to anybody.