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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  My SL500 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By JackN - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my fifth benz since 1988. I have owned the e class, sl class and the s class. this new sl is by far the best car i have ever owned. the handling and driving experience is unbelievable. I would reccommend that anyone who wants this car.....to get it. There is nothing that needs improvement.

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  SO RIGHT! - 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By ALAGWC - July 14 - 1:36 am

  I purchased the car with under 10K miles, have only driven 4K in first year. Everything works and it is a blast to drive. Gorgeous car turns heads, great stereo, rock solid feel. Just wish the seats were more comfortable -- not terrible, just not terrific.

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  Near automotive perfection - 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Jerry - July 6 - 4:36 pm

  I say "near" because the audio and nav system perform and look like equipment several generations old. Programming involves unnecessary steps, the screen is bland with minimal color levels, and it completely washes out in sunlight which obviously is a detriment in a convertible. The system wont even provide street labeling unless fully zoomed in to max detail. The radio functions are only average and sound is mediocre. The system needs more speakers with improved sub woofers and tweeters. To make up for these deficiencies the interior and exterior is a work of art. Coupled with the increased power and improved handling its near automotive nirvana on a warm Sunday top down drive.

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  Smooth Power, Value and Quality - 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By safari_joe - June 29 - 12:43 am

  Hello all: I have found it to be a fast and subtle commuter/touring machine. I traded over to it from a 97 993 (which was a great car) as my wife was adverse to the Porsche ride (a very good ride in my opinion). This is my second SL and my 3rd Mercedes. As all SL’s it is quietly fast and comfortable. The handling is greatly improved from models of the late 70’s and the dealer service has been equal to that of Porsche (excellent). As with the 993, I would recommend a dealer extended warranty as these cars can disrupt your budget if something major malfunctions after the original one expires. My wife is found of the panoramic roof in the rain and enjoys the heated seat.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Arkansas Traveler - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is a delight to drive, and a privilege to own. Superb handling, outstanding styling, and a mechancial marvel. I savor each and every driving experience. In short, this car is intoxicating.

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  I Love Mine - 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Jennifer B - May 27 - 4:30 am

  I love my SL500. The performance is great and the style is very eye catching. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it! Its fun and comfortable to drive. I dont like the fact that the tires cant be rotated. (the front are smaller than the back and they are also directional) I feel like the navigation CDs are lacking (my hometown is not even on them) So I feel like that was money wasted. However, overall I still Love My SL!

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  Perfection in 2 doors - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By jshoes - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is it as far as high performance convertibles go. I visited the AMG factory in September, 2001, when they were first testing these cars. After I heard it drive past me, I knew I wanted one. The sounds is amazing. I love the look on peoples faces when I drive down the street and floor the car. Call me juvenile? Sure but I have a really big smile on my face everytime. On top of all this, it is gorgeous, comfortable, luxurious, exclusive and did I mention fast?

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  sl500 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By reppal - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The nicest sportscar ive owned. The ride is unbeliveable, the reserved power is just centimeters away, and its built by what i call oneof the best car makers in the world.

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  Stay away! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By earbon - May 15 - 3:20 pm

  As a starter the value of that car is dropping like a rock in a lake with no bottom. The real trade in value is between $25000.00 and $31000.00 at best. I was lucky to buy it with a POC on it otherwise I would have left my wallet at the dealer. Lots of squeaking and annoying noise coming from the chassis. Lots of problem with the electronic, seat wont recline and suddenly they do, the lighting. The air ride suspension is nice but unreliable and can collapse at any time. They had to replace the whole rear end at 48000 miles. Please stay away from Mercedes benz and leave MB where they deserve to be, in bankruptcy.

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  Shes a Keeper - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By DVSI - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This car car has it all!!! Great looks, comfort, performance, safety and quality. I compared the SL500 to the Lexus SC430, Porsche Carrera 4 and the Jaguar XKR. This beats them all. It looks sporty, classy, sexy and tough. It fits any mood the driver has.