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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  Best SL I Have Ever Owned - 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Bob Collins - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my third SL roadster and is absolutely the finest. It is a 2002 SL500 Special Limited Edition "Silver Arrow" with special silver ultra-metalic paint,special six spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and an interior with two-tone silver and black NAPA leather with black birds eye maple wood trim. With this interior you know you are sitting in the most exquisite roadster in the world. Best of all the SL performance is flawless. When this car is delivered to you it is perfection. The 5.0-liter V8 is smooth and powerful. I had the opportunity to order a 2003 SL500 instead of buying my 2002, but I still love my Silver Arrow.

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  Toyota 4Runner 2004 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Tracy Lopez - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is hot but how much is it if there are 4 passengers riding

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  One Docs "Mission Dark" point - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Mission Dark - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several Porsches, including the twin turbo and a race car. The comparison is simple: The SL500 is a masterpiece in design and performance. It puts out every one of the 300+ horses, on demand, with elegance and style. The only problem I have had has been the roof noise, which Mercedes claims to have figured out, but I am still taking it in for lub jobs. Thank god for the loaners! Niko

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  My Dream Car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By cvgarner1991 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted this car since I was a little girl and my mom always told me I had to get a good job and I went to college,became a lawyer and I got the car!! hooray for me! THANKS MOM!!!!

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  Amazing - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By snowmark - November 13 - 2:00 am

  simply amazing, so fast, so comfortable, so luxurious.. WOW!

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  SL 500 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By dockott - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Truly the best engineered car I have owned. It is my 4th SL. The convertible hard-top also has a glass panoramic roof. Highway mileage is nearly 23 miles per gallon at 8o mph. The ride firmness is adjustible for Sunday comfort or serious cornering. Very quiet with the top down, which is as often as possible

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  Nice Ride, but then again it should be - 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By orangele - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for the styling, and it is a beautiful and sexy car. After driving it the past three weeks, I am happy with the overall features, comfort, and performance. It is not an economy car obviously, so plan on spending some gas money. Also the teleaid system seems pretty pricey ($260 a year, plus minute usage fees) for emergencies in which the air bags deploy, or for a concierge service.

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  awesome - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By andi - October 7 - 2:00 am

  this car is a great car to drive

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  Extremely Happy - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Armando - September 11 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased the SL500 from the original with 35k miles. I had a 1998 911 Porsche which I regret selling until I purchased this 2004 SL500. Reasons why: the hard top, the comfort, the sound system, and the look! I would not buy a new one, because of the minor changes, plus the money that I save. Its A great car to buy used because they are very reliable and lots of fun to drive. If you do buy an SL500 get an extended warranty because they become costly as they grow old!

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  MBs Finest! - 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By MThompson - September 7 - 5:16 am

  This is the first Mercedes I have owned and I do not believe I will ever own another type of vehicle. Both interior and exterior design are excellent and the overall quality is exceptional. The handling and reliability far exceed any expectations. This is a true drivers car! Definitely worth the price! This car is rock solid - built like a tank but handles like a sports car - feels very safe. The mechanics of the soft- top and ease with getting the hard-top in place are a true testimate to Mercedes fine engineering capabilities.