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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  The Best - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Driver23 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Best Car in the Market

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  It doesnt get any better than this - 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Jake - September 4 - 7:33 am

  This is the best roadster I have ever driven. Ive owned Lexus, Corvette, NSX, BMW, and most recently the 07 Jaguar. The SL 550 is vastly superior to them all. The SL has an incredible combination of sport and luxury. The interior is as nice or nicer than anything out there. The car handles superbly, and yet still has a very comfortable ride. The seats are among the best Ive ever seen. You can easily drive all day without killing your back. The only drawbacks to the SL are the price, poor mileage, and, inexcusably, a very mediocre stereo and outdated NAV. But the superior driving experience more than compensates for these shortfalls. Drive one, its worth the money.

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  Heaven on earth - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By maverick 15 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I am 66" tall and always wanted a convertible but could never fit. The SL 500 gives me plenty of room. It took a long time for dealers to realize that tall people love convertables, but it was worth the wait.

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  Know Lemon. Every One of Them. Stay Far Away! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Scott Espenshade - August 3 - 6:41 pm

  Mercedes is well aware of all the ABC failures on their SL500s & SL550s, but are still allowed to sell them in the United States. There is a VERY dangerous problem if you are driving at the time of the failure. Imagine a shock suddenly coming off a vehicle at 65 MPH?!? Not imagine that EACH AND EVERYONE of the vehicle sold that year fail. 100% FAIL. Sound like a class action lawsuit? You would think so, but some how Mercedes Benz is able to still push lemons out the door. This is not just plain greed, it is a complete lack of value for human life! I have completely lost all respect for Mercedes Benz.

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  RATE - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By NIKKI - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR BUT I WISH I INTERIOR WAS A LITTLE MORE DIFFERENT THEN OTHER MERCEDES AND SOME SPORTY EFFECT ON THE EXTERIOR

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  former BMW owner converted - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By DWL - July 23 - 10:00 am

  As a previous BMW owner I only abandoned the brand when their styling went its current direction. Im so glad I did. My SL 500 is simply the best car I have ever owned or driven. There is nothing about it I would change. Its a perfect car.

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  THE JOY OF DRIVING - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By DOUG CELAJ - June 22 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS TRULY AN AMAZING MACHINE. FROM THE SECOND YOU PUT UR FOOT DOWN YOU CAN FEEL AN ADVENTURE EVERYTIME YOU DRIVE. THIS CAR DRIVES AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS AND BELIEVE ME IT LOOKS GREAT. YOU CAN TELL WHEN PEOPLE JUST TURN AND STARE AT YOU.

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  My SL500 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Sterling - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Really like the car. I had two SLKs and one c320, but this is the best of the bunch

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  A Dream come true - 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Don Theriault - May 27 - 4:16 am

  I had a Lexus SC430 leased for the last 4 years and I had been looking for a relacement. The Lexus was my first experience with a Non North American car. It was fun for a long time but did not give me the real sports car feeling. My Silver/red int. SL550 with AMG sport pack, and Pan Roof is a dream. Great power, very responsive, performance and handling is superior. The gas mileage is about the same as the SC430, but I have almost 100 more HP, much better handling and its more fun to drive. I had tried the Jag, the BMW 6 and the Porsche but settled on the SL550. After 4 months I know I made the right decision.

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  This would be the best car if it was more reliable - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By sir_turtle - May 25 - 5:34 am

  I bought this 4 years old from mercedes dealer in reno. The car looks turn heads EVERYWHERE, Such a pleasure to drive, the 7 speed tranny shifts so smooth that its hard to tell how fast u are going because the power band is so smooth. The suspension creates such a smooth ride that you will notice how different it is then other cars. This has been my absolute fav car to drive, but what a nightmare to own. Battery in the trunk went and cost 300$ for new. you have to go to the dealer for everything because they need to reset the computer or else the car will constantly shut off as a gimmick to get you to the dealer. also suspension valve went and cost $3000 to fix, very common problem