Mercedes-Benz SL
The Mercedes-Benz SL has been a motoring icon since its original 1950s incarnation, the 300 SL “Gullwing.” Now in its seventh generation, the roadster leans more heavily towards luxury and comfort than most other premium sports cars, such as the Porsche 911. Nevertheless, the SL retains impressive capabilities thanks to its powerful engines and sophisticated engineering. Owners of the SL give it high marks for its effortless acceleration, high-class interior, and near-perfect balance of ride comfort and agility. On the downside, some find its infotainment setup a bit dated. Additionally, the SL is among the most expensive cars to purchase and maintain.
The Mercedes-Benz SL has been a motoring icon since its original 1950s incarnation, the 300 SL “Gullwing.” Now in its seventh generation, the roadster leans more heavily towards luxury and comfort than most other premium sports cars, such as the Porsche 911. Nevertheless, the SL retains impressive capabilities thanks to its powerful engines and sophisticated engineering. Owners of the SL give it high marks for its effortless acceleration, high-class interior, and near-perfect balance of ride comfort and agility. On the downside, some find its infotainment setup a bit dated. Additionally, the SL is among the most expensive cars to purchase and maintain.
Mercedes-Benz SL Model Lineup
The SL is a two-seat luxury convertible. Considered Mercedes-Benz’s flagship two-door model, it’s the larger of two available roadsters from the German automaker, measuring about 20 inches longer than the entry-level SLC (which was discontinued in 2021). Mercedes also offers a high-performance variant, known as the SL AMG, which is reviewed separately.
Since 2009, Mercedes-Benz has offered the SL in two main versions. The entry-level SL 400, which first appeared in 2015, employs a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 under the hood. It initially produced 329 horsepower but was upgraded to 369 hp in 2017, at which time it was renamed the SL 450. The SL 550, on the other hand, offers a more powerful V8. Originally a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated mill with 382 hp, it was upgraded in 2013 to a 4.7-liter turbocharged unit with 429 hp. In 2017, a further update added another 20 ponies for a total of 449 hp. With either version, output is routed to the rear wheels (only) via a standard automatic transmission, which was upgraded from seven to nine gears in 2017.
Standard equipment on the SL 400 and SL 450 includes a power-folding hardtop, an adaptive suspension, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and a 7.0-inch infotainment display that gained Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration in 2017. Stepping up to the SL 550 also adds ventilated and massaging front seats and automatic parking. Forward collision mitigation became a standard active safety feature in 2017; however, most other driver aids are optional on the SL, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
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Mercedes-Benz SL Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2015
4.4
65 verified owner reviews
Top 2015 Reviews
E M. from UT
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 Mercedes SL63 AMG Roadster
My car is an SL63 AMG. I love the car but wish it had heads up display. Hard to see the speedometer as it is off to the side. It would be nice if I could control the center digital display better and have the option of a digital speed readout. Also, they should make an easy power connect - center on top of dash - for radar detectors. It would be nice to be able to plug in the radar detector (cigarette lighter plug or whatever) right where the radar detector sits on the dash without having to have the long cord come down over the beautiful console.
Barry S. from NY
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 Mercedes SL400 Roadster
The biggest improvement that can be made is to eliminate Sirius traffic which does not work and integrate Google Maps into the vehicle through my cell phone. Right now I have to use my cell phone for traffic and it is so cumbersome compared to using the system built into the car. Problem with Sirius traffic is that it does not work well while google maps is awesome.
John T. from NY
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 Mercedes SL550 Roadster
It took way too long from the time we ordered it to the delivery date. It took six months. that's terrible.
Michael H. from WI
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 Mercedes SL63 AMG Roadster
Wish it had a touch screen control. I wish the controls were a little more intuitive.
Robert K. from CA
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 Mercedes SL400 Roadster
The need to select driving mode is a pain
Morris S. from SC
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 Mercedes SL400 Roadster
I am disappointed with the SL 400 Mercedes. MB has messed up this car trying to achieve max gas mileage. Transmission shifts to 7th gear way too early & is sluggish when not in Sport Mode. It is a wonderful car for quality & comfort but not fun to drive. When paying close to $100,000 for a car, gas mileage is not the most important thing. Will not buy another, waiting for new Lexus Sports Car to come out.
Marian W. from FL
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 Mercedes SL400 Roadster
The control to change from auto to manual can be stepped on by a pet. It should be on the dash or have a cover so that it cannot be pressed by a child or animal.
Frank L. from IN
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2015 Mercedes SL550 Roadster
I wish I could have gotten the illuminated star, but I have the driver-assist package. I am disappointed that there is not a remote start, but then I don't see this vehicle in a harsh environment.
David S. from CT
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2015 Mercedes SL400 Roadster
Vey happy with purchase as I traded in a custom-ordered 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 with every possible option and only 920.9 miles on the odometer for a 2015 SL400.
Michael Z. from IL
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2015 Mercedes SL400 Roadster
Not happy with the performance. Unhappy with performance of the 6 cylinder.