2011 Mercedes-Benz SL: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL was the addition of the SL 550, SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG trim lineup. Otherwise, this was a quiet year: HD Radio became standard, while the engines, styling, suspension and structure carried over.
About the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
R230 generation (2003-2012 US model years), third year after the major 2009 styling and technology update and near the end of the generation.
Mercedes-Benz positioned the SL as a two-seat grand-touring roadster that combined sports-car performance with long-distance comfort. Its defining difference was the power-retractable aluminum hardtop, which gave it the security and quietness of a coupe plus open-air driving. Active suspension, strong engines, leather seating and substantial cabin technology made it more comfort-focused than a dedicated track car while retaining serious speed and responsive handling.
The SL 550 was the comfort-focused grand tourer, with a 382-hp V8, adaptive suspension, leather seats and a power-folding hardtop. The SL 63 AMG emphasized sharper response with a 518-hp V8, while the SL 65 AMG paired a 604-hp twin-turbo V12 with ventilated and massaging seats for a more lavish, effortless feel.
What changed, by category
2011 Mercedes-Benz SL specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.5 Liter | V8, 6.3 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 5-Spd SPEEDSHIFT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 12 mpg | 12 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | 18 mpg |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 518 hp | 604 hp |
| Torque | 391 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 738 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL compared with the 2010 model?
The 2011 SL added the SL 550, SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG trim lineup, and HD Radio became standard across all three. There were no major engine, transmission, suspension, styling or structural revisions.
Was the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL redesigned?
No. The 2011 SL was not redesigned. It remained part of the R230 generation and carried over the basic design introduced by the major 2009 update.
Did the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL get a new engine?
No. The 2011 engines carried over unchanged: a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 in the SL 550, a 518-hp 6.2-liter V8 in the SL 63 AMG and a 604-hp twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 in the SL 65 AMG.
Does every 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL have HD Radio?
Yes. HD Radio became standard across the 2011 SL 550, SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG lineup.
How do the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL trims differ?
The SL 550 is the comfort-focused V8 model, the SL 63 AMG is the sharper and more responsive performance version, and the SL 65 AMG combines a twin-turbo V12 with richer seating and roof equipment.