“I would like to tell Mercedes Benz that I am extremely disappointed in the design of the gas gauge. I can barely see it or read it. I also don't like the way the engine turns off at stoplights. The front clearance is very bad when parking with a cement block under the front bumper. The sound system is horrible!! For how much I paid for this car, the sound system should be much, much better.”
2016 Mercedes-Benz SL: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL is the departure of the SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG from the U.S. lineup. The remaining SL 400 and SL 550 otherwise carry over without major updates.
About the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL
6th-gen R231 SL, introduced for 2013; 2016 is the fourth model year and the last pre-refresh year before the 2017 update.
The 2016 SL is a two-seat luxury grand-touring roadster built around open-air driving without giving up coupe-like comfort. Mercedes markets the SL as an icon that blends strong turbo power, a folding hardtop, premium cabin materials, and long-distance comfort into one car. Against sharper sports cars, its core appeal is that it can feel special on a weekend drive yet still work as a quiet, comfortable highway cruiser.
The 2016 SL lineup centers on two comfortable two-seat luxury roadsters: the twin-turbo V6 SL 400 and the stronger twin-turbo V8 SL 550. Both have a power-folding hardtop with a glass roof, built-in navigation, and surround-sound audio. The SL 550 adds comfort and convenience features including massaging ventilated seats, neck-level heating, and parking sensors.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG performance trims were dropped from the U.S. lineup, leaving the twin-turbo V6 SL 400 and twin-turbo V8 SL 550. Both remaining models kept their 7-speed automatic transmissions.
2016 Mercedes-Benz SL specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic+ | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic+ |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 329 hp | 449 hp |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 8.5 cu-ft | 8.5 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||
| Night Vision System | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Massage Front Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed from the 2015 SL to the 2016 SL?
The SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG were dropped from the U.S. lineup for 2016. The SL 400 and SL 550 otherwise continued without major powertrain, styling, safety, or technology updates.
Which trims remained in the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL lineup?
The 2016 U.S. lineup consisted of the SL 400 and SL 550. The SL 400 used a twin-turbo V6, while the SL 550 used a twin-turbo V8; both had a 7-speed automatic and a power-folding hardtop.
Was the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL fully redesigned?
No. The 2016 SL was the final pre-refresh version of the R231 generation, which began with the 2013 model year.
Did the 2016 SL receive the later styling and transmission updates?
No. The 2016 SL retained the earlier styling and 7-speed automatic. Fresh styling, a 9-speed automatic for non-AMG models, and added standard technology arrived for 2017.
Did the 2016 SL get new safety or infotainment features?
No lineup-wide safety or infotainment upgrades were introduced for 2016. Existing features such as built-in navigation continued on the SL 400 and SL 550.
2016 Mercedes-Benz SL Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL.
4.3
2016 Mercedes-Benz SL
(34 reviews)
“It looks great, has plenty of power, handles very well and the seat holds you in place when cornering”
“It should have remote start, very disappointing. Mercedes should offer more color choices for the exterior besides the many gray's, whites, and blacks. I liked the display of my old Navigation system better (SLK 350). They should offer the spoiler as an option. I had it added by a body shop. Need a remote start and touch screens.”