“This is simply the best made auto available - where everything is made and done correctly. Everything is very well thought out, designed and made as close to perfect as you can get, and with proper maintenance will run great for many years and even after a long time will not look old.”
2017 Mercedes-Benz SL: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL gets a meaningful mid-cycle refresh led by redesigned front and rear styling. It is an update to the existing generation, not a full redesign.
About the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL
6th generation SL (R231, 2013-2020), mid-cycle refresh year
The 2017 SL is Mercedes-Benz’s big two-seat luxury roadster: a long-distance grand tourer that blends strong straight-line performance with open-air comfort. Its core appeal is the power-folding hardtop, which lets it feel like a coupe when closed and a roadster when open, plus a rich cabin and relaxed high-speed cruising character. Against rivals, the SL leans more toward luxury and effortless power than stripped-down sports-car sharpness.
The SL 450 is the more athletic entry, with a 362-hp twin-turbo V6, while the SL 550 is the more relaxed grand tourer, with a 449-hp twin-turbo V8 and massaging front seats. Both have a power-folding hardtop with a panoramic glass roof, navigation, smartphone integration, and a harman/kardon surround-sound system.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The SL 400 was renamed SL 450 and received a 362-hp version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. Both the SL 450 and SL 550 gained a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Styling
The full SL lineup received redesigned front and rear styling.
Safety
Active Brake Assist became standard across the lineup. It can warn of a possible frontal collision and apply braking assistance.
Tech
The updated infotainment system added Apple CarPlay. The retractable hardtop also gained low-speed operation and an automatic trunk separator that makes lowering the roof easier.
2017 Mercedes-Benz SL specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 362 hp | 449 hp |
| Torque | 369 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 | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Massage Front Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL a full redesign?
No. The 2017 SL is a mid-cycle update of the sixth-generation model, with refreshed styling, equipment, powertrain, and roof-operation changes rather than an all-new platform.
What happened to the SL 400 for 2017?
The SL 400 continued under the SL 450 name for 2017. The renamed model has a 362-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 and a new 9-speed automatic transmission.
Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL have Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Apple CarPlay arrived with the updated 2017 infotainment system, and both the SL 450 and SL 550 also have navigation and Android Auto.
Did the 2017 SL retractable hardtop change?
Yes. The power-folding hardtop gained low-speed operation, and a new automatic trunk separator simplified the process of lowering the roof.
What safety feature was added to the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL?
Active Brake Assist became standard across the 2017 SL lineup. It helps detect a possible frontal collision and can provide braking assistance.
2017 Mercedes-Benz SL Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL.
4.4
2017 Mercedes-Benz SL
(75 reviews)
“This vehicle is a lot of fun and beautifully accessorized. Stands out in a crowd and looks great.”
“Test drive it! BEAUTIFUL redesign- horsepower, exhaust, comfort and the Distronic create an amazing driving experience.”