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2018 Mercedes-Benz SL: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL gets only a light equipment update, led by a newly standard rearview camera on the SL 450. Otherwise, it carries over the engines, styling, safety systems, and cabin technology from 2017.
About the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL
6th generation SL (R231), introduced for 2013; 2018 is the second model year after the 2017 facelift.
Mercedes-Benz positions the SL as a luxury two-seat roadster that blends open-air comfort with real straight-line performance. For most shoppers, it is a grand-touring convertible rather than a raw sports car: a car for relaxed highway trips, weekend drives, and elegant top-down cruising, with the added year-round usefulness of a retractable hardtop. What sets it apart is that mix of strong twin-turbo power, rich cabin materials, and a more substantial luxury feel than lighter, more track-focused rivals.
The SL 450 is the relaxed grand-touring entry point, with a twin-turbo V6, retractable hardtop, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and heated leather seats. The SL 550 adds a twin-turbo V8 plus ventilated massaging seats, neck-level heating, hands-free trunk access, and automatic parking assist.
What changed, by category
Safety
The rearview camera becomes standard on the SL 450.
Styling
The SL 450 and SL 550 gain standard Mercedes-Benz logo projectors in their side mirrors.
2018 Mercedes-Benz SL specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 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 | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||
| 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
What changed on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL compared with the 2017 model?
The main change is a standard rearview camera on the 2018 SL 450. Both trims also gain side-mirror projectors that cast the Mercedes-Benz logo; the rest of the lineup is largely unchanged.
Was the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL redesigned?
No. The 2018 SL is a lightly updated version of the sixth-generation R231 model and carries over the facelift introduced for 2017.
Did the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL get new engines?
No. The SL 450 keeps its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, while the SL 550 retains its 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8. Both use a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Both the 2018 SL 450 and SL 550 have navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Which 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL has the V8?
The 2018 SL 550 has the 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8. The SL 450 uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.
2018 Mercedes-Benz SL Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL.
4.4
2018 Mercedes-Benz SL
(49 reviews)
“State of the art, it feels like you are in another world when you are sitting inside of the car! They out did themselves with the design and features on this car! It makes dreams come true!”
“Mercedes Benz just have a prestige name only, its vehicle does not have advance new technology. Probably was designed by older designers that doesn't know much about new technology.”