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Mercedes-Benz AMG SL: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL is a high-performance luxury convertible that blends the acceleration and agile handling of an open-top sports car with the comfort of a long-distance grand tourer.
Across generations, the AMG SL has delivered quick open-air travel without giving up its grand-touring character. Older models paired rear-wheel drive and folding hardtops with V8 or V12 power, while the current generation uses a soft top, small rear seats, and a much broader performance range. The enduring theme is serious speed in a cabin comfortable enough for long drives.
Strengths
- It combines strong acceleration with handling designed to feel agile rather than merely fast in a straight line.
- Its grand-touring side is easy to see in the Nappa leather, massaging front seats, and modern displays.
- The power soft top makes open-air driving a central part of the experience.
- The current 2+2 layout adds small rear seats, giving the SL more flexibility than a strict two-seater.
- The performance ladder stretches from the four-cylinder SL 43 to an 805-hp plug-in hybrid at the top.
Who it's for
It suits someone who wants one car for spirited weekend drives and comfortable road trips, and who values speed and open-air driving more than cargo room or useful rear-seat space. The small rear seats and modest trunk make it less suited to shoppers who need everyday family practicality.
Mercedes-Benz AMG SL lineup
In the current generation, the SL 43 is the four-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive entry point; pick it if the SL experience matters more than having a V8. The SL 55 is the first step into V8 power and strikes the middle ground between the SL 43 and the more powerful SL 63. The SL 63 is the higher-output V8 model for shoppers who put stronger acceleration first. In recent years, the SL 63 S E Performance has become the 805-hp range-topper, pairing a V8 with an electric motor; its plug-in system is focused more on performance than electric travel, with an 11-mile electric-range rating in 2026.
Mercedes-Benz AMG SL generations
From 2016 to 2026, the AMG SL spans two generations. The current 7th Generation — R232 arrived for 2022, following the 6th Generation — R231 (2013–2020).
7th Generation — R232 (2022–2026)
The R232 was a complete redesign built on a dedicated AMG-developed structure. It brought back 2+2 seating and introduced fully variable AWD and rear-axle steering at launch, while later years expanded the range with a rear-wheel-drive four-cylinder model and a plug-in hybrid.
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2026Trim changes
The center console gains more tactile controls for the power soft top. The four-model range and its powertrains carry over.
2025Trim changes
The SL 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid arrives at the top of the range with 805 horsepower. The SL 43 also rises to 416 horsepower.
2024Trim changes
The SL 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid is added to the broader range. The gas-only SL 43, SL 55, and SL 63 receive no major changes.
2023Trim changes
The rear-wheel-drive SL 43 joins the U.S. range with a 375-hp four-cylinder, a mild-hybrid system, and an electrically assisted turbocharger.
2022New generation
Complete redesign with a dedicated AMG structure, 2+2 seating, fully variable AWD, rear-axle steering, and SL 55 and SL 63 twin-turbo V8 models.
6th Generation — R231 (2013–2020)
The R231 AMG SL used an aluminum body, a folding hardtop, rear-wheel drive, and active suspension. A substantial 2017 update reshaped the front and rear, modernized the cabin technology, and allowed the roof to operate at low speeds.
0 In Stock2019Trim changes
The AMG SL 63 carries over without significant updates. This is its final U.S. model year in the R231 generation.
2018
Only minor standard-equipment adjustments were made. This is the final U.S. model year for the V12-powered SL 65 AMG.
2017Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, active LED headlights, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, revised suspension tuning, and a hardtop that operates at low speeds.
2016
The AMG SL 63 and SL 65 carry over. This is the final year with the original R231 front-end design.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz AMG SL.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG SL a convertible?
Yes. The AMG SL is a two-door convertible. The current R232 generation uses a power-folding fabric soft top, while the earlier R231 models covered here use a power-retractable hardtop.
Is the AMG SL a sports car or a grand tourer?
It is both. The AMG SL combines strong acceleration and agile handling with long-distance comforts such as Nappa leather, massaging front seats and neck-level heating on newer models.
Does the AMG SL have back seats?
Newer R232 models do. The generation introduced for 2022 brought back a 2+2 layout with two small rear seats. They add occasional passenger space, but the cabin remains centered on the driver and front passenger.
Does the AMG SL come as a hybrid?
Yes. Newer lineups include mild-hybrid four-cylinder SL 43 models and the plug-in-hybrid SL 63 S E Performance. The plug-in model pairs a twin-turbo V8 with a rear electric motor for 805 hp and has an 11-mile electric range in the latest lineup.
Is the AMG SL rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
It depends on the version and era. Newer SL 43 models use rear-wheel drive, while newer SL 55, SL 63 and SL 63 S E Performance models use AWD. Earlier R231 AMG SL 63 and SL 65 models use rear-wheel drive.
What changed between the older and newer AMG SL generations?
The R232 generation introduced for 2022 moved to an AMG-developed structure, a fabric soft top and a 2+2 cabin. It also brought AWD and rear-axle steering to the V8 launch models. The earlier R231 uses a folding hardtop and rear-wheel drive.
Who is the AMG SL a good fit for?
It suits someone who wants open-top driving and serious performance without giving up touring comfort. Newer models offer supportive luxury seating, modern displays and small rear seats, but cargo space is limited at 7.5 cubic feet for gas models and 3.9 for the plug-in hybrid.
Mercedes-Benz AMG SL Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz AMG SL.
4.0
Mercedes-Benz AMG SL
(160 reviews)
“If you are looking for a car that handles well and is well built, the SL43 is for you.”
“This new SL 63 convertible is amazing. I wish it had soft close doors like the other mercedes. People compliment me in this car literally at every stop light. It truly is an amazing piece of engineering. However...you will hear wind noise when the roof is up. I wish it had a tighter seal.”
“The vast number of controls are much too fiddly, especially on the steering wheel. Touch screen controls are bewildering when one is driving. The whole control interface needs to be rethought. Fortunately, the rest of the car makes up for this design flaw.”
“If you don't drive a lot this car is problematic; you have to charge the battery almost every night.”
“It has too much technology. Too complicated and because of all the technology it is dangerous to drive and try to locate what you want on an ugly screen. I just want buttons.”