“A great car but includes a lot of technology you pay for that I don't need/use and in some case, is actually dangerous.”
Mercedes-Benz SL: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a two-seat luxury convertible built for open-air grand touring. It is known for blending strong performance with a comfortable cabin and a more relaxed character than a focused sports car.
The SL has long been a luxury roadster first and a sharp sports car second. Its enduring formula pairs strong engines with comfort suited to long drives. For much of its modern history, a retractable hardtop added coupe-like quiet and shelter when closed. AMG versions pushed the same basic idea toward more serious performance.
Strengths
- Its cabin and ride are designed to make long drives feel comfortable rather than demanding.
- The retractable hardtop used through 2020 gives the car coupe-like shelter when closed and open-air driving when lowered.
- The lineup offers strong performance without giving up the relaxed character expected of a luxury roadster.
- In 2020, the SL provided useful performance-car cargo space, with 13.5 cubic feet in the trunk.
- The 2017 refresh added Apple CarPlay, automatic emergency braking, and easier low-speed roof operation.
Who it's for
The SL fits someone who wants a polished two-seat car for scenic weekends, long highway trips, and occasional quick driving. It makes the most sense for a buyer who values comfort and open-air enjoyment more than maximum sports-car sharpness or everyday passenger space.
Mercedes-Benz SL lineup
The SL 400, later replaced by the SL 450, is the more approachable V6 model and suits buyers who want the SL experience without stepping up to V8 power. Pick the SL 550 for a stronger twin-turbo V8 while keeping the regular SL’s comfort-focused character. The AMG SL 63 turns up the performance with a hand-built V8 and sharper hardware. In years when it was offered, the AMG SL 65 sat at the top with V12 power and served as the most extravagant version of the family.
Mercedes-Benz SL generations
From 2009 to 2020, the SL spans two generations. The current 6th Generation — R231 arrived for 2013, following the 5th Generation — R230 (2003–2012).
6th Generation — R231 (2013–2020)
The R231 SL brought an aluminum-heavy body that reduced weight, plus new styling, a redesigned cabin, and new engines. It kept the two-seat retractable-hardtop layout and received a substantial styling and technology update for 2017.
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2020
The limited Grand Edition marks the end of this generation, while push-button start becomes standard across the lineup.
2019
The V12-powered AMG SL 65 leaves the lineup; the remaining models carry over with no significant changes.
2018
The refreshed styling, engines, nine-speed automatic, and cabin technology carry over from 2017.
2017Mid-cycle update
Front and rear styling is refreshed, the SL 450 replaces the SL 400, and non-AMG models get a nine-speed automatic. Apple CarPlay and automatic emergency braking are also added.
2016Trim changes
The pre-refresh lineup carries over with the SL 400, SL 550, seven-speed automatic, and retractable hardtop.
2015Trim changes
The SL 400 joins the lineup with a twin-turbo V6. Former optional performance equipment becomes standard on the SL 63 AMG.
2014
Former optional comfort and convenience features become standard, along with an analog dashboard clock.
2013New generation
A full redesign brings an aluminum-heavy body, lower weight, new styling and cabin design, and new engines across the lineup.
5th Generation — R230 (2003–2012)
The R230 is a rear-wheel-drive roadster with a retractable hardtop and a lineup centered on V8 power, with higher-performance AMG V8 and V12 models. A major 2009 update sharpened the styling and modernized its steering, suspension tuning, and touchscreen system.
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2012Trim changes
The AMG SL 65 leaves the lineup, while former optional comfort features become standard. This is the R230 generation’s final model year.
2011
HD Radio becomes standard across the lineup; the styling, engines, and suspension carry over.
2009Mid-cycle update
A major refresh brings sharper styling, revised steering and suspension tuning, and a newer infotainment and navigation system. The SL 63 AMG replaces the SL 55 AMG with a new V8 and seven-speed transmission.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz SL.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mercedes-Benz SL have a back seat?
No. The SL is a two-seat roadster with one row of seats. It suits singles or couples who do not need space for additional passengers.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SL a convertible or a coupe?
It is a convertible with a power-folding hardtop in the R230 and R231 generations. Roof up, it offers more coupe-like shelter and comfort than a traditional soft top; roof down, it is an open-air two-seater.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SL a sports car or a grand tourer?
It is primarily a luxury grand tourer. The SL emphasizes strong power, long-distance comfort, quiet cruising, and open-air driving. AMG versions add sharper handling and stronger performance without abandoning that touring character.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SL practical enough for daily driving?
It can be if two seats are enough. The folding hardtop, comfortable cabin, adaptive suspension, and relaxed highway manners make daily use realistic, but its two-seat layout limits passenger flexibility.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SL a hybrid?
No. The used SL models covered here are gasoline-powered, with V6, V8, or V12 engines depending on the generation and trim.
Does the Mercedes-Benz SL have all-wheel drive?
No. The R230 and R231 SL models use rear-wheel drive, sending engine power to the rear wheels rather than all four wheels.
What is the difference between the R230 and R231 Mercedes-Benz SL generations?
The R230 covers 2003-2012 and received a major styling and technology update late in its run. The R231 arrived for 2013 with an aluminum-intensive body, new styling, a new cabin, and revised engines. It lasted through 2020 before the SL skipped 2021 and returned as a redesigned AMG-led roadster.
Mercedes-Benz SL Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz SL.
4.4
Mercedes-Benz SL
(361 reviews)
“THE VEHICLE IS BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED AND EXECUTED. HOWEVER, THE PRICE TO SIZE OF THE VEHICLE IS VERY DISPROPORTIONATE. HAVING SAID THAT, I OBVIOUSLY STILL WANTED THE VEHICLE. THAT, I BELIEVE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.”
“The biggest improvement that can be made is to eliminate Sirius traffic which does not work and integrate Google Maps into the vehicle through my cell phone. Right now I have to use my cell phone for traffic and it is so cumbersome compared to using the system built into the car. Problem with Sirius traffic is that it does not work well while google maps is awesome.”
“The car handles beautifully, has plenty of power (although I do miss the heft of a V-8) but in all respects is just a wonderful car and I love it!”
“very disappointed so far. In one month of ownership I have two separate electronic failures with the car.”
“The car performs quickly,is impressive and is magnificent. If one sees the car, no one needs to say anything. The car speaks for itself.”