Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz SL lineup starts with the SL 400 and SL 450, the V6-powered versions that deliver the core two-seat, folding-hardtop grand-touring experience. The SL 550 adds smoother, stronger V8 power and more top-down comfort equipment, while the 2009 SL 600 is the plush V12 luxury model. The SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG form the performance branch. Both add AMG-tuned driving hardware; the SL 63 AMG emphasizes a sharper V8-powered feel, while the SL 65 AMG combines V12 power with a richer luxury and technology package.
The Entry-level trim level — SL 400 and SL 450 — is the core SL: a comfortable V6-powered luxury roadster with a power-folding hardtop.
Best for: Drivers who want the SL’s open-air style and long-distance comfort without stepping up to V8 or AMG power.
Highlights
The Mid-Level trim level — SL 550 — is the more indulgent grand tourer, built around effortless V8 power and added comfort for driving with the roof down.
Best for: Drivers who value stronger passing power, richer seat comfort, and relaxed top-down touring more than an aggressive AMG feel.
Highlights
Over the SL 400 and SL 450, the SL 550 swaps the V6 for a twin-turbo V8 and adds ventilated massaging seats, neck-level heating, and automated parking assistance.
23 in stock
The Premium Luxury trim level — the 2009 SL 600 — is the plush V12 grand tourer, focused on effortless power and comfort rather than AMG-style sharpness.
Best for: Drivers seeking a rare, comfort-first SL with V12 power and a particularly rich equipment package.
Highlights
Over the SL 550, the SL 600 adds twin-turbo V12 power, keyless entry and start, and a power trunk closer while keeping the focus on luxury touring.
0 in stockThe Performance trim level — SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG — turns the SL into a faster, sharper roadster with AMG-tuned engines, suspension, brakes, and cabin details.
Best for: Drivers who want the SL’s folding-hardtop luxury with a more focused, high-performance character.
Highlights
Rather than simply adding more luxury over the SL 600, the SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG shift toward performance with an AMG transmission, sharper suspension tuning, and stronger brakes. The SL 65 AMG also adds V12 power and more luxury and driver-assistance equipment than the SL 63 AMG.
1 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Entry-level | Performance | Premium Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | SL 55023 in stock | SL 400, SL 4509 in stock | SL 63 AMG, SL 65 AMG1 in stock | SL 6000 in stock |
| Models in this trim level | SL 550 | SL 400 and SL 450 | SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG | SL 600 |
| Engine identity | 4.7L twin-turbo V8 | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 | 5.5L V8 or 6.0L V12, both twin-turbo | 5.5L twin-turbo V12 |
| Main character | Stronger, comfort-rich touring | Easygoing luxury touring | Sharper AMG performance | Plush V12 touring |
| Seat focus | Ventilated, massaging, active-support seats | Heated power seats with memory | Premium leather AMG sport seats | Heated and ventilated multicontour massage seats |
| Top-down comfort highlight | AIRSCARF neck-level heating | Panoramic folding hardtop | AMG driving hardware | AIRSCARF neck-level heating |
| Standout hardware or convenience | Automated parking assistance | Adaptive suspension | AMG suspension and performance brakes | Keyless entry/start and power trunk closer |
The SL 400 is the earlier R231 entry model. It combines the full two-seat hardtop-roadster body and luxury cabin with a 329-hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 and seven-speed automatic. Its character is more relaxed than the V8 and AMG trims.
The SL 450 replaced the SL 400 during the R231 mid-cycle refresh. Along with the new name, the entry SL gained more power, a nine-speed automatic, updated styling, Apple CarPlay, and added standard safety technology.
No. Despite its badge, the R231 SL 450 uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. The number in the trim name does not directly state the engine’s size.
In later R231 lineups, the SL 450 is the V6 model, while the SL 550 adds a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8. The SL 550 also brings richer comfort hardware, including ventilated massaging seats, neck-level heating, active seat side support, and automated parking assistance.
It depends on the generation. Late R230 examples use a 5.5-liter V8, but the newer R231 SL 550 uses a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8. The badge alone does not confirm the engine size.
The SL 550 is the comfort-focused V8 grand tourer. The SL 63 AMG adds an AMG-tuned twin-turbo V8, sharper suspension tuning, stronger brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, and sportier seats. It is the more driver-focused of the two.
In the R231 performance lineup, the SL 63 AMG uses a twin-turbo V8 and emphasizes handling balance. The SL 65 AMG uses a twin-turbo V12 and adds luxury and driver-assistance equipment such as variable-tint roof glass, soft-close doors, an infrared night-view camera, and upgraded audio.
Among older R230 models, both are V12 roadsters, but their priorities differ. The SL 600 is the plush, effortless luxury model. The SL 65 AMG adds AMG performance tuning and a more aggressive character for stronger straight-line performance.
The SL 400 or SL 450 is the natural fit. Both keep the folding hardtop, luxury cabin, and adaptive suspension while using a smoother, less aggressive V6 powertrain than the V8 and AMG trims.
The SL 550 is the non-AMG V8 model in the R230 and R231 eras. It focuses on effortless power and comfort rather than the sharper suspension, stronger brakes, and sportier character of the SL 63 AMG.
The SL 63 AMG is the better fit. Its twin-turbo V8, limited-slip rear differential, AMG-tuned suspension, and performance brakes give it a more balanced, driver-focused identity than the heavier-luxury emphasis of the V12 SL 65 AMG.
The SL 550 is the comfort-rich option in later R231 lineups, with neck-level heating plus ventilated, massaging seats with active side support. Among older R230 models, the V12 SL 600 similarly emphasizes heated and ventilated massaging seats and neck-level heating.
Later R231 SL 450 and SL 550 models pair built-in navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The earlier SL 400 uses an older navigation and Bluetooth setup, so its cabin technology is less current.