Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class is a two-seat AMG supercar known for its dramatic long-hood design, hand-built naturally aspirated V8, rear-wheel-drive character, and usable road manners. It was sold in one generation as Mercedes-AMG’s purpose-built flagship sports car.
The SLS was the first production road car developed from the ground up by AMG rather than adapted from an existing Mercedes-Benz. Its identity centers on a long hood, a front-mid-mounted V8, rear-wheel drive, and a sense of occasion that matters as much as speed. Later GT, Black Series, and Final Edition models sharpened or celebrated that same basic formula rather than reinventing it. Its short production run and memorable design have also given it strong collector appeal.
Strengths
- The hand-built naturally aspirated V8 gives the SLS much of its character, and the 2015 Final Edition was rated at 583 horsepower.
- The long-hood proportions and signature gullwing doors give the coupe an unmistakable sense of occasion.
- It combines supercar performance with road manners intended to make it usable beyond a racetrack.
- Its aluminum structure and purpose-built AMG engineering make it more than a high-performance version of a regular Mercedes-Benz.
- The Black Series and 350-car Final Edition add extra appeal for collectors seeking the rarest versions.
Who it's for
The SLS-Class suits an enthusiast or collector who wants a special-occasion car with real road usability, rather than a technology-focused modern supercar. It works best for two-person drives and grand-touring trips where engine character and design matter more than fuel economy or luggage room.
Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class lineup
The original SLS AMG is the core version and the pick for shoppers who want the pure launch-year formula. The SLS AMG GT is the natural step up, with more power, quicker transmission responses, and a sharper suspension tune. The coupe-only Black Series is the focused choice, using less weight, 622 horsepower, and more aggressive chassis hardware to move closer to a road-legal track car. The SLS AMG GT Final Edition is the collector-minded send-off, distinguished by its limited 350-car production run, exposed carbon-fiber pieces, and special interior.
Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class generations
From 2011 to 2015, the SLS-Class spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — C197/R197 arrived for 2011.
1st Generation — C197/R197 (2011–2015)
The only SLS generation was developed from the ground up by AMG, with an aluminum structure, a naturally aspirated V8, and a rear-mounted dual-clutch automatic transmission. It launched as a gullwing-door coupe, added a roadster for 2012, and ended with the limited Final Edition.
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2015Trim changes
The lineup narrows to the SLS AMG GT Final Edition, a 350-car farewell model with carbon-fiber exterior pieces and a diamond-stitched leather interior.
2014Trim changes
The SLS AMG Black Series coupe joins the lineup with a lighter build, sharper handling, and a 622-hp V8.
2013Trim changes
The regular coupe and roadster become the SLS AMG GT, with 583 hp, sharper suspension, quicker transmission responses, and subtle appearance changes.
2012Trim changes
The roadster body style joins the coupe, and blind-spot monitoring becomes standard across the lineup.
2011New generation
The all-new SLS AMG launches in the U.S. as a gullwing-door coupe and the first production car developed from the ground up by AMG.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class a coupe or a convertible?
It was sold in both forms. The coupe has the SLS’s signature gullwing doors, while the two-seat Roadster provides the open-top version of the same front-engine, rear-wheel-drive supercar formula.
What is the SLS-Class known for?
It is known for its long-hood shape, gullwing coupe doors and hand-built, naturally aspirated AMG V8. Its appeal centers on sound, design and driving character rather than modern touchscreen technology or fuel efficiency.
Is the SLS-Class usable as a road car, or is it mainly for the track?
The regular SLS AMG and AMG GT were designed for road use as well as serious performance. They combine a powerful V8 and sharp handling with leather, heated power seats, navigation and Bluetooth. The Black Series is the much more track-focused version.
How many people does the SLS-Class seat?
The SLS-Class seats two people. Every version is a two-door sports car, whether it is the gullwing coupe or the open-top Roadster.
How many generations of the SLS-Class are there?
There is one SLS-Class generation, covering the C197 coupe and R197 Roadster. It began with the SLS AMG, evolved into the sharper AMG GT, and ended with the limited Final Edition.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class a hybrid?
No. Every SLS-Class uses a gasoline-powered, naturally aspirated AMG V8. There is no hybrid version in this model line.
Does the SLS-Class have all-wheel drive?
No. Every SLS-Class is rear-wheel drive. Its V8 sits behind the front axle area, while the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is mounted at the rear to help balance the car’s weight.