Pros: Impeccable fit and finish with top-notch materials; impressive performance in the best grand-touring-car tradition; fantastic standard and available luxury equipment, including impressive stereo systems
Cons: Incredibly expensive; SL’s size and heft mean it is not as agile as other two-seat sporty roadsters; stop/start function is not as smooth and seamless as it could be
CG Says: The Mercedes-Benz iconic 2-passenger sports car gets an “entry-level” SL400 model powered by a turbocharged V6. From Hollywood to Wall Street, the SL is a vehicle for those who have made it and want to show it. The SL is larger than the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and about the same size as the ultra-high-end Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. SL has a power-retractable hard top. Its rivals include the BMW 6-Series, Jaguar XK, and Porsche 911. As ever, the SL-Class is stylish, amazingly finished, and enjoyable to drive. A few highlights of its many technological features are the “Magic Sky Control” adjustable-tint fixed sunroof, “Airscarf” neck-level heater, and sophisticated “Active Body Control” adjustable suspension. SL’s prices are formidable, but they reflect a genuine premium luxury character; this is one of the most regal two-seat roadsters available.
| Class | Premium Sporty/Performance Car |
| Body Style(s) | 2-door convertible |
| Passenger Count | 2 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | SL400: $84,000 SL550: $106,900 SL63 AMG: $148,050 SL65 AMG: $215,250 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 329 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 27 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 429 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 557 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25 |
