Overview:
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a high-performance, two-door luxury roadster currently in its seventh generation of production. Even though it's considered a luxury sports car that can match rivals like the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Ferrari Roma Spider for power, it is more of a grand tourer that competes best with cars like the Lexus LC and BMW 8 Series.
The Mercedez-Benz SL nameplate has a rich history within the automaker's lineup. It began life in the mid-1950s as a coupe and then as the 190 SL roadster in the coming years. Notably, the first 300 SL had gullwing doors and maintains its status today as a highly desirable collectible car. SL production continued through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, as the coupe and roadster models brought the boxier styling of the era with them. Engines ranged from inline-sixes to V8s.
The 1990s ushered in the iconic R129 model with an available V12 engine. This model started a trend of incremental horsepower increases, better luxury touches, and evolutions in modern and increasingly aerodynamic styling through the 2010s. Despite massive power outputs from the most potent AMG and Black Series cars in the 21st century, the SL-Class has remained a grand tourer.
The Mercedes-AMG SL roadster was redesigned for the 2022 model year. Following some trim level additions to the lineup in 2023 and 2024, SLs remain essentially unchanged from the previous year. Mercedes-Benz has announced the addition of an 805-horsepower Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid model for 2024, but specifics, including pricing and a formal release date, have yet to be
disclosed.
More Photos:
See more 2024 Mercedes SL Photos.
Key features and highlights:
Mercedes-Benz's SL Roadster is an attractive vehicle with modern styling. It is surprisingly versatile, with a wide swatch of available powertrains, a comfortable ride, and even two tiny back seats for emergencies or extra storage needs.
Performance and Driving Experience:
The SL's entry-level powertrain combines a 375-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The other two trim levels in the lineup are equipped with the same nine-speed automatic transmission, but both feature twin-turbo V8 engines and come with all-wheel drive, with either 469 or 577 horsepower.
Despite the statistically huge gap and perceived distance between the least and most potent powertrains in the lineup, they all feel more than adequate where power is concerned. The car itself strikes a great balance between comfort and sportiness. Its convertible top provides an added layer of top-down driving experience as it can calm down just as quickly as provoked to catapult forward.
Technology:
Like most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the SL is packed with the latest technology. The latest MBUX infotainment system is displayed through an 11.9-inch touchscreen. Buyers can add goodies to it, like augmented video for navigation, gesture control, and even track software, if they want to get closer to the sharper Mercedes-AMG GT's driving experience without sacrificing overall comfort.
Each model has other technical features, such as Airpanel active aerodynamics, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 10-speaker Burmester surround sound system. Some of the best extras available include a head-up display, a route-based speed adaptation system, and an axle lift system.
Pricing:
The least expensive Mercedes-AMG SL 43 model starts at $111,050, with the destination fee included. The most expensive model currently in the lineup is the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, with a starting price tag of $185,950. Options can drive its price up to over $220,000. The SL 63 S E Performance model has not hit showroom floors yet but is projected to start at around $200,000 when it does.
Interior and Comfort:
Inside any SL-Class variant, occupants will be greeted with high-quality materials, an attractive layout, comfortable seating, and surprising interior space. Nappa leather upholstery comes standard in each model with several interior trim options, including carbon fiber.
Each new Mercedes-AMG SL model comes with two rear seats, but they are expectedly small and are best suited for children or extra cargo. Child seat tethers are included. In addition to that, 7.5 cubic feet of cargo space is available in the trunk.
Standard features include power-operated front seats with memory and massage functionality, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an Airscarf neck-level heating system.
Safety and Technology:
Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has performed crash testing on any of the new SL-Class models. Still, each one comes with multiple standard driver assistance features plus several more optional advanced safety features as part of a $1,950 Driver Assistance package.
Standard safety features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, active brake assist, dual pop-up rollbars, blind-spot assist with safe exit, crosswind assist, a pre-collision prep system, a pre-collision sound-deadening system, driver attention monitoring, car-to-car communication capability, a surround-view camera system, and active parking assist.
Optional safety features include active steering assist, evasive steering assist, active emergency stop assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, speed limit assist, and active turning assist with cross-traffic functionality.
Performance and Engine Options:
The Mercedes SL currently offers three engine options. The base powerplant is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that pairs with a mild-hybrid system to produce 375 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission are standard.
The next two engine options are 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8s. The least powerful produces 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, while the most powerful produces 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. 4Matic all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering come standard on both models, but the nine-speed automatic transmission is carried over from the entry-level powertrain.
Each SL offers an excellent balance between comfort and performance. Drivers can dial in their driving experience by utilizing one of several drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Slippery modes. The AMG Dynamics system allows further adjustments to each drive mode to better control overall handling and preferred feel.
Despite the four-cylinder turbo having far less power than other engines in the lineup, buyers can expect an impressive 0-60 MPH time of around 4.8 seconds. Stepping up to the most powerful V8 engine will cut that time to 3.5 seconds and propel the car to a claimed top speed of 196 mph. The mid-level SL 55 is no less impressive, completing the spring to 60 MPH in 3.8 seconds.
Fuel efficiency is less impressive but expected in a vehicle with so much power. Base model SL 43s can expect to return EPA fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. SL 55 models with 469 horsepower will return estimates of 14 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Surprisingly, the more powerful SL 63 model will see the same fuel economy estimates.
Exterior Design and Aerodynamics:
The exterior of the Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster is just as stylish and clean as its exterior. It borrows several of its styling cues from the AMG GT, with a low, wide stance and aerodynamic, flowing body lines. Its headlights and broad grille are reminiscent of other vehicles within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, but neither is as large or flashy as some other vehicles from BMW and Audi.
A power-operated soft top is the only roof option, designed to open up extra cargo space that the previous generation's retractable hardtop stole. Each soft top is available in black, red, or grey. Color options on the SL include Sun Yellow, Starling Blue Metallic, Hyper Blue Metallic, and Patagonia Red Metallic. Further customization options include multiple 19-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch wheel choices.
An active rear spoiler comes standard on each SL variant to improve cornering capability, aerodynamics, and stability at higher speeds. A removable wind deflector also comes standard for increased drop-top comfort on each model.
Price and Value:
The Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster is currently available with one of three different powertrain options and up to two trim levels for all but the entry-level model. Each new car comes standard with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, "Hey, Mercedes" voice command capability, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, navigation, wireless device charging, and a 10-speaker Burmester Surround-Sound system.
Standard driver assistance features on each new Mercedes SL include rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, active brake assist, dual pop-up rollbars, blind-spot assist with safe exit, crosswind assist, a pre-collision prep system, a pre-collision sound-deadening system, driver attention monitoring, car-to-car communication capability, a surround-view camera system, and active parking assist.
The Mercedes-AMG SL 43 Roadster is only offered in a Touring trim level. It starts at $111,050 after the destination fee. The only powertrain offered on the SL 43 is a 375 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a mild hybrid system, rear-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features on this model include 19-inch wheels, AMG Dynamic Select drive modes, Airpanel active aerodynamics, an active rear spoiler, an AMG sport exhaust system, ESP dynamic cornering assist, power-operated front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, 64-color LED ambient lighting, an AMG Performance Nappa leather heated steering wheel, an Airscarf neck heating system, and a power-retractable convertible soft top.
Various wheel options ranging from 19 inches to 21 inches are available, with the most expensive option costing an additional $2,450. Sun Yellow, Obsidian Black Metallic, Cirrus Silver Metallic, Selenite Grey Metallic, and Starling Blue Metallic are all no-charge color options. Alpine Grey, Moonlight White Metallic, Hyper Blue Metallic, and Patagonia Red Metallic require $1,750 extra. Monza Grey Mango, Starling Blue Mango, and Moonlight White Mango require $3,250 extra.
Silver brake calipers and the choice of a black, red, or grey soft top are no-charge extras. A $750 AMG Night package adds black exterior accents, rear diffuser, and tailpipes. A $1,300 Exterior Chrome package adds chrome exterior accents to the front bumper, side sills, and rear bumper.
Black Nappa leather upholstery comes standard, but Sienna Brown, Red Pepper, and Sage Grey are optional at no additional cost. Tartufo, Crystal White, and Macchiato Beige quilted Nappa leather cost $1,900 extra. Additionally, $750 AMG Aluminum, $750 Dark Chrome, and $2,850 AMG Carbon Fiber trim are available instead of the standard Black Piano lacquer trim.
A $500 AMG Performance steering wheel with Nappa leather and microfiber and the choice of $1,600 black, beige, or grey microfiber headliners round out the interior accessories.
MBUX augmented video for navigation and interior assistance can be added for $350 each. A $1,100 head-up display and a $4,500 17-speaker 3D surround sound system are also available. AMG Track Pack for MBUX costs $250, and a 360-degree security system only costs $50 more.
Only one complete package option is offered on the model. The $1,950 Driver Assistance package includes active steering assist, evasive steering assist, active emergency stop assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, speed limit assist, and active turning assist with cross-traffic functionality.
The mid-level Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Roadster has the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the SL 43, but its powerplant is much different. It features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. A 4Matic all-wheel drive system is standard. The SL 55 is available in two different trim levels.
The $142,450 Touring trim comes with nearly all of the standard features from the SL 43, with a few exceptions. It also adds 20-inch wheels, active rear-wheel steering, red brake calipers, and AMG ride-control suspension.
Nearly all standalone options and packages also carry over from the SL43, with a few exceptions. It has fewer wheel options, as 20-inch wheels are standard. A $900 AMG Performance steering wheel with carbon fiber is added to the mix. An upgraded $2,900 AMG Active Ride Control suspension with interconnecting hydraulic adaptive dampers rounds out the options for the SL 55 Touring.
Upgrading to the Mercedes-Benz SL 55 Performance trim will cost $149,750. It comes with the same powertrain and features as the Touring trim. Still, the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, yellow brake calipers, a front axle lift system, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and a Race drive mode are added to the selectable options.
Except for a few additional wheel choices and an $8,950 AMG Carbon Ceramic braking system, all other options and package carry over from the Touring trim.
The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Roadster is the most powerful and expensive SL model currently available. The nine-speed automatic gearbox, 4Matic AWD system, and twin-turbo V8 engine carry over from the SL 55, but power goes up to 577 horses. Like the SL 55, the SL 63 is offered in a Touring or Performance trim level.
The Touring trim starts at $184,150. It includes all of the features from the SL 55 Touring trim, plus a head-up display, augmented video navigation, yellow brake calipers, AMG Active Ride Control suspension, and hands-free access. Most other previously mentioned packages and standalone options remain available.
The current top-spec Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Performance trim costs $185,950 with the destination fee added and before options are added. With the addition of a standard front axle lift system, all other standard features from the Touring trim carry over to the Performance trim. Several additional options are available to Performance trim buyers, though.
A $2,850 AMG Aerodynamics package adds active carbon fiber underbody element to improve downforce. A $5,300 AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package adds several carbon fiber exterior trim elements. The Carbon Ceramic brakes from the Touring trim remain available.