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Mercedes-Benz SL

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$9,050 - $12,950

RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take
After twelve years, the SL was redesigned for the 2003 model year. This coupe/convertible now employs the same retractable metal roof mechanism first introduced in the smaller SLK. The car can convert from a fixed roof coupe to an open top roadster at the touch of a button. The previous SL was not particularly sporty to drive, but the new one, with much better body control and a modern rack-and-pinion steering is markedly more agile. The V8 is smooth and powerful, the AMG model even more so. The SL comes with an extensive list of safety and high-tech features.

2003 Sports cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2003 Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

$9,050 - $12,950
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$37,275
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,875 - $6,025
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$7,950 - $11,175
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$14,250
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    convertible
Seating
2 front
Drive Wheels
Rear
Engines Available
  • 5-liter V8 (302 hp)
  • 5.5-liter V8 supercharged (510 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2012-
Current Generation

This generation brought a significantly revised car, one that is wider, longer and fitted with a host of high-tech safety features. While we appreciate the outstanding fit, finish and creature comforts, the look of this version of the SL leaves us somewhat cold. The previous design looks much better. With that said, exceptionally powerful turbocharged V8 and V12 engines are offered, along with an adjustable-opacity feature for the folding hardtop. Practically every known electronic driver's assistance safety feature is also available. Ride quality and handling are unsurpassed, with the SL performing like a much smaller and lighter sports car when called upon to do so, while providing outstanding smoothness and ride comfort when it is required.

2007-2011
2007 Redesign Year
The 2007 redesign made the car sportier to drive despite its size and weight. The folding hardtop transforms the SL from a quiet and refined two-seat coupe into a convertible at the touch of a button. Still though, we found room for improvement in the transmission, some of the interior details, and the controls. Fit, finish and seat comfort are excellent, as is the equipment level and the overall style of the car.
2003-2006
2003 Redesign Year
This premium two-seat roadster, with its folding hardtop, manages to combine both sporty handling and a decent ride. The V8 engine is strong and responsive. Handling is agile, with direct steering. Fit, finish and seat comfort are excellent, but some of the controls are overly complicated. Sleek styling, an abundance of luxury equipment, and outstanding over the road dynamics make this version of the Mercedes-Benz SL one of the most desirable two-seat automobiles offered.
1996-2002
1996 Redesign Year

The 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offered six-, eight- and 12-cylinder engine choices. These cars could be had with most any luxury and safety feature, such as dual-zone climate control, HID headlights, and stability control.