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Mercedes-Benz SL

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$21,225 - $31,950

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

First Take
The new SL has grown longer and wider and is made almost entirely of aluminum to save weight. Power comes from a 429-hp, 4.6-liter V8 that employs a start-stop system to save fuel. The car looks a lot like the old two-seat roadster, but its retractable hard top has adjustable opacity to let sunlight in even when the top is raised. It is full of new high-tech features and safety equipment: Pre-Safe collision mitigation, adaptive brakes and cruise control, active head restraints, head-curtain air bags, and more.

2013 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

2013 Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

$21,050 - $32,300
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$12,625 - $15,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$20,900 - $56,975
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,050 - $12,500
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$11,450 - $17,025
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    convertible
Seating
2 front
Drive Wheels
Rear
Engines Available
  • 4.7-liter V8 turbo (429 hp)
  • 5.5-liter V8 turbo (530 hp)
  • 5.5-liter V8 turbo (557 hp)
  • 6-liter V12 turbo (621 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 7-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.