Mercedes-Benz SL

Name: 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

EPA MPG: 20 mpg

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The SL is a high-performance grand-touring roadster with a retractable hardtop. The entry-level SL450's twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine gets a boost to 362 hp and is mated to a new nine-speed automatic. The next step up the SL ladder, the SL550, is powered by a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8, now making 449 hp. The monster AMG models--SL63 and SL65--make do with 577-hp, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 and 621-hp, twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engines, respectively. The luxurious SL is comfortable and quiet, making it a delightful commuter or road-trip vehicle. One slick feature is a roof panel that offers varying degrees of opacity. Safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assist.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2018 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Mercedes-Benz SL

vs. Similar Cars

Audi A5

BMW 2 Series

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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2018 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2018 Mercedes-Benz SL

$28,200 - $57,550

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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$11,575 - $20,250

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$10,025 - $20,050

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Features & Specs

convertible

2 front

Rear

3-liter V6 turbo (362 hp)
4.7-liter V8 turbo (449 hp)
5.5-liter V8 turbo (577 hp)
6-liter V12 turbo (621 hp)

7-speed automatic
9-speed automatic

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

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Model History

2012-2020

2012 Redesign Year

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.