Mercedes-Benz SL (2012 – 2020) Review
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Mercedes-Benz SL (2012 – 2020) Verdict
Impressively refined with a smooth ride. Metal folding roof means it's as quiet as a coupe. AMG versions are brutally fast.
Doesn't feel particularly special given the price tag. Comfortable rather than outright sporty. Steering lacks feel.
Find out more about the Mercedes-Benz SL (2012 – 2020)
Insurance Groups are between 48–50
On average it achieves 86% of the official MPG figure
The archetypal grand tourer, the Mercedes-Benz SL boasts a pedigree that few grand tourers can match. Launched in the 1950s in its maker’s pursuit of Le Mans glory, the SL has matured into one of the best two-seater sports cars money can buy, with an opulent interior and powerful range of engines.
The sixth generation SL was launched in 2012 and is built almost entirely of lightweight aluminium – a first for a volume production Mercedes-Benz – which means the car is 25 per cent lighter than its all-steel equivalent and more ridged. Mercedes-Benz has also made significant weight reductions with the folding roof, seats, suspension and running gear.
The interior of the SL is a lavish and opulent affair, with deep leather seats, soft touch materials and brushed aluminium trim. Both the driver and passenger get acres of space and the SL is ideal for long trips, with plenty of room. Admittedly, things get a little blustery with the roof down, but the optional wind deflector improves things no end. The retractable roof is also easy to use, folding away neatly into the boot at a press of a button, leaving a respectable 364 litres of storage.
The engine line up consists of four options, including two AMG models, ranging from 306PS to 630PS. The 0-62mph sprint can be covered in as little as 4.3 seconds by the V8 biturbo while the naturally aspirated V6 will achieve that target in 5.9 seconds. The SL350 and naturally aspirated V6 was phased out in April 2014 and replaced with the SL400, which uses a V6 biturbo with an increase of 27PS.
All of the engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic, with four driving modes, which span from comfort to full on throttle-blipping racing. However, regardless of which mode you choose, the SL is always surefooted and predictable in its handling. Admittedly, the car feels more comfortable as a gentleman’s cruiser, but it will still answer a need for speed. Only the AMG versions can rival the Porsche 911 or Maserati Granturismo.
As with all great things, the Mercedes-Benz SL is expensive and prices for the entry level SL400 start at £70,000 while the brutal AMG versions will set you back upwards of £100,000.
Reviews for Mercedes-Benz SL (2012 – 2020)'s top 3 rivals
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Mercedes-Benz SL (2012 – 2020) handling and engines
- Engines range from SL 400 to SL 65 AMG
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 24–37 mpg
The SL is available with five engines, with power outputs ranging from a sedate 306PS to supercar rivalling 630PS. For most drivers the SL350 and its naturally aspirated V6 will be more than enough, with 306PS and 370Nm of torque. Put the SL to task and the V6 will gallop from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph. What’s more, it can return a claimed 39.2mpg, which makes it surprisingly frugal.
However, there is a fly in the proverbial ointment; the SL350 and its V6 was phased out in April 2014 and replaced with the SL400, which uses a V6 biturbo with a power increase of 27PS. The new V6 biturbo will use more fuel - 36.7 mpg – but improves performance with a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds.
If power is your thing then the V8-powered SL500 will be the car for you, with its 4.6-litre engine thumping along with 435PS and 700Nm of torque. Not only is the V8 silky smooth and raucous on the throttle, but it also impresses at the pumps with a claimed economy of 31mpg.
Like the SL350 and SL400, the V8 is coupled to a 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic that allows the ‘box to be driven in manual or full auto modes. Mercedes-Benz auto options can sometimes be little hit and miss, but the 7G works well in the SL and provides smooth changes with plenty of running room between fourth and fifth gears.
If you puff a loud sigh at the idea of 435PS and want a truly brutal supercar experience then Mercedes-Benz also offers two AMG models. The SL63 AMG uses the same V8 as the SL500, but utilises a biturbo to produce 537PS and 800Nm of torque. If that's still not enough, then the range topping V12 SL65 AMG has 630PS and 1000Nm of torque. Both of these engines return a raw supercar experience, with a burbling soundtrack and a rapid turn of pace.
In fact, with the roof down, there are few racing engines that can match the pure joy of the AMG units, with a top speed of 155mph (electronically restricted) and a 0-62mph time of less than 4.5 seconds. But, be warned, with so much power on tap, the SL becomes more than a tad skittish on damp or challenging surfaces and can be a real handful to keep in check.
Admittedly, improvements have been made in the SL's handling with the new aluminium body but there is no hiding the sheer size of the SL. Push the AMG hard and you'll fight and wrestle with it as the rear-wheels try to snap sideways. The SL also struggles in tight bends, with numb steering making it difficult to identify which wheels have grip and which ones don't
Both of the AMG engines are linked to a Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic, which can be driven in a ‘Controlled Efficiency’ or ‘sport’ mode. There’s also the option of driving in manual, via paddles behind the steering wheel. In practice all the options work well, with instant gearshifts and decent spacing between the ratios. We particularly liked the ‘Controlled Efficiency’ option for wet roads, as it changes up the ratios rather rapidly to avoid hard acceleration. As well as bigger powerplants, the SL AMG gets sports suspension and 19-inch wheels plus a number of buttons and switches that enable the drivers to tweak settings for the powertrain and suspension.
If the truth be told, the V6s in the SL350 and SL400 are more than enough for daily use and we struggle to fathom why anyone would venture beyond the SL500 for high performance. For sure, the AMGs are fun, but the SL feels more comfortable with less power and this makes it a much more enjoyable car to drive.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL 350 | 38–39 mpg | 5.9 s | 169–176 g/km |
| SL 400 | 34–37 mpg | 4.9–5.2 s | 175–191 g/km |
| SL 400 Mille Miglia | 37 mpg | 5.2 s | 179 g/km |
| SL 500 | 29–31 mpg | 4.3–4.6 s | 205–230 g/km |
| SL 500 Mille Miglia | 31 mpg | 4.6 s | 212 g/km |
| SL 63 AMG | 24–29 mpg | 4.1–4.2 s | 234 g/km |
| SL 65 AMG | 24–24 mpg | 4.0 s | 270–279 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Mercedes-Benz SL (2012 – 2020)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
86%
Real MPG
24–37 mpg
MPGs submitted
19
Mercedes-Benz SL (2012 – 2020) interior
- Boot space is 364–504 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4612–4640 mm |
| Width | 1877–2099 mm |
| Height | 1300–1315 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2585 mm |
As you’d expect from an upmarket grand tourer, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxurious and opulent affair with copious amounts of leather and aluminium trim. The two-seater layout ensures that both the driver and passenger get plenty of leg and headroom, while the heated leather sports seats ensure that long trips can be covered in complete comfort.
Admittedly, things get a little blustery with the roof down and this makes it a little uncomfortable, but the optional wind deflector solves this problem. The retractable roof is easy to use, folding away neatly into the boot at a press of a button, which makes it perfectly apt for the British weather.
With the roof up, the SL feels like any other fixed-roof GT car, with little in the way of road or engine noise. Obviously, if you push the SL hard, the engine becomes noticeably loud, but this is to be expected from any car with potent powerplants. If you specify one of the AMG engines then be prepared for thunderous engine note, which'll rumble through the cabin like a small earthquake.
The dashboard of the SL is well laid out and intelligent in its design. The facia is dominated by a large seven-inch display, which clearly shows the sat nav and infotainment system. The large screen is flanked by aluminium air vents, which add a nice touch of style along with the leather stitched trim. All of the buttons and interior controls are large and easy to find. We particularly like the heating controls, which are operated by rotary dials that have a satisfying ‘click’ when rotated.
For the driver, the cabin layout is faultless, with a workman like simplicity that makes it a pleasure to use. The driving position is comfortable and adjustable via three buttons located on the door while the view of the road (and all four corners of the car) is clear and unobtrusive. Sometimes manufacturers get carried away with flagship models and overcomplicate things, but thankfully Mercedes-Benz has resisted the urge do this and this and made the SL an exercise of smart simplicity.
The boot capacity for all SL models is 504 litres, which reduces to 364 litres with the roof down. The SL is also supplied with a useful boot cover that makes it impossible for you to squash anything in the boot when the roof folds down. However, when the roof is retracted, it is rather difficult to fit larger objects into the boot, so it’s always an idea to load up before lowering the roof.
As you'd expect, the AMG models get the usual scattering of racing logos and letterings, along with carbon fibre trim and uprated leather seats. The door sill panels also get chrome illuminations, neck-level heating and ambient lighting. However, no matter what trim you choose, the SL is always comfortable and spacious.
Standard equipment levels:
SL350/SL400/SL500: Seven-speed automatic transmission with cruise control, steering wheel gear shift paddles and ‘S’ mode featuring modified shift points, climate control, panoramic glass vario-roof with blind, Multi-function sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section, metallic paint, ESP, first-aid kit and warning triangle, Bluetooth, ECO start/stop function, AMG bodystyling – front and rear aprons, side skirts, Bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, parktronic with active park assist,
SL63 AMG:19-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension based on active body control active suspension system which is adjustable in two stages, AMG radiator grille, AMG sports exhaust system, ‘V8 BITURBO’ lettering on front wings, Sports seats with AMG-specific seat upholstery and embossed AMG emblem in backrests, wind deflector – fabric, speed-sensitive sports steering, brake calipers, painted grey
SL65 AMG: Airscarf – neck-level heating, Keyless-Go, remote boot closing and hands-free access, closing aid for doors, SL 65 AMG-specific front apron featuring cross strut in high gloss chrome and side air outlets, rear apron with diffuser look with insert in vehicle colour and side sill panels, surround sound system – Bang & Olufsen BeoSound, AMG ‘V12 BITURBO’ lettering on front wings, AMG rear axle limited-slip differential lock
Mercedes-Benz SL (2012 – 2020) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4612–4640 mm |
| Width | 1877–2099 mm |
| Height | 1300–1315 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2585 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1685–1950 kg |
| Boot Space | 364–504 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 12500–15500 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £69,960–£175,890 |
| Insurance Groups | 48–50 |
| Road Tax Bands | H–M |
| Official MPG | 23.7–39.2 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
Currently on sale
| Roadster | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| SL400 3.0 367 Grand Edition 9G-TRONIC+ 2dr | - | - | - |
| SL400 3.0 367 Grand Edition Premium 9G-Tronic Plus 2dr | - | - | - |
| SL500 4.7 455 Grand Edition 9G-Tronic Plus 2dr | - | - | - |
| SL500 4.7 455 Grand Edition Premium 9G-Tronic Plus 2dr | - | - | - |
On sale until October 2019
| Roadster | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| SL400 3.0 367 AMG Line 9G-TRONIC+ 2dr | £78,345 | 33.6 mpg | 4.9 s |
| SL400 3.0 367 AMG Line Premium 9G-Tronic Plus 2dr | £83,340 | 33.6 mpg | 4.9 s |
| SL500 4.7 455 AMG Line 9G-TRONIC+ 2dr | £87,045 | 28.8 mpg | 4.3 s |
| SL500 4.7 455 AMG Line Premium 9G-Tronic Plus 2dr | £92,040 | 28.8 mpg | 4.3 s |
| SL63 5.5 571 AMG Speedshift Mct 2dr | £119,045 | 24.1 mpg | 4.1 s |
On sale until March 2018
| Roadster | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| SL400 3.0 367 Designo Edition 9GT+ 2dr | £87,355 | 35.8 mpg | 4.9 s |
| SL400 3.0 367hp Edition 9G-TRONIC+ 2dr | £75,000 | 36.7 mpg | 4.9 s |
| SL500 4.7 455 Designo Edition 9GT+ 2dr | £96,455 | 30.7 mpg | 4.3 s |
| SL65 6.0 630hp AMG 7G-TRONIC 2dr | £175,890 | 23.7 mpg | 4.0 s |
On sale until May 2016
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| SL400 3.0 333hp 2LOOK Edition Auto 2dr | £78,200 | 36.7 mpg | 5.2 s |
| SL400 3.0 333hp AMG Sport Auto 2dr | £73,580 | 36.7 mpg | 5.2 s |
| SL400 3.0 Mille Miglia 417 Edition Auto 2dr | £85,340 | 36.7 mpg | 5.2 s |
| SL500 4.7 435hp 2LOOK Edition Auto 2dr | £87,620 | 31.0 mpg | 4.6 s |
| SL500 4.7 455hp AMG Sport Auto 2dr | £83,140 | 31.0 mpg | 4.6 s |
| SL500 4.7 Mille Miglia 417 Edition Auto 2dr | £95,345 | 31.0 mpg | 4.6 s |
| SL63 5.5 585hp AMG Auto 2dr | £114,200 | 28.8 mpg | 4.2 s |
| SL65 6.0 630hp AMG Auto 2dr | £173,380 | 24.4 mpg | 4.0 s |
On sale until April 2014
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 350 AMG Sport 2dr Auto | £69,960 | 39.2 mpg | 5.9 s |
On sale until September 2013
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 350 2dr Auto | £72,530 | 37.7 mpg | 5.9 s |
| 500 2dr Auto | £83,490 | 30.7 mpg | 4.6 s |
Model History
December 2011
SL launched
The new SL has been produced for the first time almost entirely from aluminium and weighs up to 140 kilograms less than its predecessor. It's powered by new BlueDIRECT engines which are more powerful yet at the same time up to 29 per cent more economical than the engines in the outgoing generation.
Other new features include the unique FrontBass system and the highly efficient adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system Magic Vision Control which supplies water from the wiper blade as required and depending on the direction of wipe.
The new SL is available with two different suspension systems - the SL features semi-active adjustable damping as standard and the optional active suspension system ABC (Active Body Control) which is available as an alternative.
Both suspension variants are combined with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio that can be varied across the steering wheel angle. This ensures excellent straight-line stability and, therefore, a high degree of assuredness when travelling at motorway speeds and makes the SL very agile. It also reduces the amount of steering required when parking and manoeuvring.
The new V8 in the SL 500 develops 435PS from its displacement of 4663cc and thus around 12 percent more than its predecessor despite some 0.8 litres less displacement. The fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 22 per cent. At the same time, the torque has increased from 530Nm to 700Nm – a gain of 32 percent.
Although the displacement remains the same at 3499cc, the new V6 engine in the new SL 350 develops 306PS and delivers 370Nm of torque. It's almost 30 percent more economical than its predecessor. Both engine variants come with a standard-fit ECO start/stop function. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which has been optimised in relation to fuel consumption and comfort, also contributes to low fuel consumption.
The SL 350 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds, making it three tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The SL 500 takes just 4.6 seconds – eight tenths less than the previous SL 500.
Compared with its predecessor, the new generation of the SL is much longer (+50 mm) and wider (+57 mm), providing more room for more comfort in the interior, too. Shoulder room (+37 mm) and elbow room (+28 mm) have been increased, exceeding the dimensions normally found in this vehicle class.
The sixth generation of the SL also offers a vario-roof that can be retracted into the boot using an electrohydraulic mechanism to save space, which converts the SL in a few seconds into a roadster or a coupé. Unlike its predecessor, three versions are available for the new SL: painted, with glass roof or with the unique panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control.
The transparent roof switches to light or dark at the push of a button. When light it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up in bright sunlight. The frame of the three roof versions is made of magnesium, making the roofs around six kilograms lighter than the roof on the predecessor, thus providing a lower centre of gravity for the vehicle and, in turn, better agility.
The engineers have refined the operating mechanism for the roof and boot lid. It now takes less than 20 seconds to open or close the roof completely. The HANDS-FREE ACCESS system is another Mercedes-Benz innovation which provides hands-free, contactless operation of the boot lid. The driver simply moves their foot in the vicinity of the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz is the only car maker to offer a system which not only automatically opens the boot lid but closes it as well.
April 2014
SL400 replaces SL350
Fitted with a V6 biturbo, the SL 400 has an increase of 27PS and 110 Nm of torque over the outgoing engine and is quicker, despite displacement being decreased by half a litre. The SL 400 will be available from £72,500 OTR and deliveries will start in July 2014.
A total of 333PS and 480Nm of torque are produced by the all-new six-cylinder engine equipped with two turbochargers lowering the 0-62 sprint from 5.9 to 5.2 seconds. This combination ensures that the automotive icon meets EU6 emissions standards, whilst also ensuring that customers have the very best in style, power and performance.
| Displacement | 2996 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 88.0 x 82.1 mm |
| Output | 333 hp at 5250 to 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 480 Nm at 1600 to 4000 rpm |
| Fuel consumption | 36.7 mpg |
| CO 2 | 178 g/km |
| 0-62 mph | 5.2 s |
| Top speed | 155 mph |
The SL 400 Sport will be fitted with 19-inch AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels as well as AMG front and rear aprons and side skirts, a boot lid spoiler in body colour and sports suspension. On the inside, a host of eye-catching features include an instrument cluster with a chequered flag design, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with silver gear shift paddles and perforated leather in the grip areas, plus brushed light aluminium trim and AMG floor mats.
The SL 63 AMG also gains enhancements from July 2014. It will benefit from a power upgrade with a total output of 585PS – an increase 48PS. An increase of 100Nm will result in a total of 900Nm of torque being available, and this is all without any compromise to fuel efficiency and emissions. An AMG rear axle limited-slip differential will also be fitted as standard. With a locking effect of up to 40 per cent, superior traction and improved lateral dynamics are guaranteed.
What to watch out for
Paint faults in metallic Hyacinth Red reported on new Mercedes-Benz 500SL 3 days after purchase in July 2015. Only driven for 3 weeks in 5 months since purchase. Dealer blamed "fallout". Clayed the lacquer to clean it then coated the paint with a treatment FoC.
