The Mercedes AMG SL is a versatile vehicle that blends luxury with agility. As the flagship convertible of the brand, it is a prominent part of Mercedes’ lineup. The "SL" stands for "super lightweight," referencing the racing heritage of the first-generation SL, although this seventh-generation model is a well-equipped roadster that weighs nearly two tons. Fortunately, this weight doesn’t significantly impact performance, as it remains a fast car.
This is the first Mercedes SL developed by the high-performance division, AMG, and it features a wealth of technology designed to enhance the driving experience. The new model boasts all-aluminium construction to reduce weight, four-wheel drive for better traction, and four-wheel steering to enhance agility. Additionally, the previous generations' folding metal roof has been replaced with a lighter fabric version.
In terms of powertrains, the SL competes with vehicles like the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, Porsche 911 Cabriolet, and BMW 8 Series Convertible by offering three engine options. The lineup begins with the SL 43, which features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, followed by the SL 55 with a 4.0-liter V8, and an upgraded version, the SL 63.
Equipment, options and extras
Fortunately, you won’t need to select many additional options, as all SL models come well-equipped with features like ambient lighting, an air scarf heater integrated into the headrest, heated front seats and steering wheel, a Burmester sound system, satellite navigation, adaptive LED headlights, and dual-zone climate control.
Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2
With a significantly higher price tag than its predecessor, the Mercedes SL is priced considerably above the BMW 8 Series convertible, slightly more than the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, and roughly on par with the Lexus LC 500 Convertible.
Even the entry-level SL 43 comes with a six-figure price, which is quite steep for a model equipped with a 2.0-liter petrol engine. The nearly £150k SL 55 costs much more than a top-spec Porsche Carrera 4 GTS, while the SL 63, the most expensive variant, is close in price to the luxurious Bentley Continental GT Convertible.
All SL models emit over 200g/km of CO2, placing them in the highest company car tax bracket. While the smaller SL 43 may seem like a reasonable option for fuel economy, its official figure of around 30mpg isn’t impressive, especially compared to the high teens you can expect from the V8-powered SL 55 and SL 63.
All versions fall into the highest insurance group, but their projected resale values after three years are better than those of both the 8 Series Convertible and the LC 500 Convertible, which helps mitigate some of the costs. If you're considering selling after three years, the 911 Cabriolet is a strong choice, as it tends to retain its value better than its competitors.
The Car Planet verdict
The latest Mercedes SL replaces the previous version's somewhat bulky appearance and handling with a more aggressive design. While it remains more of a grand tourer than a sports car, it now offers exceptional composure and, with added practicality, has become more versatile than ever.
Car Planet are experts in used cars in Watford and Hertfordshire. Our virtual viewings mean you can check out a car from the comfort of your own home, or you can come in and view our cars in person. Every car goes through a thorough 150-point check to ensure it’s totally roadworthy. We’re transparent, too: we always display the details of a car’s imperfections. We care about sustainability, which is why we plant a tree for every car we sell, and we provide a 7-day money-back guarantee to any customer who isn’t absolutely satisfied with our service. With our competitive finance deals and part exchanges, you’re sure to find what you need, so check out our selection of secondhand SL-Classes today and let’s get the ball rolling!
