Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for SaleNationwide

How much does the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class cost in today's market?

Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class's current nationwide average price is $42,495, and its year-round low is $36,172.24. That gives you a sense of where the model sits today across the years in this data. Recently, prices have come down for the 2017 and 2022 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class a good car?

Yes — the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class earns strong owner approval across the full range of model years in the data. The all-generations owner rating is 4.68/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise its performance, luxurious comfort, and stylish design. The SL-Class also stands out for its powerful engines, smooth handling, and retractable hardtop, which adds versatility to the driving experience.

Expert reviews rate the 2026 and 2023 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs are high maintenance costs, limited cargo space, and some reliability concerns on certain years, so you should expect premium ownership costs along with the car’s luxury and performance.

20.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class as a rewarding luxury sports car with strong performance, luxurious comfort, and stylish design. Expert reviews also highlight its high-end materials, advanced technology, and refined ride quality.

• Owners rate the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class between 4.0 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is tied to premium upkeep and the complexity that comes with a high-end performance car, so a well-maintained example matters most.

What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 78.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2020 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: standard driver-assistance features include automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind spot monitors, safe-exit assist, lane-keep assist, parking assist, and Pre-Safe
• Infotainment: the SL’s third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Fuel efficiency: The turbo-four SL 43 is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway). The V8 models live down to expectations at 16 mpg combined, with city and highway ratings of 14 mpg and 21 mpg respectively for the SL 55 and SL 63. The Maybach model loses 1 mpg in the city and highway categories, but we nonetheless managed to better its EPA combined rating with a 17.5-mpg indicated average.

Which Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim should I buy?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers these trims:

• SL 43: the entry point with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, 416 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and a claimed 0–60 mph time of 4.6 seconds
• SL 55: adds V8 power, all-wheel drive, 469 hp, and 516 lb-ft of torque for a 3.8-second 0–60 mph run
• SL 63: builds on the same V8 with 577 hp and 590 lb-ft, making it the stronger performance choice
• SL 63 S E Performance: the top performance model with a plug-in hybrid system, 805 hp, 1,047 lb-ft of torque, carbon-ceramic brakes, rear-axle steering, and an active anti-roll system
• Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series: the luxury-focused pick with the 577-hp engine, all-wheel drive, Maybach-specific damper valves, softer springs, and a more comfort-oriented ride; this is the best-value trim if you want the most complete luxury experience

What Mercedes-Benz SL-Class do most buyers choose?

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years with the most listings are 2023, 2022, and 2014.

Higher-volume years tend to be the easiest to shop because you have more listings to compare and more chances to find the right color, mileage, and equipment mix. They also tend to attract more attention from used buyers because the broader supply makes it easier to find a well-priced example.

What is the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class's resale value?

Most of the years in this table have moved lower over the past year, which can create better opportunities for used buyers. One recent year has edged up, but the overall pattern still points to softer pricing across much of the lineup. The 2023, 2022, and 2015 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class safe?

• 2026: 7/10
• 2023: 10/10

Standard driver-assistance features include automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind spot monitors, safe-exit assist, lane-keep assist, parking assist, and Pre-Safe.

For the safest used buy, the 2023 model posts the highest confirmed score of 10/10.

Should I buy a used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2022 model is at −1.61% versus a year ago, and the 2017 model is at −7.38%.
• Deal availability: The 2022 model has 28.7% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $98,057. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers a blend of style, luxury, and performance that makes it feel special every time you drive it.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: Mercedes offers no shortage of powertrains with the SL, all with a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The base AMG SL 43 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, which might not seem worthy of the brand's flagship convertible, but it develops 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, taking the rear-wheel drive (RWD) SL 43 from 0–60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds.
• Tech: The SL’s third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as natural-language voice recognition.
• Safety: Standard driver-assistance features include automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind spot monitors, safe-exit assist, lane-keep assist, parking assist, and Pre-Safe, which cinches seatbelts, closes windows, and generally preps for a collision if an imminent one is detected.
• Starting price: Pricing starts at $113,850 for the SL 43 (all prices include a mandatory $1,350 destination charge) and the SL 55 and SL 63 start at $143,600 and $189,200, respectively.

If you're buying used today, the 2023 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2028 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.