2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The venerable Mercedes-Benz SL-Class two-seat roadster receives a number of updates for 2011, including a reshaped exterior with a larger air dam up front, aerodynamic side grilles, dual trapezoidal exhaust tips, and new exterior mirrors inspired by the SL's racing heritage. However, the SL retains some of its most iconic features, including its classic single-bar grille and a power-retractable aluminum hardtop, which opens and closes in 16 seconds, transforming the SL from a coupe to a roadster.
As the roof retracts, the rear window pivots 180 degrees, so it occupies minimal space in the trunk, ensuring room for luggage and other cargo. In addition, the SL's pop-up roll bar, which Mercedes developed and debuted on the roadster, deploys in just 0.3 seconds to help protect passengers in the event of a rollover.
Mercedes offers the SL-Class in SL550, SL63 AMG, and SL65 AMG trims for 2011, each powered by a different engine. The lineup starts off with a 5.5-liter, 382-hp V8, which powers the SL550. Tuned to emit a mellow rumble, the V8 generates 391 lb-ft and drives the SL from 0-60 in 5.3 seconds. It links to a seven-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift, which enables drivers to manually shift gears using steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The EPA estimates fuel economy numbers for the V8 at 13/21 mpg.
Stepping up a notch, the SL63 AMG sports a hand-crafted 6.3-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine, which puts out 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The technically advanced engine was the first powerplant developed from the ground up by AMG, Mercedes' in-house sport tuner, and shares no parts with any other Mercedes-Benz engine. It mates to a new AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed transmission, which provides both automatic and manual shifting, as well as four driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Manual) and a race start function. The powerplant manages fuel economy numbers of 12/19 mpg.
At the top of the line, the SL65 AMG comes equipped with a 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V12, which blasts out 604 hp and a mind-boggling 738 lb-ft of torque. The big V12 mates to an AMG Speedshift five-speed automatic, and propels the SL65 from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Fuel economy numbers check in at 11/18 mpg.
Inside, the SL-Class displays a cabin worthy of one of the world's elite roadsters. A sweeping console, trimmed in hand-polished Burl Walnut, divides the 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, which are covered with hand-crafted leather. A leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, aluminum door-sill trim, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and electronic climate control all come standard. To keep passengers entertained, Mercedes includes a 10-speaker, 510-watt Harman Kardon audio system with Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, a 6-DVD/CD player, and a 4GB music storage system. In addition, a hard-drive-based navigation system with Zagat ratings comes as standard equipment.
The SL63 and SL65 add such standard features as AMG heated/ventilated sports seats with Nappa leather, carbon fiber interior trim, an AMG instrument cluster, and AMG sill panels. In addition, the AMG trims ride on an AMG sports-tuned suspension and feature an AMG high-performance braking system.
Mercedes offers a wide range of options for the SL-Class, including multicontour seats (on the SL550), an Airscarf neck-level heating and ventilation system, and the SL's new Direct Steer system, which provides precise and responsive handling, especially in tight turns.
Safety features for the SL include electronic stability control and antilock brakes with brake control. The rear-wheel-drive SL550 rides on 18-inch staggered-width alloy wheels, while owners can add optional AMG wheels with perforated rear brakes.
User reviews for 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Ben C
Aug 30, 2023
Unique car that will get noticed anywhere. Good-Great handling and ride. Has expensive requirements when repairs are needed and even serviceAug 30, 2023
by Bruce H
May 05, 2022
It is a beautiful car and well maintained. I paid and fair price and dealer gave me a great trade-in for my vehicle. It compares to an XLR Cadillac I once owned, but this car is of better quality. May 05, 2022
by Cle L
Jan 28, 2022
The car was a very nice car,i feel that it was over pricedcar to be 11yrs old.
Jan 28, 2022
User rating:
by Ben C
Aug 30, 2023
Unique car that will get noticed anywhere. Good-Great handling and ride. Has expensive requirements when repairs are needed and even serviceAug 30, 2023
by Bruce H
May 05, 2022
It is a beautiful car and well maintained. I paid and fair price and dealer gave me a great trade-in for my vehicle. It compares to an XLR Cadillac I once owned, but this car is of better quality. May 05, 2022
by Cle L
Jan 28, 2022
The car was a very nice car,i feel that it was over pricedcar to be 11yrs old.
Jan 28, 2022
by David B
Jul 07, 2021
The car had several apparent cosmetic issues. Every wheel was damaged. These are very expensive wheels. Repair is not an acceptable option. Plastic engine cover was broken. The dealer would not permit me to take it to a certified Mercedes shop to have the car checked out. I offered to pay for towing there and back. Paint was just OK. Overall, it didnt seem like the car was cared for at all by the previous owner or the current dealer.Jul 07, 2021
by Dana D
Jul 02, 2021
Great looking car but just a little overpriced. Jul 02, 2021
by Jim R
Jan 03, 2021
Great looks. Great value . Classic look. Elegant Jan 03, 2021
by walter m
Jul 30, 2020
Nice car but not for that price. 16000 is a fairer priceJul 30, 2020
by Chris Columbus E B
Jul 28, 2020
Outstanding and the carninitially has been ahead of its competitorsJul 28, 2020
by John l
Apr 20, 2020
great car they are all over priced from the actual value from NADA and Keely blue book theses guide lines which are used through dealer ships for trade ins and insurance companies for loss values Apr 20, 2020
by Anonymous
Mar 24, 2014
Fantastic car, hasn't given me one problem, runs great and super fast but is tame under normal driving - you cruise in style, quite with the top up, great when its warm with the top down, Drive it like you have some common sense and you can get over 20MPG on the highway. I love this car, really a great car. Mar 24, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 22, 2013
The SL63 is in the AMG family which means you get power and looks. The 7 speed transmission is the first automatic I've ever owned that never paused between down shifting. The vehicle is pure pleasure to drive..love it.Dec 22, 2013
by Osama S
Jan 11, 2011
.Great performance
.strong car
.looks classy
.low cost
.amazing
Good for the value
it is a fun and pleasure to drive such a great car, only change the German made
tires
its a car for those who enjoy driving
great fuel consumption for a 6 cylinder Jan 11, 2011
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2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Pricing
Original MSRP
$102,600 to $198,750Price range
$21,589 to $22,910Average price on CG
$21,589YoY price change
$22,841 to $21,589Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Hard Drive: 40GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power activated trunk/hatch: close · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.65
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Type: performance
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Hard Drive: 40GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power activated trunk/hatch: close · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.65
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: premium leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid
Tires
Type: performance
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 40GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.65
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: premium leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation