2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$85,050 to $217,550

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(8 reviews)
2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Preview summaryImage

For many years, the Mercedes SL has been more of a blend of comfort and performance than an actual sports car, with, of course, the option of top-down motoring when the weather permits. There’s certainly a market for such a car (which Mercedes calls the “S-Class of sport cars”), and the company has stuck with the same basic principles it established with the W113 “Pagoda” SLs in the early 1960s. The current model came out in 2012 and remains largely the same for the upcoming year, with four available submodels that range widely in price largely because of their very different drivetrains but also thanks to some of the extra luxury goodies on the higher trims.

The base SL400 starts at $85,050. The SL is more of a convertible grand touring car than a sports car, and the SL400 does lag behind in the speed department when compared to other more dedicated performance cars in its price range. But it’s no slouch, either, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds thanks to a 329-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. The next step up--to the SL550--means a big jump in price, but it also means a lot more grunt under the hood. The SL550 starts at $108,050 and is powered by a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 449 hp. It also adds an active parking system, a rear view camera, and ventilated seats.

The step up from the SL550 is an even bigger price hike, but it does get you an SL tweaked by Mercedes’ in-house tuner, AMG. The SL63 AMG starts at $149,700 and comes with bigger brakes, a limited slip differential, sport suspension, and carbon fiber trim in the interior. Its 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 577 hp, allowing the car to do 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 189 mph (other models are limited to 130 mph). The top model for 2016 is the SL65 AMG, which costs almost two and a half times the base SL400. It starts at $217,550 and adds a Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker audio system, quad exhaust tips, a rear spoiler, and safety features that include a blind-spot sensor, lane-deviation and parking sensors, and autonomous braking. Under the hood is a monstrous 6.0-liter V12 that makes 621 hp and a tire-shredding, stump-pulling 738 lb-ft of torque. Interestingly, the V12-powered car isn’t all that much quicker than the SL63 AMG, despite a price premium of nearly $70,000, and it apparently handles a bit worse thanks to that gigantic motor sitting out front--so the V8 AMG is arguably a better buy.

All of the SLs come with a 7-speed automatic gearbox, and fuel economy ranges from an admirable 27 mpg on the highway for the SL400 to just 21 for the monstrous V12 SL65 AMG. The SL's electric-assisted power steering is perfectly adequate for cruising and casual blasts through the countryside, but someone accustomed to models like the 911 or BMW M cars would likely criticize it for a lack of feedback. There is a standard multi-link suspension with two-mode adjustable shocks, but Mercedes’ Active Body Control active suspension and torque vectoring are available as extras.

Comfort is just as important as speed with the SL, and the 12-way adjustable seats are both wide and pleasant, even featuring standard neck vents. A seven-inch display screen dominates the dashboard, and includes web browsing with Google search capability and a DVD changer. One notable option is Mercedes’ “Magic Sky Control”, which darkens the glass portion of the folding hardtop in bright sunlight, not unlike those Transitions sunglasses. Cargo space isn’t ideal in the 2016 SL, especially with the roof folded down, but it’s more than adequate for a two-seater convertible and will pass the golf club test.

The 2016 SL remains true to its roots as a half sports, half luxury car, and even has the grunt and advanced suspension for genuinely exhilarating performance, most noticeably in the AMG-equipped cars, but in the lower end models too. People who take their driving more seriously will continue to buy Porsches and Corvettes, but those looking for refined motoring will stick with the SL.

Published May 31, 2022 by Andrew Newton

User reviews for 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Write a review
User rating:
by Lawrence M
Jul 10, 2024
I used to have an SL500. Unfortunately, while in winter storage, the car was destroyed by rats chewing the wiring and using it as an outhouse (my insurance company declared it a total loss). I’ve had several other model Mercedes since, but I knew I had to get another SL. I don’t need the maintenance cost of a V8. The SL400 with a V6 is perfect for me and still comes with all those wonderful luxury features.Jul 10, 2024
by Anonymous
Feb 04, 2024
Love it. I bought it!! Fantastic riding car, smooth, quick acceleration! Eye catcher.Feb 04, 2024
by Frank E K
Jan 15, 2024
Great to outstanding sports / touring car from Mercedes Benz the Bi-Turbo V6 is no slouch with quick acceleration and performance while returning 29 mpg on highway driving. The AMG Sport Package improves handling but sacrifices ride quality over the standard 18” wheels & suspension settings, with that said the suspension modes can be adjusted with a switch in the center console. If you want additional performance opt for the BI-Turbo SL550 V8 model. The SL63 AMG is just crazy with the amount of torque it produces!Jan 15, 2024

2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Pricing

Original MSRP
$85,050 to $217,550
Price range
$37,000 to $40,721
Average price on CG
$40,715
YoY price change
$37,386 to $40,715

Trims & 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

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.65

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive

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

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.65

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · 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

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive

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

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · 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: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.65 · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium leather

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · 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

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

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

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 900 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · 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: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.65 · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Upholstery: premium leather

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive

See all trims (4)