2023 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$109,900 to $183,000

Original MSRP

7.3
of 10

expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(5 reviews)

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Premium interior materials

  • Powerful engine

Cons

  • Aggravating infotainment system

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Not much cargo space

7.3
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
5/10
Performance
9/10
Safety
10/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
5/10
Photo by Christian Wardlaw. 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 front three quarter view.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL is the ultimate study in automotive contrasts, gorgeous and brilliant yet aggravating and frustrating.

When you consider the kind of money it takes to buy a new 2023 SL, maybe it doesn’t matter that regular irritations are a part of the driving experience. After all, this is a car designed to convey a message to society, but this year, it costs tens of thousands less to send that message, thanks to the new SL 43 model. It has a four-cylinder engine with an electric turbocharger and makes 375 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. However, we reviewed a more powerful version of the SL.

Search for a Mercedes-Benz SL-Class on CarGurus

8/10

Mercedes-Benz redesigned the SL last year, marking the arrival of the seventh generation of the iconic grand tourer. It returned after a one-year hiatus, wrapped in tauter and sexier bodywork resembling the automaker’s AMG GT model while adding a couple of rear seats, useful only when absolutely necessary.

In addition, the previous-generation SL’s power-retractable hardtop disappeared in favor of a new fabric soft top, and Mercedes gave the car the latest technology while making it fast in something other than a straight line. You can tailor the car’s appearance through a long list of paint colors, wheel designs, and interior treatments, and there is an AMG Night Package with blacked-out trim.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL lineup includes the new SL 43, the SL 55, and the SL 63. The price tag ranges from $109,900 to $183,000, not including the $1,150 destination charge. All three come in standard Touring trim. Performance trim is available for the SL 55 and SL 63.

Our SL 55 Performance test car had the AMG Night Package and Driver Assistance Package, plus augmented video for the navigation system and a gesture-control interior assistant. Mercedes topped the car off with a black microfiber headliner, a Guard 360 security system, and a Track Pace app for the infotainment system. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) came to $155,050, including the $1,150 destination charge.

Mercedes is an expert at crafting luxurious and high-tech yet subtly retro interiors, and the SL 55 is no exception. The company refers to the SL’s cockpit as hyper-analog, which Mercedes claims translates to “purist but digital,” and the test car’s cabin dripped with quality, class, and modernism. Unfortunately, the preponderance of touch-sensing controls dings a driver’s satisfaction with the surroundings.

Christian Wardlaw
Published Oct 30, 2023 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

User reviews for 2023 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

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User rating:
by Kevin M
May 14, 2024
The car I bought is a 2022 SL 55 and it is really an exciting car to drive and own. It feels great and the power is nothing short of amazing. I drove a SL 450 2020 before and the changes to this car are exhilarating. May 14, 2024
by Kevin M
May 08, 2024
This car is such a bold new version of the SL models. It looks great and feels terrific. It is amazing fast. There is plenty of room and it gets the looks!May 08, 2024
by Lee J
Oct 05, 2023
Upon further examination, I found that the rear seating area was too small and cramping for any passengers except maybe small children and shopping bags, which seems to negate the purpose for rear seating.Oct 05, 2023

2023 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Pricing

Original MSRP
$109,900 to $183,000
Price range
$91,105 to $105,657
Average price on CG
$91,725
YoY price change
$105,657 to $91,725

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

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Burmester · Radio: FM · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 650 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brake width: 1.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.07

Engine

Battery: lithium ion · Exhaust: performance · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 375 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6750 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 354 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 3000

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: black

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 11.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

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

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.8

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: horn/light operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

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 · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Burmester · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 650 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brake width: 1.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.07

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: black

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 11.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

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

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

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: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: integrated washer jets · Power windows: with safety reverse

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 · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Burmester · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 650 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brake width: 1.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · 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: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.07 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Battery: lithium ion · Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: black

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 11.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

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

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

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: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (3)