A high-performance luxury 2+2 convertible, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a topless twin to the GT coupe. Mercedes offers the SL in five trim levels: SL 43, SL 55, SL 63, SL 63 S E Performance, and Maybach SL 680. It takes on rivals such as the Porsche 911, the Chevrolet Corvette, and the BMW 8 Series.
2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
The big news for 2026 is the addition of the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series. It changes from a 2+2 to a two-seat roadster and is available in two colors: Red Ambiance and White Ambiance. It rides on unique wheels in the Mercedes monobloc style. Inside, it has Manufaktur Crystal White Exclusive nappa leather upholstery and Maybach-specific start-up animations on the screens, and it's tuned for a smooth, quiet ride. Additionally, the SL lineup gets a revised center console, more than 50 available Manufaktur special-order paint colors, and two new Manufaktur upholstery choices.
Design
The SL’s scowling face features a wide grille, triangular headlights, and large lower air intakes. Its rounded body has the classic sports car proportions of a long nose and a short deck. Its cabin is set back and covered by a thickly insulated cloth soft top offered in black, dark blue, gray, or red. The Maybach model features more chrome trim and headlights with rose gold trim, and can be ordered with a Graphite Grey hood featuring Maybach logos in the style of Louis Vuitton. The base model rides on 19-inch wheels, 20s are standard on the 55 and 63 models, and the Maybach model gets 21s.
Powertrain
The SL is available with four powertrains. The SL 43 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, while the SL 55 model brings a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that makes 469 hp and 516 lb-ft. The SL 63 and Maybach SL 680 boost the 4.0-liter V8’s output to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, and top of the heap is the SL 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid. It uses the V8 and a rear-mounted electric motor with its own two-speed transmission to deliver a whopping 805 hp and 1,047 lb-ft of torque. Every SL has a nine-speed automatic transmission, the SL 43 is rear-wheel drive (RWD), and all other versions get Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard.
EPA fuel economy ratings are 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined for the SL 43, 14/21/16 mpg for the 55 and 63 models, and 13/20/16 mpg for the Maybach SL 680 model. The SL 63 S E Performance has a 6.1-kWh battery that provides a modest 11 miles of electric range; thereafter, it’s rated at 18 mpg combined.
Interior
Mercedes upholsters the cabin in Nappa leather and trims comprise piano-black plastic, aluminum, carbon fiber, and various types of wood. The front sport seats are heated, ventilated, power-adjustable, and have a standard massage function, while available performance bucket seats have even more bolstering. The SL has a heated steering wheel and ambient lighting, while the standard AirScarf heating system heats front-seat occupants at neck level, allowing drivers to put the top down even if it isn’t especially warm outside. The SL is technically a four-seater, but the rear seats are better for light luggage than for people, while cargo space is limited to just 7.5 cubic feet in the trunk.
Technology
The SL’s tech array includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs the brand’s MBUX interface, with voice commands triggered by saying “Hey, Mercedes”. It includes navigation that can be upgraded with virtual reality overlays. Also standard are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and app integration that includes games, music, and even video when the car is parked. Wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Burmester audio system are also standard. A 17-speaker Burmester audio system and a head-up display are also available.
