Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for Sale nearChicago, IL

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 $41,700, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $40,621 over the past year.

Recently, prices have come down for the 2015 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 is a strong choice if you want a luxury roadster with standout performance, comfort, and style. The all-generations owner rating is 4.7/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the SL-Class for its powerful engines, smooth handling, and luxurious cabin. The retractable hardtop and stylish design also come through as recurring strengths, giving the car a sense of occasion that fits its flagship role.

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

The main tradeoffs that show up in expert reviews are the irritating transmission, the heavy reliance on digital controls, and the ownership costs that come with a complex luxury performance car.

22.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for its performance, comfort, and stylish design, and expert reviews reinforce its strong luxury-car character. Across the model years, the SL-Class also earns high marks from owners for the way it blends speed with a premium driving experience.

• Owners rate the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class between 4 and 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk centers on expensive repairs and complex systems, so a careful pre-purchase inspection and service-history review matter a lot.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 79.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2019 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind spot monitors, safe-exit assist, lane-keep assist, parking assist, Pre-Safe, and a surround-view camera
• Infotainment: third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with 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. Official ratings for the SL 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid weren’t available at the time of writing, but Mercedes estimates 29 mpg combined (33 mpg city, 25 mpg highway).

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, rear-wheel drive, and 416 horsepower; it suits you if you want the most accessible way into the lineup.
• SL 55: Adds a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, all-wheel drive, and 469 hp for a stronger grand-touring feel.
• SL 63: Builds on the same V8 with 577 hp and 590 lb-ft, making it the best-value performance pick for buyers who want the strongest balance of speed and capability.
• SL 63 S E Performance: Adds a plug-in hybrid system, 805 hp, 1,047 lb-ft, carbon-ceramic brakes, rear-axle steering, and an active anti-roll system for the most extreme performance.
• Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series: Adds Maybach-specific styling and luxury details, plus the 577-hp engine, all-wheel drive, rear-axle steering, and an active anti-roll system for buyers who want the most upscale roadster 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 draw more shoppers because they usually offer a stronger mix of availability, pricing, and deal opportunities. They also give you more examples to compare, which can make it easier to find the right color, mileage, and condition.

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

Most of the years shown here have moved lower over the past year, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. One year has risen, but the overall pattern still points to softer pricing across much of the lineup.

The 2023, 2022, and 2014 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, along with a standard surround-view camera.

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 −5.79% versus a year ago, and the 2015 model is at −8.16%.
• Deal availability: The 2022 model has 32.3% good and great deals, and the 2015 model has 33.1%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $93,186. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers a distinctive mix of style, performance, and luxury that gives it real flagship-roadster appeal.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: Mercedes offers no shortage of powertrains with the SL, all with a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the lineup ranges from 416 horsepower to 805 hp.
• Tech: A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen are standard, and 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.

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 the next model year's inventory to build up.

How does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class compare to the 2014 Porsche 911?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.