Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for Sale near Lake Forest, CA

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 $41,499, and over the past year that nationwide average price reached a low of $38,506. Recently, prices have eased on the 2022 models, while other recent model years have held firm or risen.

Is the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class a good car?

Yes — the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class earns strong marks from owners for its performance, comfort, and style. The all-generations owner rating is 4.68/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the SL-Class for its powerful engines, smooth handling, and luxurious cabin feel. The retractable hardtop also comes through as a recurring highlight, adding versatility to the driving experience.

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

The main trade-offs across recent expert-reviewed years center on the transmission’s behavior, the control-light cabin layout, and the way the infotainment setup can feel less intuitive than the rest of the car’s luxury experience.

22.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently describe the SL-Class as a stylish, comfortable, and high-performance luxury roadster. Across the model years in the data, the strongest themes are premium craftsmanship, strong driving character, and a sense of occasion that makes the car feel special.

• Owners rate the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class between 4.0 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is tied to the SL-Class’s premium complexity, so a careful inspection and a complete service history matter.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 79% — 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: 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.
• Infotainment: 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.
• 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 brings the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, rear-wheel drive, and 416 horsepower, making it the lightest way into the lineup.
• SL 55: This trim adds twin-turbo V8 power, all-wheel drive, and a big jump in torque for stronger all-around performance.
• SL 63: The SL 63 builds on the V8 formula with more output, making it the sharper performance choice in the core lineup.
• SL 63 S E Performance: This plug-in hybrid flagship adds 805 horsepower, 1,047 pound-feet of torque, carbon-ceramic brakes, rear-axle steering, and an active anti-roll system.
• Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series: The Maybach model adds ultra-luxury detailing, softer springs, damper tuning for ride comfort, exclusive trim and design touches, and the most bespoke feel in the range.

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 usually give you more shopping choice, which can make it easier to compare condition, mileage, and pricing across similar cars. They also tend to be the years where you can find the broadest mix of listings and deal opportunities.

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

The table shows a mixed picture: one recent year has softened, while the other two have moved slightly upward. That means used buyers can still find value in the lineup, but pricing behavior varies by model year rather than moving in one direction across the board.

The 2015 model year is holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2023, 2015, and 2022 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.

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 −4.31% versus a year ago.
• Deal availability: The 2022 model has 27.3% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $94,652. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers a distinctive grand-touring character with a stylish cabin and a strong sense of occasion.

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 and 369 pound-feet of torque to 805 hp and 1,047 lb-ft of torque.
• Tech: 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, while a surround-view camera is standard, too.
• 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.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.