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 $42,622, and its year-round low is $36,127.28. That gives you a sense of where the model sits overall and the lower end of its recent pricing band. Recently, prices have come down for the 2017, 2022, and 2023 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 earns strong praise 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 highlight the SL-Class's powerful engines, smooth handling, and luxurious cabin. The retractable hardtop and premium design also come up often as defining strengths. Expert reviews reinforce that appeal with a focus on high-end materials, advanced technology, and the model's distinctive roadster character.

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

The main trade-offs are the transmission feel and the limited use of physical controls, along with the ownership costs that come with a complex luxury sports car. 18.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently praise the SL-Class for its luxury feel, strong performance, and refined driving experience. Across the model years in the data, you also see repeated appreciation for the car's craftsmanship, comfort, and stylish design.

• 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 complexity and the premium upkeep that comes with it, so a well-documented service history matters.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 79.2% — 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, Pre-Safe, and a surround-view camera.
• 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. 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, 416 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and a 0–60 mph time of 4.6 seconds.
• SL 55: A strong step up with twin-turbo V8 power, all-wheel drive, 469 horsepower, and 516 lb-ft of torque; this is the best-value choice for buyers who want V8 performance and everyday breadth.
• SL 63: The higher-output V8 trim, tuned to 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft for quicker acceleration and more serious performance.
• SL 63 S E Performance: The top performance model, pairing the V8 with a plug-in hybrid system for 805 hp and 1,047 lb-ft, plus carbon-ceramic brakes, rear-axle steering, and an active anti-roll system.
• Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series: The luxury-focused flagship, with the 577-hp engine, all-wheel drive, Maybach-specific damper valves, softer springs, and a ride tuned for greater comfort.

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 draw more shoppers because they give you more inventory to compare and more chances to find the right color, mileage, and price combination. They also tend to be the easiest years to shop if you want a broader selection of listings in one place.

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

Most of the model years in the table are moving lower year over year, which can create better opportunities for used buyers. The biggest drops are concentrated in the older years, while the newest entries are changing only slightly. That points to a market where recent examples are still relatively stable, even as older ones become more affordable.

The 2023 model year is holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2023, 2022, and 2015 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 2023 model is at −0.8% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −2.15%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 27.4% good and great deals, and the 2022 model has 29.1%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $98,662. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers a distinctive blend of style, luxury, and grand-touring presence that makes it feel special every time you drive it.

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.
• 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 2028 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.