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 $42,304, and its year-round low is $35,795.79. That puts the model's pricing in a broad spread across generations and trims, with newer examples commanding much higher prices than older ones. 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 marks from owners for its blend of performance, luxury, 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 comfort. The retractable hardtop and stylish design also come up often as standout strengths, giving the car a special feel that fits its flagship-roadster role.

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

The main trade-offs are high ownership costs, limited cargo space, and some complex controls and transmission behavior on recent models.

21.2% 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 well-built luxury roadster with strong performance and a high-end cabin. Across the model years in the data, it also earns favorable owner ratings, which supports its reputation as a desirable used pick when you choose carefully.

• 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 long-term ownership, you should plan for premium upkeep and choose a well-maintained example with a clean history.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 79.7% — 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. 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...

• SL 43: The entry point brings a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, 416 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and a claimed 0–60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, making it the most accessible way into the lineup.
• SL 55: This trim adds a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, all-wheel drive, 469 hp, and 516 lb-ft of torque, plus a 3.8-second 0–60 mph estimate; it’s the best-value pick if you want V8 power and AWD.
• SL 63: This version builds on the same V8 with 577 hp and 590 lb-ft, sharpening straight-line performance for buyers who want more urgency.
• SL 63 S E Performance: The top performance model adds a plug-in hybrid system, 805 hp, 1,047 lb-ft of torque, carbon-ceramic brakes, rear-axle steering, and an active anti-roll system.
• Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series: The luxury-focused flagship adds Maybach-specific damper valves, softer springs, a chrome grille, a hood ornament, and a more comfort-oriented ride character.

What Mercedes-Benz SL-Class do most buyers choose?

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years with the most listings are 2023, 2022, and 2014.

These higher-volume years tend to draw more shoppers because they offer a wider selection and often sit near the center of the model’s pricing spread. That gives you more chances to compare condition, mileage, and equipment before deciding.

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

Most of the model years in this table are moving lower year over year, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. The biggest drop is especially pronounced, while the smaller changes at the top end suggest some recent years are staying relatively close to flat. Overall, the pattern points to improving opportunities for buyers rather than rising prices.

The 2015 and 2023 model years are 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, along with a 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 2023 model is at −0.74% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −1.84%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 29.4% 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 $98,440. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers a striking roadster design that gives it a special, high-end presence on the road.

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, Pre-Safe, and a surround-view camera.
• 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 2027 inventory to mature. These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.