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 $41,559, and its lowest point over the past year was $38,811. Recently, prices have come down for the 2016 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 earns strong praise from owners for its performance, luxurious comfort, and stylish design. The all-generations owner rating is 4.7/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently highlight the SL-Class's powerful engines, smooth handling, and retractable hardtop, which adds versatility to the driving experience. The model also stands out for its premium cabin feel and sense of occasion, making it especially appealing if you want a luxury roadster with real presence.

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

The main trade-offs that come up most often are high maintenance costs, limited cargo space, and occasional reliability concerns.

20.9% 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 strong performance, luxurious comfort, and polished grand-touring character. Across the model years in the data, it also earns credit for its high-quality materials, refined ride, and distinctive styling.

• 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 is tied to premium-car complexity, so a well-documented service history matters 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 78.5% — 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, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, rear-wheel drive, and 416 horsepower.
• SL 55: Adds a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, all-wheel drive, and 469 hp.
• SL 63: Builds on the V8 formula with 577 hp and all-wheel drive.
• SL 63 S E Performance: The performance flagship, pairing the twin-turbo V8 with a plug-in hybrid system for 805 hp, plus carbon-ceramic brakes, rear-axle steering, and an active anti-roll system.
• Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series: The luxury-focused standout, with the 577-hp engine, all-wheel drive, Maybach-specific damper valves, softer springs, and a more comfort-oriented ride. This is the best-value trim if you want the most distinctive take on the SL 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 be the easiest to shop because you get more listings to compare and a better chance of finding the right color, mileage, and equipment mix. They also tend to be the years shoppers cross-shop most often, which helps keep the market active.

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

Most of the years in this table are moving lower, which can work in your favor if you want to buy used. One year is still edging upward, while several others are posting meaningful declines that improve affordability. The biggest drops are the most helpful if you want to maximize value, while the smaller changes suggest some years are staying steadier than others.

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 −4.0% versus a year ago, and the 2016 model is at −12.46%.
• Deal availability: The 2022 model has 28.1% good and great deals, and the 2016 model has 36.8%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $94,032. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers a distinctive blend of luxury, performance, and grand-touring style 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, 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 October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.