2018 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Mercedes-Benz SL line of two-seaters has been a top choice among older well-heeled motorists who want something that mixes equal parts two-seat sports car and supple luxury cruiser. That still describes the current model, and for 2018 things mostly continue unchanged, although a reversing camera has been added as standard equipment across the lineup. It’s still handsome but not flashy, quick but not scary-fast, and luxurious but not cutting edge. It can be had in V-6, V-8 or even V-12 configurations.
The base SL450 model has a twin-turbo V-6 that makes 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, driving the rear wheels through a 9-speed automatic. It’s enough grunt to get the SL from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds. Stepping up to the SL550 gets drivers a 4.7-liter V-8 with 449hp and a 0-60 time of about 4.3 seconds. The SL63 AMG gets you a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 that makes 577 hp and scoots the SL from 0-60 in about four seconds flat and on to a top speed of 186 mph. Finally, the top dog of the SL lineup is the SL65 AMG, which gets a 6.0-liter V-12 saddled with two turbochargers. It makes a monstrous 621 hp and will get from 0-60 in less than four seconds.
The base SL450 model is rated at 20 mpg city, 28 highway, and 23 combined, while the SL550 gets 17, 25, and 20. The SL63 AMG isn’t far behind at 16, 25, and 19, but the SL65 AMG with its V-12 is predictably very thirsty at 13, 22, 16. The SL comes standard with active dampers, can be ordered with an Active Body Control system that reduces body roll, and AMG models naturally come with a sports exhaust system.
The SL seats only two, but those occupants ride in comfort and style. Leather seats are standard, and there are soft hides across the dash as well. The seats are power adjustable and have a massage feature, and other standard features include Harman Kardon stereo, and a 7.0-inch infotainment screen with controller. A Bang & Olufsen stereo is optional. Wet-arm wiper blades, LED daytime running lights, and active headlights all come standard.
The convertible top is power operated and can retract in about 30 seconds, but folds into the already modest trunk to reduce space back there from 13.5 cubic feet to just 8.5.
While the SL hasn’t been crash tested, buyers can take some comfort in the fact all models come with ample airbags and there are roll bars behind the seats that pop up in the event of a rollover. An Attention Assist, which monitors driving and suggests drivers pull over when it detects drowsy driving, also comes standard. A reversing camera is now standard even in the base SL450. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, active lane control and forward-collision warning are optional extras.
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2018 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: aluminium · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.07
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: remote operation · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.65
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: carbon · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: carbon · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.65 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: remote operation · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 900 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: carbon · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: carbon · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.65 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: remote operation · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive