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Mercedes-Benz SL (2002-2012)

The Mercedes-Benz SL is a legendary convertible car that is frankly hard to fault. It achieves everything that you would hope to expect of Mercedes Benz without breaking a sweat. Beautifully crafted build quality and a folding steel roof that’s as smooth as every one of the fantastic engines.

Equipment levels in the R230 SL are impressive and the drive is controlled and infinitely capable but never raw. It would be hard to dispute that this is the finest large roadster available, at least it was until the SLS came along. The Mercedes Benz SL-Class was given a face-lift in 2008 with more agressive styling.

Mercedes-Benz SL Details

Production Dates2002-2012
Length 4562 mm / 180 in
Width 2069 mm / 81 in
Height 1317 mm / 52 in
Wheelbase 2560 mm / 101 in
Turning Circle 11 m / 433 in
Luggage Capacity 206 litres / 7.27 cu ft
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 litres / 21.1 US gal
Warranty 3 years or unlimited miles

Similar Cars

Mercedes SL 300

Even the entry level Mercedes SL 300 is a stunning luxury sports car with a powerful 3 litre V6 engine. It is plenty for most drivers but the appeal of the muscular high end options was too much for most buyers. The Mercedes SL 300 is certainly not lacking in performance, economy is impressive too at least for this kind of car.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Driven Wheels null-wheel-drive
Engine type V6
Engine Capacity 2996 cc
Power 231@6000 bhp
Torque 222@2500-5000 lb.ft
Transmission type 7-spd auto
Kerb Weight 1815 kg / 4001 lb
UK Retail Price from £63,555
UK Insurance Group 20/50

Performance

Max speed (auto) 155 mph / 249 kph
0-60mph (auto) - seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 7.8 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 30.4 mpg / 9.3 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 217 g/km

Mercedes SL 350

After several upgrades during the life of the car this final Mercedes SL 350 doesn't lack in horsepower or refinement. The Mercedes SL 350 offers what is possibly the best compromise between economy/emissions and performance. The V6 engine has plenty of power and is silky smooth.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Driven Wheels null-wheel-drive
Engine type V6
Engine Capacity 3498 cc
Power 315@6500 bhp
Torque 266@4900 lb.ft
Transmission type 7-spd auto
UK Retail Price from £68,360
UK Insurance Group 19/50

Performance

Max speed (auto) 155 mph / 249 kph
0-60mph (auto) - seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 6.2 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 29.1 mpg / 9.7 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 226 g/km

Mercedes SL 500

The SL 500 benefits from the big V8 with its lovely growl and punchy power delivery. It is a delightfully charismatic engine although sometimes too muted by all the sound deadening. This model got the hydraulically-controlled adaptive suspension as standard which does an excellent job of keeping the car level around bends and under hard acceleration.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Driven Wheels null-wheel-drive
Engine type V8
Engine Capacity 5461 cc
Power 388@6000 bhp
Torque 391@2800-4800 lb.ft
Transmission type 7-spd auto
UK Retail Price from £81,705
UK Insurance Group 20/50

Performance

Max speed (auto) 155 mph / 249 kph
0-60mph (auto) - seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 5.4 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 24.4 mpg / 11.6 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 272 g/km

Mercedes SL 600

The SL 600 was the heavy-weight of the range in every sense. The big V12 is silky smooth and a real luxury but its extra weight over the front wheels does have an effect on the handling. With the advent of the Mercedes SLS Roadster the SL600 was removed from the range triggering rumours that it would be the last of the V12 Mercedes however a tuned version of this engine continued in the SL65 AMG.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type V12
Driven Wheels null-wheel-drive
Engine Capacity 5513 cc
Power 517@5000 bhp
Torque 612@1900-3500 lb.ft
Transmission type 5-spd auto
UK Retail Price from £104,560
UK Insurance Group 20/50

Performance

Max speed (auto) 155 mph / 249 kph
0-60mph (auto) - seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 4.5 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 20.3 mpg / 13.9 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 326 g/km
Driven Wheels null-wheel-drive Driven Wheels null-wheel-drive Driven Wheels null-wheel-drive Driven Wheels null-wheel-drive

Information last updated

5 Owner Reviews

Do you drive a Mercedes-Benz SL? Would you recommend it to others? Join the conversation and let us know what you think of the car. This Mercedes-Benz currently has 5 owner reviews.

  1. Avatar for Alan powley Alan powley says:

    ITS THE BEST

    I have a sl500 2008 and i love its looks and power.

  2. Avatar for Lorraine McGraw Lorraine McGraw says:

    I absolutely love my SL350, I have had her about four months now, she was registered in 04 but she is as sweet as a nut, apart from the “clanking” in the petrol tank from the baffles that has come loose, which is a known fault on this years car and which I have got to have repaired, but this is still in dispute with MB. This is also not a problem if I keep her topped up with petrol! I am looking forward o many years happy motoring in her!

  3. Avatar for KEN MCCRACKEN KEN MCCRACKEN says:

    I have just bought a SL350 on a 2004 plate I love the car the shape and the interior, the only issue and it is not a big one is the ride it pick up every lump and bump on the road the car got 18inch rims on it and the tyre wear is a bit low. so I think just a set of new tyres and balancing may fix the problem. or does any one know of something else.

    ken

  4. Avatar for Mike Mike says:

    I have a 2011SL63 AMG & what a car!! Unbelievable performance, stunning looks & impeccable reliability & build quality. Only downside is rather high fuel consumption. If you get the chance just buy one- you won’t be disappointed.

  5. Avatar for John Ashdown John Ashdown says:

    I have an SL350 with the 7 speed G-Tronic gear box and can confirm that it is a superb car to drive whether fast or more sedately. The build quality of the 2006
    on cars is hard to fault and totally reliable, areal steel at today’s prices for one that has been well looked after.

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