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Mercedes-Benz SL 2013–2020 (R231)

Mercedes-Benz SL
Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Price
$84,925–$113,000
MPG
23
  • Strength: Strong comfort
  • Watch-out: Poor running costs
  • Watch-out: Poor passenger space
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How it scores for you10 scores
A hardtop-convertible grand tourer that pampers two in genuine luxury, but fuel, upkeep, and folding-roof complexity make it a costly indulgence to keep.
Reliability54

Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years (over-the-air software recalls count half); 2 of its 9 recalls were serious. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -5 points for its wider reputation.

Safety50

Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.

Running costs14

About $3,500 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 14% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility60

13.5 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 60% of other coupes we track.

Passenger space25

Strictly two seats; decent trunk for a roadster at 13.5 cu ft roof-up but cabin storage is modest.

Driving fun62

A swift, secure boulevard grand tourer; AMG V8/V12 versions thrill in a straight line more than in corners.

Tech55

COMAND and Magic Sky roof were plush at launch but the interface lagged badly by 2020.

Comfort75

Folding hardtop, Airscarf, and a supple ride make it a genuine all-season luxury convertible.

Value retention40

Luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz tend to lose value faster than average.

Capability0

No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.

Safety & recalls15 recalls

Not yet rated by NHTSA.

15 recalls across 2015–2020

  • Recall — Communication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software (2020)
  • Recall — Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail; fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors (2020)
  • Recall — Communication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software (2020)

2020

  • RecallCommunication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software21V058000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle mod

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail; fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors21V961000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the

  • RecallCommunication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software22V365000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model de

2019

  • RecallAirbags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module19V571000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 SL65 AMG, 2019 SL63 AMG and 2018-2019 SL450 and SL550 vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been improperly sewn, allowing the seam to tear during deployment.

  • RecallPowertrain: axle assembly19V768000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 SL450, SL63 AMG, and SL550 vehicles. Over time, the bolt connection at the front-left mounting point on the rear axle carrier casting may fail, possibly affecting the vehicle's handling.

  • RecallCommunication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software21V058000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle mod

  • RecallCommunication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software22V365000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model de

2018

  • RecallAirbags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module19V571000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 SL65 AMG, 2019 SL63 AMG and 2018-2019 SL450 and SL550 vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been improperly sewn, allowing the seam to tear during deployment.

  • RecallCommunication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software21V058000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle mod

2017

  • RecallAirbags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive; electrical system: software17V177000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350

  • RecallCommunication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software21V058000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle mod

2016

  • RecallCommunication19V787000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models

2015

  • RecallExterior lighting: headlights16V439000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 SLK300, SLK350, SL400, SL550, and SL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from June 29, 2015, through July 13, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with low-beam headlights that may have been aimed incorrectly during vehicle production.

  • RecallSteering: electric power assist system16V899000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The a

  • RecallCommunication19V787000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models

Cost to own$48,000 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$84,925–$113,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2020$53,200–$62,400
2019$47,000–$55,200
2018$41,400–$48,600
2017$36,400–$42,700
2016$31,900–$37,400
2015$27,800–$32,600

$3,500/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $84,925–$113,000
Efficiency23 MPG
Seats2
DrivetrainRWD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

20

Highway MPG

27

Combined MPG

23

Horsepower

621 hp

Doors

2

Cargo volume

13.5 cu ft

Limited data — dimensions unavailable.

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