Mercedes-Benz SL

2017–2020 model years · Generation introduced 2012

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2020 Mercedes-Benz SL
2020 model shown · Source: Consumer Reports
Available years
2017–2020
Yearly records
4
Reported market values
$31,350–$44,575

The overview

This generation brought a significantly revised car, one that is wider, longer and fitted with a host of high-tech safety features. While we appreciate the outstanding fit, finish and creature comforts, the look of this version of the SL leaves us somewhat cold. The previous design looks much better. With that said, exceptionally powerful turbocharged V8 and V12 engines are offered, along with an adjustable-opacity feature for the folding hardtop. Practically every known electronic driver's assistance safety feature is also available. Ride quality and handling are unsurpassed, with the SL performing like a much smaller and lighter sports car when called upon to do so, while providing outstanding smoothness and ride comfort when it is required.

Generation summary from Consumer Reports. Year-specific figures appear below; missing values mean unavailable, not zero.

Compare the years

Each row keeps its own source data.

Mercedes-Benz SLmodel year comparison
Model year Market value Reliability Owner rating EPA combined
2020 ↗ SL550 convertible Rear 4.7-liter V8 (449 hp) turbo (Premium Gasoline) Automatic 9-speed $44,575 Not rated Not rated 20 MPG
2019 ↗ SL550 convertible Rear 4.7-liter V8 (449 hp) turbo (Premium Gasoline) Automatic 9-speed $41,500 Not rated Not rated 20 MPG
2018 ↗ SL550 convertible Rear 4.7-liter V8 (449 hp) turbo (Premium Gasoline) Automatic 9-speed $35,100 Not rated Not rated 20 MPG
2017 ↗ SL550 convertible Rear 4.7-liter V8 (449 hp) turbo (Premium Gasoline) Automatic 9-speed $31,350 Not rated Not rated 20 MPG

Values depend on trim and condition. Ratings are source-reported; road-test results may describe a tested configuration.

Year by year

2020 model

SL550 convertible Rear 4.7-liter V8 (449 hp) turbo (Premium Gasoline) Automatic 9-speed · Conventional · Used

Find 2020 listings ↗
2020 Mercedes-Benz SL
2020 source image
Model year 2020
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated September 11, 2026

Specifications

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
convertible
Drive type
RWD
Transmission
Automatic
Category
Sports cars 4/5-seat
Generation began
2012

Pricing

Current retail median
$44,575
Retail value range
$39,450 - $49,700
Original MSRP range
$91,000 - $114,700
Trade-in range
$35,675 - $45,000

Fuel economy

EPA city
17 MPG
EPA highway
25 MPG
EPA combined
20 MPG

Road tests

Test status
Not Tested

Dimensions

Length
182 in
Width
74 in
Height
51 in
Wheelbase
102 in
Weight
3,960 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
2 people

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
3/10
Greenhouse gas score
4/10
SmartWay
No

Vehicle ID: 14464 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

2019 model

SL550 convertible Rear 4.7-liter V8 (449 hp) turbo (Premium Gasoline) Automatic 9-speed · Conventional · Used

Find 2019 listings ↗
2019 Mercedes-Benz SL
2019 source image
Model year 2019
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated September 11, 2026

Specifications

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
convertible
Drive type
RWD
Transmission
Automatic
Category
Sports cars 4/5-seat
Generation began
2012

Pricing

Current retail median
$41,500
Retail value range
$32,900 - $63,650
Original MSRP range
$89,150 - $154,450
Trade-in range
$29,255 - $57,500

Fuel economy

EPA city
17 MPG
EPA highway
25 MPG
EPA combined
20 MPG

Road tests

Test status
Not Tested

Dimensions

Length
182 in
Width
74 in
Height
51 in
Wheelbase
102 in
Weight
3,960 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
2 people

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
3/10
Greenhouse gas score
4/10
SmartWay
No

Vehicle ID: 13312 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

2018 model

SL550 convertible Rear 4.7-liter V8 (449 hp) turbo (Premium Gasoline) Automatic 9-speed · Conventional · Used

Find 2018 listings ↗
2018 Mercedes-Benz SL
2018 source image
Model year 2018
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated September 11, 2026

Specifications

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
convertible
Drive type
RWD
Transmission
Automatic
Category
Sports cars 4/5-seat
Generation began
2012

Pricing

Current retail median
$35,100
Retail value range
$28,850 - $56,700
Original MSRP range
$88,200 - $222,000
Trade-in range
$25,250 - $51,100

Fuel economy

EPA city
17 MPG
EPA highway
25 MPG
EPA combined
20 MPG

Road tests

Test status
Not Tested

Dimensions

Length
182 in
Width
74 in
Height
51 in
Wheelbase
102 in
Weight
3,960 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
2 people

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
1/10
Greenhouse gas score
4/10
SmartWay
No

Vehicle ID: 11964 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

2017 model

SL550 convertible Rear 4.7-liter V8 (449 hp) turbo (Premium Gasoline) Automatic 9-speed · Conventional · Used

Find 2017 listings ↗
2017 Mercedes-Benz SL
2017 source image
Model year 2017
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated September 11, 2026

Specifications

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
convertible
Drive type
RWD
Transmission
Automatic
Category
Sports cars 4/5-seat
Generation began
2012

Pricing

Current retail median
$31,350
Retail value range
$25,925 - $51,475
Original MSRP range
$86,950 - $219,850
Trade-in range
$22,355 - $46,300

Fuel economy

EPA city
17 MPG
EPA highway
25 MPG
EPA combined
20 MPG

Road tests

Test status
Not Tested

Dimensions

Length
182 in
Width
74 in
Height
51 in
Wheelbase
102 in
Weight
3,960 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
2 people

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
5/10
Greenhouse gas score
4/10
SmartWay
No

Vehicle ID: 7611 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

Behind the data

Latest source update: September 11, 2026

Vehicle summaries, specifications, pricing and ratings come from Consumer Reports vehicle records. Auto Guide groups these records by model and reported generation start year.

Available years are listed explicitly. Gaps do not imply that a model was discontinued. Prices are source estimates, not live offers. No first-hand road test by Auto Guide is claimed.