Used 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews
Liked It So Much, We Bought It!
After owning/leasing 2 V8 SLs and 1 AMG SLK we stepped "down" to the new SL450 Twin Turbo V6. Not quite up to V8 performance levels but, surprisingly, close! According to Car & Driver's instrumented tests, and in contrast to Mercedes' typical conservative performance estimates, they say this car turns 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and breaks 107 MPH in the standing quarter mile. And, we don't doubt those stats for a minute! This car out handles our previous SLs and the AMG, and is amazingly close in virtually all other regards. We do miss the sound of the V8 engines, however, equipped with exactly the same options (the V8 excepted) our new 450 $tickered over $18,400 under the SL. And for that kind of savings, I'll sacrifice the V8 rumble for the nor-quite-as-exciting, V6 burbble. So far, we're delighted with our choice!
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
Luxury and performance
SL550 is a blend of luxury and performance in one vehicle. I’ve had Mercedes AMG’s and they have performance handling, and lots of features but the ride was punishing even in the “comfort” mode. The SL550 offers all the performance that could ever be safely used but with good ride quality and very acceptable handling. This is what I would consider a specialty vehicle and probably not what you would want for your only means of transportation. At the end of the day, this is a two seat roadster with limited storage. I get upset with people who review a vehicle like this, then complain the trunk space is limited. Well if you want to carry 5 suitcases, buy an SUV. There are tons of features such as massaging seats, radar controlled cruise control, various audio functions, driving lane departure warnings with automatic brake and steering correction etc. All of these features work very well but it’s not always easy or straightforward to setup and/or program them. Once you’ve set everything to your individual preferences, remembering how to modify them in the future is a challenge. Ride is smooth and cornering is also very nice. With about 450 hp power is more than adequate. Sound system is also adequate but limited in quantity. I believe that the limited size of the interior does not allow for a dozen or more speakers with their versatility as you would find in a sedan or SUV. Interior is very comfortable and well laid out with limitless adjustability in seat positioning steering wheel position etc. Some are critical of outside design but that’s a matter of taste and in my opinion, a vehicle of the nature should be more elegant and subdued like this one. If you buy new, be prepared for a steep depreciation curve. There are plenty of low mileage used vehicles to choose from if you’re patient and take your time if you choose that path. I write this review as someone who enjoys comfort, lots of convenience features, power and handling in normal everyday driving not as someone who drives aggressively or races on weekends. Also as I previously mentioned, vehicles are built for a specific use and purpose. They should be reviewed with that criteria in mind. Don’t buy a heavy duty truck for hauling and complain it rides rough.
- SL 450 ConvertibleMSRP: $41,977321 mi away
- SL 450 ConvertibleMSRP: $37,599328 mi away
- SL 450 ConvertibleMSRP: $47,995359 mi away
Ultimate everything
Having owned a SL550 and SL63 in the past, there is no comparison to the 2017 SL65. I saw this car in early 2016 while attending an AMG Driving School and it was parked in the Pit Garage and I though it the best looking car made by Mercedes. Problem, it was $235,000. Jump ahead to 2019 and I was able to purchase the same car for less than half the price new. With 18,000 miles and serviced regularly by Mercedes this car is exceptional. The vehicle looks brand new and runs with no problems detected. The ride is a tad stiff, but who cares when you step on the gas the back tires will smoke them if not careful. Extended warranties other than Mercedes are available and I would not own one without one. They are a rarity. The transmission is so smooth that you don't feel the up or down shift, but you can hear the engine pitch change or watch the AMG Instrument cluster as it reads out the gears as they change. Five star for sure.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Everything's Great Except the Steering's Feel
Beautifully crafted for sure... can't say enough good things about it. However, the electric steering really takes away my feel for the road in this 2014 SL550 version. Actually my other SL (R129 platform 1995 SL500, with the M119 Engine), is probably the nicest driving Roadster ever crafted by Mercedes.... and the body lines are much more pleasing to a discerning eye. The loss of the hydraulic steering, coupled with the ABC (Automatic Body Control) may make the ride of the 2014 more "opulent" but, if you enjoy the feel of the road, especially through the corners, the 2014 leaves a fair bit to be desired.
Perfectly Balanced Convertible Super Car
Mercedes got it so right. Excellent ride, prodigious power, and unmatched comfort.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value