2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
Price Range: $43,998 - $68,990





+176
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz SL has been on sale since the 2013 model year. That's a long time, but Mercedes' consistent updates have kept it from growing overly stale. It's not the fastest or most athletic convertible around, but it is comfortable and practical thanks to a smooth ride, excellent seats and a large trunk. If you're looking for a handsome, understated and comfortable convertible, the SL is worth a look.
2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
Pros
- Smooth ride and comfortable seats
- Effortless acceleration
- Folding hardtop still allows for decent cargo space
Cons
- Not as agile as similarly priced luxury convertibles
- Dated technology features
What's new
- A new Grand Edition model debuts
- 2020 likely marks the last year of this SL generation
- Part of the sixth SL generation that was introduced in 2013
Overview

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class continues the lineage of one of the most iconic touring roadsters ever. It's been eight years since the SL received a full redesign, though, and its age is showing in the face of fresher competitors. To its credit, the SL remains an excellent luxury convertible that delivers high levels of refinement.
For sale near Kearny, NJ
22 listings
- $43,998good price$3,111 below market
- 55,453 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 6cyl automatic
- Stevens Jersey City Ford (3 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Jersey City, NJ
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: W1KJK6GA7LF061157
Stock: UJ4919
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $50,000good price$4,136 below market
- 17,545 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 6cyl automatic
- Avi Auto Sales (78 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Magnolia, NJ
1-Owner Vehicle , Adaptive Cruise Control , Automatic Parking , Back-up Camera Blind Spot Monitor , Bluetooth Connection , CD Changer , Climate...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDDJK6GA9LF058728
Stock: WDDJK6GA9LF058728
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 12-11-2024
Inside, the SL is very much a last-generation Mercedes, lacking the latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system and maintaining the dated interior design. It's a functional cockpit, no doubt, but it's missing a lot of the latest tech features and the visual sophistication of current stablemates. If you don't need the latest and greatest features, though, this SL still has the comfort and performance you'd expect.
There are strong rumors that this may be the last year for this Mercedes-Benz SL generation since some poorly disguised test mules have been spotted in Europe. If that's the case, you may want to wait and see what the next SL has in store for us. Otherwise, the newer rivals from BMW and Porsche should easily satisfy.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
How does the SL-Class drive? We tested the SL 550. Its turbocharged V8 delivers plenty of easy low-end torque. In testing, the SL 550 covered 0-60 mph in an impressive 4.4 seconds. That's not as quick as some rivals, but it doesn't feel any slower on the street.
Driving in the city or passing on the highway feels effortless. Just dip your right foot a little and the SL's V8 emits a warm burble as you're thrust forward with an almost effortless grace. The transmission shifts smoothly and always seems to be in the right gear. And, hey, if you want to make a show of it, the SL is more than willing to light up the rear tires.
Around turns, the SL is capable but feels softer and more imprecise than other sports cars, including the Mercedes-AMG GT. It trades that extra performance for more on-road comfort.
Driving in the city or passing on the highway feels effortless. Just dip your right foot a little and the SL's V8 emits a warm burble as you're thrust forward with an almost effortless grace. The transmission shifts smoothly and always seems to be in the right gear. And, hey, if you want to make a show of it, the SL is more than willing to light up the rear tires.
Around turns, the SL is capable but feels softer and more imprecise than other sports cars, including the Mercedes-AMG GT. It trades that extra performance for more on-road comfort.
Comfort
9/10
How comfortable is the SL-Class? The SL's ride quality is excellent. You feel the road surface, but it's well damped and never harsh. The seats help too. The shape is excellent, striking a great balance between comfort and support. Heated, ventilated and massaging seats are standard, and all three work well. There's even a trick setting you can turn on that automatically increases the thickness of the side bolsters during cornering to help keep you from sliding around in the seat.
The climate control works well too. It runs on the cool side, though that's better than not blowing cold enough. The vents are well placed for even air distribution, and the standard Airscarf (a warm-air vent just underneath the headrest) keeps your neck toasty when the top's down. The SL is fairly quiet on the road too, though it's not as quiet as we expect from a convertible with a retractable hardtop.
The climate control works well too. It runs on the cool side, though that's better than not blowing cold enough. The vents are well placed for even air distribution, and the standard Airscarf (a warm-air vent just underneath the headrest) keeps your neck toasty when the top's down. The SL is fairly quiet on the road too, though it's not as quiet as we expect from a convertible with a retractable hardtop.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The current SL debuted in 2013, making it one of the oldest vehicles in Mercedes' portfolio. That's not to say it feels totally dated, just from a different era. The SL uses Mercedes' old control system, including the outgoing COMAND infotainment system. Though functions such as seat adjustments for lumbar and bolstering are linked to the system, there are buttons for almost all radio and climate control settings — a plus since we find physical controls easier to use.
Despite its low-slung design, the SL is relatively spacious inside. The cabin is wide and offers a good amount of head and elbow room. It's easy to find a comfortable driving position without much fussing. The low-placed windows mean visibility isn't an issue. The SL's rear window is larger than those on most other convertibles too.
Despite its low-slung design, the SL is relatively spacious inside. The cabin is wide and offers a good amount of head and elbow room. It's easy to find a comfortable driving position without much fussing. The low-placed windows mean visibility isn't an issue. The SL's rear window is larger than those on most other convertibles too.
Technology
7/10
How’s the tech? This is where the SL really shows its age. It uses last-generation Mercedes-Benz tech, including the infotainment and navigation system. Both lack the features and refinement you'll find in more modern systems, including those in the competition. The SL does come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, but the lack of a touchscreen means they're not as easy to use. We also found the sound quality of the Harman Kardon audio system to be subpar compared to systems in other cars at this price point.
The SL is available with plenty of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Most are not included as standard equipment, and, as with the infotainment, they don't feel as refined as the aids in new models.
The SL is available with plenty of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Most are not included as standard equipment, and, as with the infotainment, they don't feel as refined as the aids in new models.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? With the top up, the SL's 13.5-cubic-foot trunk is larger than almost anything else in the class. It drops to 8.5 cubic feet with the hardtop lowered, but that's still twice the space of the Lexus LC convertible. The trunk is wide enough for a golf bag and deep enough to fit small luggage.
In the cabin, there's a shelf behind the seat that's good for a couple of soft bags and a hidden bin that's perfect for a purse. The center console and door pockets aren't massive, but they're large enough to be useful for sunglasses or other small items. There's no ideal location to put a smartphone, however.
In the cabin, there's a shelf behind the seat that's good for a couple of soft bags and a hidden bin that's perfect for a purse. The center console and door pockets aren't massive, but they're large enough to be useful for sunglasses or other small items. There's no ideal location to put a smartphone, however.
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? The SL is available with two engines. The SL 450 uses a turbocharged V6 that gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined. Go with the V8-powered SL 550 and the estimate drops to 20 mpg combined. That's actually pretty good for a V8-powered luxury convertible. We observed an impressive 26.1 mpg from our SL 500 test car on our 115-mile test route.
Value
7.5/10
Is the SL-Class a good value? The SL doesn't feel cheap or overly dated even though it's one of the oldest vehicles in Mercedes' lineup. Some of the buttons and knobs don't have the same premium feel as the ones in newer Mercedes models, but the soft leather and handsome wood trim that adorn nearly every surface make it easy to forgive some of that dated switchgear. Value is decent as the SL 550 includes features such as heated, ventilated and massaging seats, LED lighting, and keyless entry and ignition as standard equipment.
The SL includes a four-year/50,000-mile basic, drivetrain and rust warranty, which is pretty standard for the class. And while we like that Mercedes also includes four years/50,000 miles of roadside assistance, some automakers now include scheduled maintenance.
The SL includes a four-year/50,000-mile basic, drivetrain and rust warranty, which is pretty standard for the class. And while we like that Mercedes also includes four years/50,000 miles of roadside assistance, some automakers now include scheduled maintenance.
Wildcard
8/10
If you're aiming to stand out or turn heads, you may want to look elsewhere. That's not to say the SL is boring or bland. We like the understated design, and it's handsome without being flashy. Sure, it's been on sale for so long that it doesn't catch your eye like it used to, but it doesn't seem dated either. The exhaust note is killer too, but even that is relatively tame.
The SL is enjoyable to drive, but there are faster and more athletic cars at this price. Where the SL really shines is day-to-day driving or long highway cruises. It's comfortable for hours behind the wheel, and the fat torque curve means giggle-inducing acceleration only takes a small push from your right foot.
The SL is enjoyable to drive, but there are faster and more athletic cars at this price. Where the SL really shines is day-to-day driving or long highway cruises. It's comfortable for hours behind the wheel, and the fat torque curve means giggle-inducing acceleration only takes a small push from your right foot.
2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim level differences
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL is a two-seat convertible with a power-folding hardtop that's available in three trim levels based on engine size and output. The base SL 450 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (362 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) and sends power to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The SL 550 ups the power with a turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 (449 hp, 516 lb-ft).
Which SL-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?
As competent as the base SL 450 may be, we recommend stepping up to the V8-powered SL 550 for the full luxury touring experience. It has the right amount of effortless power with a more accessible price than the AMG model. It also has a much more comfortable ride quality. To that, we'd add the Driver Assistance package for more advanced safety features.
Compare 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in New Jersey
$209/mo for SL-Class SL 450
SL-Class SL 450
vs
$162/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #20 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average
#20 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$703/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
1.42x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
17.8%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
3 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 22V365000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022060005
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 234918
- Defect Description:
- 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 details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
- Defect Consequence:
- A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060005.
- Recall Number:
- 21V961000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022030003
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 139
- Defect Description:
- 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 manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
- Defect Consequence:
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
- Recall Number:
- 21V058000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2021020025
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1292258
- Defect Description:
- 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 model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
- Defect Consequence:
- Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 6, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Hard decision was the right decision
5 out of 5 starsjn.meyer@hotmail.com, 09/23/2016
2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
There are lots of choices in today's marketplace for the person wanting a two seat sports roadster. I ordered my SL 450 on the day that the dealer was allowed to enter orders for the 2017 model year. The homework prior to selecting the SL 450 was many months of soul searching for the right car, and in the end my list of wants played a role in my final selection. I nixed many models and … brands because of over budget price and worthiness to be classified as a luxury roadster. My final decision was made on a budgeted amount I was willing to spend, overall styling, interior comfort, entry/exit, technology features, available options, ride quality, how well the engine was matched to the transmission, safety features, trunk space, outward visibility, and industry magazine articles. I have owned 1981 and 2001 Corvette's so I had that American experience behind me and fulfilled that past teenage desire to someday own a Corvette. As part of my research, I also considered and drove the Corvette Z51, the Jaguar F-Type, the Porsche Cayman S, and the Audi TT. They all had entry/exit issues and trunk space issues, and only the Corvette passed the interior comfort, technology, and ride quality test. The final decision became easy because the Sl 450 met my expectations in a luxury Roadster based on the 2016 model year, and automotive journal comments about the 2017 which I found to be accurate. The motor transmission match-up is an absolute joy, and the motor has plenty of torque to make the driver feel that he/she is not being held back by torque lag. I bought the Brilliant Blue, with the Designo Sand interior and Black Ash Trim, and it is a beautiful classic look. It has every option except for the Automatic Body Control and the Upgrade Sound System. The improvements over the 2016 SL 400 made it easy to wait for the 2017 model year. If you want a car that gets lots of looks and thumbs-up, this car pretty much does that. There is enough trunk space with the top closed to satisfy a week trip worth of luggage. With the top down, and the windows/wind screen up, you can easily carry on a conversation at interstate speeds. I own a GL 550, so moving from one to the other is very easy because the controls are very similar. I had concerns about the small video screen, but it has not been an issue. The only thing I had issues with was learning how to pre-set stations for the radio, its awkward and more complicated than it should be, but great to use once the up-to 100 pre-sets are programmed. I would not spend the additional $20,000.00 for the SL 550 unless you have a personal need to have that emblem on your car. The more I drive this car, the more I want to drive this car.
Truly Superb
5 out of 5 starsDR. AMDG, 05/09/2020
2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 63 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
I traded a really nice SL550 for an SL63 AMG. Really enjoyed the SL550, but the SL63 is simply in a different league. Comfortable ride and luxury appointments still remain, but the AMG magic transforms this already stellar platform into something incredible. Too many superlatives to list, but suffice it to say that the SL63 AMG may be one of the best cars ever made. Frightening power … (at any speed), a magnificent interior, refinement to a fault, and German/Mercedes/AMG (over)engineering are integral parts of this outrageous auto.
And...664 lb/ft of torque!!! (from the BIG V8 Biturbo)
Drink the AMG Kool-Aid!
PURE SUBLIME ELEGANCE
5 out of 5 starsMatt, 05/02/2019
2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 550 2dr Convertible (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
This is my dream car. I love that its fast as lightning , beautiful to look at and the way it handles, but does it all in an effortless, professional way. It is so packed with luxury but is still a masculine car. do we really like to get punished in a Porsche just because we want to drive in a sports car? Maybe getting soft in my 40's but I like a quiet, smooth, UN-jarring ride mixed … with massive power and agility. I'm not competing on a race track. anyone saying this SL is anything less than totally sophisticated understated and beautiful is maybe upset that they don't own it.
Update: excellent reliability still just as beautiful as the day I bought it.
Live in your car, love what you drive!!!
5 out of 5 starsFlo Bullock, 12/01/2019
2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 400 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A)
Best car I have ever owned. It's solid, feels super safe. It' a fun drive! The trunk is deceiving. It fits more than you can imagine. Haven't had any problems with it other than a couple of minor things that were covered. It's almost 5 years old.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the SL-Class since its last redesign.
2020 SL-Class Highlights
SL 450
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $91,000 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $209/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the SL-Class models:
- Magic Vision Control
- Keeps the windshield clean by spraying water directly from the wiper, minimizing overspray and maximizing windshield-washer fluid coverage.
- Attention Assist
- Warns you if the car detects irregular driving behavior, such as erratic steering inputs, commonly caused by drowsy driving.
- Pop-Up Roll Bars
- Detects an impending rollover and deploys a pair of roll bars behind the occupants' heads, helping minimize injury.
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