2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

How does the SL-Class drive? We tested the AMG SL 63. At our test track, it blasted from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Mercedes says the less powerful AMG SL 55 is only a few tenths behind that. While that means the SL is not as quick as a top-end Porsche 911 or BMW M8, the SL never feels sluggish or slow. The turbo V8 makes plenty of torque, and the standard all-wheel-drive system means you should have no issue with traction. The car simply blasts out of corners.

The steering is quick but lacks feedback, and the SL exhibits more body roll around corners than the 911 and M8. But the SL's handling capability is appropriate for a luxury-oriented convertible. This platform is plenty rigid, so the lack of a roof doesn't really affect handling.  Adjustable drive modes can stiffen or relax the suspension to improve handling or comfort. The SL is plenty quick and lots of fun on a twisty road.

And it's even better around town. The SL has always been a relaxed car, and the new one doesn't lose that comfortable, easy-to-drive demeanor. The transmission shifts are lightning-quick when you want, but it shifts unobtrusively when you just want to cruise through traffic. The steering lightens up at low speeds, so maneuvering through tight parking lots isn't a problem. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, too, are smooth and provide plenty of stopping power.

How comfortable is the SL-Class? If the SL gets anything right (and it gets quite a few things right), it's striking a great balance between sporty handling and a comfortable day-to-day demeanor. The active suspension can be adjusted based on drive mode, relaxing in the Comfort setting and firming up in the sporty modes. It's never too soft or overly harsh, even on broken pavement. Don't expect S-Class levels of comfort, but few convertibles have such a well-tuned suspension.

The SL's seats are excellent, with adjustability for lumbar and both side and thigh bolstering. Our test car had heating, cooling and massaging functions, plus a small vent on the headrest that will blow warm air on your neck when the top is down should you need it on a chilly day. The climate control system isn't quite as good as the rest of the car. The fans blow hard and the air conditioning is cold, but the touchscreen controls can be slow and somewhat cumbersome to use.

How’s the interior? Mercedes-Benz cars have a reputation for packing some of the best interiors in the business, so we're a bit disappointed in the SL. That's not to say it's a bad place to be. There's plenty of room in the front seat, and the driving position is excellent. The SL's infotainment system is shared with other Mercedes cars. We've found the learning curve to be steep, but that's simply due to the breadth of functionality. All of the controls are easy to see and reach, and the center screen will even tilt to reduce glare when you have the top down.

That screen is great at showing off the surround-view camera's angles, making the SL relatively easy to park. Those cameras are useful as the narrow rear window and high beltline hurt visibility. The rear seat is useless for anything but small children or additional storage, but rivals like the Porsche 911 are no better in this area. What rivals do better is the convertible top. The cloth top is surprisingly quiet and takes up less cargo space than the old SL's folding hardtop, but it's slow to raise or lower. The controls are in the touchscreen rather than a switch. It's also not always clear if the top is raising or lowering. Several steps backward compared to the old car.

How’s the storage? Cargo space is tight in any convertible, and the SL is no exception. The trunk can hold 7.5 cubic feet of stuff with the top down and 8.5 cubes with the top up. That's more than what the Lexus LC and Porsche 911 can hold but less than the BMW M8. On the upside, you can fit just about as much stuff with the SL's top down as up. Storage inside the cabin is a little better. The center console is large enough for sunglasses, a phone and some other small items. The door pockets aren't very big but aren't totally useless either.

We suggest using the rear seat for extra cargo as it's not really meant for passengers. It has Isofix child safety seat anchors, but there's not much space to install a car seat, let alone a kid.

Is the SL-Class a good value? The SL's build quality is top-notch. Fit and finish is excellent, with no issues with panel gaps or strange rattles from the top. Even without a permanent roof, the whole car feels solid and well put together. It looks and feels it, too, especially from inside. The leather is soft and the carbon-fiber trim looks sporty, even if it is the go-to option for performance cars these days. The top SL trims can get pretty expensive, however. BMW, Lexus and Porsche all offer convertibles for less money. Warranty coverage is average for the class.

The SL is a sharp-looking car, especially now that it's switched back to a soft top rather than the last generation's somewhat awkward-looking retractable hardtop. It's long and low, but it doesn't look as flashy as a BMW M8 or Audi R8. The slightly restrained exterior is offset by the stunning interior. The ambient lights and details on the trim give it a real premium feel. And unlike the BMW 8 Series or even the Porsche 911, there's no non-AMG version of the SL.

It doesn't hurt that it's a ton of fun on the road. It's not the sharpest sports car around, but it's not trying to be. Despite the latter's moniker, the SL feels more like a grand tourer than the AMG GT. It's engaging enough on a back road to have some fun, but it's comfortable enough around town to make it worth taking out for a cruise. There are sportier convertibles out there, but the SL strikes a nice balance between comfort and performance.