The latest SL is more enjoyable to drive than ever thanks to quick acceleration and a well-tuned suspension that's neither too firm nor overly soft. The interior is comfortable and well appointed, though we found some of the in-car tech to be cumbersome. Storage is limited too.Read full review
Mercedes-Benz's most prestigious convertible and longtime status symbol, the drop-top SL was redesigned two years ago and heads into 2024 without much changing. The latest SL features a back seat, a power-operated soft top (it takes up less trunk space than the old folding hardtop) and a base turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That four-cylinder is stout but we're pleased that you can still get a V8 to better complement the car's status as a flagship luxury convertible. Although all SL versions are now sold under the banner of Mercedes' performance subsidiary and branded as Mercedes-AMGs, the car still prioritizes the comfort and luxury that have made it an icon.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Reese Counts
Great
8.1
out of 10
We drove the 2024 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
8.5/10
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.
Comfort
9/10
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.
Interior
7.5/10
View interior photos
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.
Technology
9/10
How’s the tech? The SL's navigation system is impressive. The large screen allows for a big, easy-to-read map. Turn-by-turn directions are easy to input and straightforward to use. You can use voice commands to do things like input addresses or search for gas stations, and the system is robust enough to understand you even with the top down. If you prefer to use your smartphone, the SL includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are four USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. That's more than you'll find in most other convertibles. The audio system, too, is among the best you'll find in a drop-top.
The SL is available with a wide array of driver aids, from adaptive cruise control to augmented reality displays for the navigation system. The aids mostly worked well in our testing. The adaptive cruise control maintained a consistent gap between it and the car in front, and it adjusted speed smoothly. Our only major complaint was the slightly overeager frontal collision warning system.
Storage
6.5/10
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.
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The AMG SL 63, which is what we tested, gets an EPA estimate of 16 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This is an average number for a high-powered luxury convertible.
Value
7.5/10
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.
Wildcard
8.5/10
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.
This 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG® 4MATIC® in Black represents the pinnacle of luxury convertible engineering, combining open-air driving with sophist...
Deals & Buying Tips for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for October
If you're considering the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, here are some helpful buying and negotiating tips to consider:
Buyers are typically paying around 12% less than the sticker price for the SL-Class, saving approximately $18,222. The AMG SL 43 trim offers the highest savings of about $15,546 off the MSRP.
New SL-Class cars are averaging over 638 days on dealer lots, which is much slower than usual, potentially giving you more leverage to negotiate a lower price.
There are 7 new and 38 used SL-Class models available nationwide. The high inventory of used models provides you with more negotiating power for pre-owned options.
If you're looking for a used SL-Class, prices start as low as $83,510, which provides a budget-friendly entry point into this luxury vehicle.
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2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim level differences
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury convertible available in three trims: AMG SL 43,AMG SL 55 and AMG SL 63. The entry-level AMG SL 43 packs a turbocharged four-cylinder making 375 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The AMG SL 55 is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with 469 hp and 516 lb-ft, while the AMG SL 63 tweaks the same engine to increase output to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft. A nine-speed automatic is the only available transmission. The SL 43 is rear-wheel-drive and the SL 55 and SL 63 are all-wheel-drive. Major standard and optional features on each trim are outlined below. Compare the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim levels in-depth.
Which SL-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?
We're not ready to accept a turbocharged four-cylinder in a car like this — but good on you if you are. You'll save a boatload of money. We'd pick the AMG SL 55.In addition to a substantial boost in power, it has standard all-wheel drive for quicker acceleration and additional stability in inclement weather. See? It's a rational decision, not an emotional one. Then we'd add the Driver Assistance package for its adaptive cruise control and additional safety systems.
Competitors to consider
Porsche's 911 convertible is a prime option that comes to mind. But even in its most relaxed form, the 911 is still a sports car at heart. It's sportier and more engaging to drive than the SL but does so at the expense of comfort. We also recommend checking out BMW's 8 Series (and related M8). It has a similar lineup of engines and has the added benefit of a more usable back seat.
Edmunds spotlight: Taking a back seat
The seventh-generation SL has a rear seat, but the size of that seat raises the question: Why would Mercedes bother? It's tight enough back there that the only people who will fit comfortably are likely to be small and young enough that they'll need to be in a child seat. And while there are anchors back there for a child safety seat, they're useless without enough room to fit said seat. Think of this area as bonus storage space and you'll be a lot happier.
Overall, owner sentiment is mixed. Many owners love the car’s beautiful looks, strong power, comfy seats, and fun drive. But several owners report fast battery drain, noisy trim, and other tech problems that can make the car frustrating. A few also said dealer help was slow or disappointing.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
Traded in a C7 Z06 for a new 2022 SL55 AMG.
The issues with the car started within 1000 miles.
First the top would stop half way.
Next the trunk would open by itself at highway speed.
The dash rattles.
The monitor then went to just a fuzzy screen so none of the multitude of systems control within the multimedia system were able to be controlled.
Next the 4 wheel steering faulted at … highest speed.
Next the ABS and traction control faulted not allowing the car to be driven over 55 mph.
Next the automatic braking system faulted and activated at 25 mph.
Next the GPS system stopped functioning completely.
Next all of the cameras on the car became unavailable.
The dealer tried resetting the computer for the 6th time. While doing so a loud pop came from within the dash. The service tech looked at me and sais...what was that. I guess he forgot I wasn't the tech.
The dealer told me that once again the car was fixed. I asked if they would trust this car as being safe enough for their wife to drive. They said they could answer yes to that.
If that's the case, why should I ever drive this car or let anyone else drive it?
The car is unsafe and Mercedes has been horrible to deal with. I have yet to even have a call returned.
The dealer is also frustrated and told me these cars were released too soon.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, so we've included review for other years of the SL-Class since its last redesign.
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NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, but since the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #20 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars.
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
Frequency
1.42x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
17.8%
vs. 14.7% for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
2 recalls found
Checking 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:
25V255000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
2025050003
Manufactured from:
2023-02-14 to 2023-10-03
Number of vehicles affected:
443
Defect Description:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, EQE SUV, EQE, EQS SUV, and EQS vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under recall 24V-115. An incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed.
Defect Consequence:
An incorrect fuse box can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025050003/4.
Recall Number:
24V115000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
2024030008
Number of vehicles affected:
31848
Defect Description:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles. The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.
Defect Consequence:
An 80-Amp fuse that fails can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024030008.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 SL-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 SL-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 11 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the SL-Class ranges from 3.9 to 7.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
The SL is unchanged for 2024
Part of the seventh SL generation introduced for 2022
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the SL-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the SL-Class's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 SL-Class and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 SL-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 11 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 SL-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
The least-expensive 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 43 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $111,800.
Other versions include:
AMG SL 43 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $111,800
AMG SL 55 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $144,500
AMG SL 63 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $187,000
AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A) which starts at $207,000
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the next question is, which SL-Class model is right for you? SL-Class variants include AMG SL 43 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), AMG SL 55 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A), AMG SL 63 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A), and AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A). For a full list of SL-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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