DuelsLeaderboardGarageBlogCarsGlossaryBrowse

Mercedes-Benz SL

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SL: Mercedes-Benz roadster lineage. Multiple generations dating to 1950s. Current R232 Mercedes-AMG SL with twin-t
Photo: Alexander-93 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Mercedes-Benz roadster lineage. Multiple generations dating to 1950s. Current R232 Mercedes-AMG SL with twin-turbo V8 making 577 horsepower.

The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury roadster lineage dating to the 1950s. Multiple generations have refined the formula. The current R232 SL (2022+) is technically the AMG SL, with Mercedes-AMG twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 making 469-577 horsepower depending on variant. Earlier SL generations include R107 (1971-1989, classic), R129 (1990-2002, R129 SL55 AMG with supercharged V8), R230 (2002-2011, R230 SL55 AMG with supercharged V8 making 510 horsepower), R231 (2012-2020, twin-turbo V8 SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG with V12), and current R232 (2022+). The R107 SL (1971-1989) is the classic SL. The R230 SL55 AMG with the supercharged 5.4L V8 is widely considered the connoisseur enthusiast SL. The current R232 represents Mercedes-AMG modern interpretation of the SL roadster. On WhipJury, SL submissions are common, particularly classic R107s and modified SL examples.

SL generations

R107 (1971-1989). Classic SL.

R129 (1990-2002). Refined.

R230 (2002-2011). SL55 AMG supercharged V8, 510 horsepower.

R231 (2012-2020). Twin-turbo V8 SL63 AMG, V12 SL65 AMG.

R232 (2022+). Current. Mercedes-AMG SL with twin-turbo V8 469-577 horsepower.

Frequently asked questions about Mercedes-Benz SL

Which SL generation is best?
Subjective. R107 (1971-1989) is the classic. R230 SL55 AMG (2002-2008) is the connoisseur enthusiast pick (supercharged V8). Current R232 is more refined and faster but loses some classic SL character. Each generation has devoted following.
How much does an SL cost?
Used pricing varies. R107 SL: $15,000-$70,000+ depending on year and condition. R129 SL: $10,000-$30,000. R230 SL55 AMG: $20,000-$45,000+. R231 SL63 AMG: $50,000-$100,000+. New 2024 SL starts around $114,000+.
Why are R107 SLs so popular?
Long production run (18 years) means lots of cars survived. Classic Mercedes design that has aged well. Reliable mechanical layout. Affordable used. The R107 is one of the most accessible classic Mercedes.
Are SLs reliable?
Mixed depending on year. R107 is generally robust. R129 has air suspension and various electrical issues at higher mileage. R230 SL55 AMG had supercharger nose drive bearing wear. Modern SLs have been generally reliable.
What is the difference between SL55 AMG and SL63 AMG?
Different generations and engines. SL55 AMG (R230, 2002-2008) used supercharged 5.4L V8 making 493-510 horsepower. SL63 AMG (R231, 2012-2020) used twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 making 537-585 horsepower. Both are AMG performance variants of their respective SL generations.

More on the Mercedes-Benz SL

What Does EDM Mean? (European Domestic Market, Explained)
What Does EDM Mean? (European Domestic Market, Explained)

EDM stands for European Domestic Market: vehicles, parts, and styling built for sale in Europe, to European regulations. It is the European cousin of JDM and USDM, and the differences (engines, transmissions, lighting, and models we never got) are exactly why enthusiasts chase EDM cars.

What Is a Sleeper Car and Why Do People Build Them?
What Is a Sleeper Car and Why Do People Build Them?

A sleeper is a car with serious performance hiding under a completely unremarkable exterior. The classic formula is an economy car, family sedan, wagon, or even a minivan built to embarrass sports cars while looking like it is on its way to a dentist appointment. The whole point is that nothing warns you.

What Are the Dates for the 2027 New York Auto Show?
What Are the Dates for the 2027 New York Auto Show?

The 2027 New York International Auto Show is expected to take place in late March to early April 2027 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. Based on ticketing listings currently available, the show opens March 30, 2027. Official confirmed public dates from the NYIAS organization have not yet been announced as of mid-2026, but the show follows a consistent annual schedule that makes the window predictable...

Other Mercedes-Benz models

190E190E Cosworth300SLA-ClassAMG GTAMG ONEC-ClassCLACLKCLSE-ClassEQA
More Mercedes-Benz models