2016 Mercedes-Benz SL550

Pros: Impeccable fit and finish with top-notch materials; impressive performance in the best grand-touring-car tradition; fantastic standard and available luxury equipment, including impressive stereo systems

Cons: Incredibly expensive; SL’s size and heft mean it is not as agile as other two-seat sporty roadsters; stop/start function is not as smooth and seamless as it could be

CG Says: For 2016, a Special Edition Mille Miglia 417 is available for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Based on the SL550 version, this special appearance package commemorates the 300SL victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia long-distance race. The SL550’s turbocharged V8 gains 20 horsepower for a total of 449. The horsepower of the topline SL65 AMG’s turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 remains 621. From Hollywood to Wall Street, the SL is a vehicle for those who have made it and want to show it. The SL is larger than the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. SL has a power-retractable hard top. Its rivals include the BMW 6-Series, Jaguar F-Type, and Porsche 911. As ever, the SL-Class is stylish, amazingly finished, and enjoyable to drive. A few highlights of its many technological features are the “Magic Sky Control” adjustable-tint fixed sunroof, “Airscarf” neck-level heater, and sophisticated “Active Body Control” adjustable suspension. SL’s prices are formidable, but they reflect a genuine premium luxury character; this is one of the most regal two-seat roadsters available.

The Facts
Class Premium Sporty/Performance Car
Body Style(s) 2-door convertible
Passenger Count 2
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Nation of Manufacture Germany
Base Prices SL400: $85,050
SL550: $108,050
SL63 AMG: $149,700
SL65 AMG: $217,550

Base Engine
turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
Horsepower
329
Std. Transmission
7-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
20
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
27

Optional Engine
turbocharged 4.7-liter V8
Horsepower
449
Std. Transmission
7-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
16
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
24

Optional Engine
turbocharged 5.5-liter V8
Horsepower
557
Std. Transmission
7-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
16
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
25

MY2013 SL63 AMG (Obsidian Black with red seats)
2016 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
2016 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
Share this: