2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJason KavanaghSenior Vehicle Test Engineer

　　Jason joined zzdcar' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.

　　

What's new

The SL is unchanged for 2019Top AMG SL 65 trim has been droppedPart of the sixth SL generation that was introduced in 2013

　　When it comes to dignified top-down motoring, the Mercedes-Benz SL is an icon. It blends a prodigious technology portfolio with sumptuous luxury like few convertibles can. It's aging but gracefully so, and the 2019 model will likely be the last year of this generation. The current car, however, is still at the top of its game.

　　Despite its seemingly conventional nature, the SL is replete with impressive features. Take its roof, for example. Wind noise and buffeting are minimal with the power-folding roof stowed, and when raised the roof seals out noise like a traditional coupe does. But it's also available with an electronically dimmable overhead glass panel for when you want to split the difference between top-down and top-up driving. Its optional active-bolster seats are gimmicky, but the Airscarf system that emits warm air from beneath the headrests is sublime.

　　Three engine choices give buyers wide latitude in how quickly they want the scenery to blur, and its sophisticated suspension smooths out rough pavement with surprising grace. It's quite capable on a spirited drive, even if its weight and general demeanor suggest otherwise.

　　Despite its speed, the SL has never been the sportiest drop-top out there, and the 2019 model is no different. It is, however, supremely comfortable and capable.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.0 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG (turbo 5.5-liter V8 | 7-speed automatic | RWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2015, the current SL has received some minor revisions. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's model, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.0 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	6.0

　　

Driving

8.5

　　The SL has slightly synthetic handling but is extremely capable. Midcorner bumps don't throw it off too badly. It's equal parts boulevardier and sports car, depending on your whims. Expect mega power, surprising grip, powerful brakes and good manners.

　　

Acceleration

9.0

　　The V8 has tremendous power. It accelerated to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds in our testing. There are vast reserves of thrust at any rpm.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　These carbon-ceramic brakes have terrific stopping power and lots of heat capacity. Modulation is a bit touchy at light pedal pressure when cold. The pedal is firm. Stopping from 60 mph takes 108 feet with very little nosedive or drama.

　　

Steering

7.0

　　The appropriately quick steering develops some feel in harder driving. The buildup of effort is reasonably intuitive. Overall, the steering doesn't draw attention to itself, for better or worse.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　The SL is composed thanks to the Active Body Control system. It is sure-footed on winding roads and has heaps of grip. Even though it's heavy, this car works surprisingly well at speed.

　　

Drivability

8.0

　　Departures from a standstill are graceful every time. Upshifts are smooth, but slowing down can sometimes be jerky due to transmission downshifting. The manual mode could be more responsive.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　It is nearly as comfortable as it is fast, and that's no small feat. Its high level of refinement and versatile seats make this roadster easily capable of long trips. There's more noise originating from the low-profile tires than you might expect.

　　

Seat comfort

8.5

　　The SL has highly configurable seats that offer heating, cooling and massage. They even blow warm air on your neck. Lateral support could be better given this car's grip.

　　

Ride comfort

8.0

　　The ride is not obtrusive, but it is punctuated by tire noise. It's on the appropriately firm side but not harsh, and it doesn't come unglued on rough surfaces.

　　

Noise & vibration

6.0

　　Road noise is this car's black mark. The short-sidewall tires smack loudly against the pavement and can thrum at times, depending on the road texture. The convertible top creaks occasionally. The levels of wind and engine noise are minimal.

　　

Interior

8.0

　　The well-laid-out cabin offers a surprising amount of room as well as very easy entry and exit. The convertible top earns high marks for its quick, quiet and low-effort stowage. It does, however, compromise the cargo area.

　　

Ease of use

7.5

　　The cabin is intuitively laid out. The climate control knobs for temperature are big, while the buttons for other functions are small.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.5

　　A low stepover and a reasonable sill width facilitate graceful entry and exit.

　　

Visibility

7.5

　　There is reasonably good visibility considering the high rear deck and moderately wide rear pillars. The beltline and cowl are not too obtrusive, which facilitates the forward view.

　　

Quality

8.0

　　The interior design is handsome rather than adventurous. Aside from the artistic touches on the seats, the cabin shows restraint. Build quality is outstanding. And although the cabin controls are all parts-bin pieces, they work well.>

　　

Utility

6.0

　　Trunk space is compromised by the stowed roof, but a cargo separator automatically deploys when dropping the top in order to define luggage space from roof storage space. With the roof raised, the SL provides a large trunk and there's enough cabin storage to be practical. The bonus space behind the seats helps a lot.

　　

Technology

　　Even in standard guise, the SL comes with a Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most advanced driver aids are available.

　　

Which SL-Class does zzdcar recommend?

　　The SL spans a wide range of price points, but we think the SL 550 strikes an ideal balance of price, performance and prestige. It's plenty quick, as buyers in this segment require, but it costs considerably less than the AMG variant and has better ride quality. We'd then add the Driver Assistance package for its additional advanced safety features.

　　

2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models

　　The 2019 Mercedes-Benz SL is a two-seat convertible with a power-folding hardtop and is available in three trim levels. The base SL 450 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (362 horsepower, 369 pound-feet) 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). Finally, the AMG SL 63 comes with a bigger turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 (577 hp, 664 lb-ft), a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and special performance hardware and styling elements.

　　Standard features for the SL 450 include 19-inch wheels, a power windblocker, LED headlights and running lights, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning and mitigation, keyless entry and ignition, selectable drive modes, and an adaptive suspension.

　　Inside, you get dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, sun-reflecting leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated seats, a navigation system, voice controls, the COMAND infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a six-CD changer and satellite and HD radio.

　　The SL 550 adds AMG-branded 19-inch wheels, a power trunklid with hands-free activation, an automated parking system, the Airscarf neck-level heater, and ventilated seats with active side bolsters and massage functions.

　　The AMG SL 63 receives high-performance drive and suspension settings, Active Body Control (which mitigates body roll while cornering), upgraded brakes, a limited-slip differential, unique AMG gauges and other AMG-themed aesthetic flourishes, a dashtop analog clock made by International Watch Co., upgraded leather upholstery and a simulated-suede headliner.

　　Most of the fancier trims' premium features are optional on lesser models. All SLs are eligible for a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and many interior upholstery and trim upgrades. AMG models can be outfitted with carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon-fiber exterior trim.

　　

2019 SL-Class Highlights

Type: AMG SL 63ConvertibleConvertible

　　Trim: SL 450SL 550AMG SL 63SL 450

　　

Base MSRP	$89,150
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$200/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles