Mercedes-BenzSL-Class

　　

2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

byJared GallCorrespondent

　　Jared Gall started his career in the auto industry in 2001 with an internship at Car and Driver. He has written and edited many thousands of car reviews, technological deep-dives, industry analyses, and personality profiles. He is a correspondent at zzdcar and still has the 1969 Chevrolet C20 he dragged out of his parents' barn and drove until Car and Driver started giving him cars to evaluate.

　　, rating written byJared GallVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 43 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for SL-Class AMG SL 43

　　SL-Class AMG SL 43

　　AMG SL 43 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $109,900 MSRPAMG SL 55 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $141,300 MSRPAMG SL 63 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $183,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar 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.

　　

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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

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

9.0/10

　　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.

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