2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review: The Epitome Of GT Luxury
More than six decades on from the dawn of the SL-Class, the nameplate remains one of the most prestigious in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, topping the range of convertible grand tourers from the German marque in fine style. It may be feeling its age a bit in its current form as it closes in on the upper end of its first decade, but it has weathered the test of time with aplomb. Equipped, as standard, with a turbocharged V6 that develops 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, the hefty convertible manages to hold its own against more athletic competitors, while a twin-turbo V8 is available at the upper end to cater for those with a need for speed. But against more coveted rivals like the Aston Martin DB11, the SL's allure is rapidly fading. Combine this with the overlap from the AMG GT Roadster range, and the SL is treading on thin ice. While it's still the epitome of GT luxury, if Mercedes doesn't do something soon, it's most iconic moniker could soon meet its maker.
What's the Price of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
The price tag on the SL-Class convertible is as premium as one would expect from the segment, although it does start quite a bit higher than a handful of cars that could be considered rivals with the base trim SL 450 starting at $89,150. Getting behind the wheel of the SL 550 ups the price by more than $20k, up to a total of $113,550, without adding all that much to the base offering. By comparison, an entry-level Corvette starts at $60,400, while the Aston Martin DB11 Volante has a hefty price tag of $273,244.
2019 SL-Class Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182.3 in | 101.7 in | 51.2 in | 73.9 in | 62.8 in | 63.0 in | 3,826.0 lbs |
2019 SL-Class Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
While the SL Roadster may be a large tourer, it is remarkably well-mannered on the road, taking mid-corner bumps in its stride without ever losing its composure. Its naturally bulky build lends itself to some body roll, but the available Active Body Control System almost completely cancels this out, delivering a ride that is smooth as silk. This gives the large Merc the confidence to handle winding roads without hesitation, even at above-average speeds.
Despite its impressively potent engine options, the convertible is not meant to be driven like a sports car, with the light and sharp steering communicating almost nothing of what the wheels are doing or the condition of the road. It is perfect for maneuvering the large tourer around town and even builds up some heft when maxing out the speedometer on the highway.
Ride comfort is where we expect this cruising convertible to shine, and it doesn't disappoint. The suspension soaks up road abrasions expertly, despite feeling a little on the stiff side. Opting for Comfort mode can help smooth this out even further. The plush leather seats are the epitome of comfort, especially with all the climate control features. Wind noise is surprisingly minimal, even with the top down, but tire noise is more intrusive.
2019 SL-Class Interior
2019 SL-Class Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class A Good car?
Despite the declining interest, the flagship model of the German brand still manages to impress. The base SL 450, with its 362-hp V6, is a great performer and offers almost all of the luxury and convenience features available to the range, while the SL 550, with its stronger 449-hp V8, delivers a slightly more adrenaline-pumping driving experience.
Both trims present buyers with luxurious interiors and competent, albeit dated, infotainment suites, along with a lot of space for both passengers and cargo, a rarity in the segment. While the SL Roadster doesn't offer the same level of performance as the AMG GT Roadster range, or the same luxury cruising experience as the S-Class Convertible, it fills a gap in-between these two competing philosophies without disappointing on either front.
A powerful engine lineup with competent handling dynamics ensures a fun driving experience, while the plush leather-appointed seats and a host of high-tech features mean you will always be comfortable, even with the top down and the cool wind blowing in your hair.
While many speculate that the SL-Class may be dropped from the Mercedes-Benz stable in favor of the better-performing AMG GT, the Roadster is still holding its own and only time will tell if it gets the remodel that is planned for 2021. Still, waiting a full year before getting behind the wheel of the luxury cruiser might be too much to ask, so we certainly wouldn't blame you for hopping on the current model. It may be a bit aged, but then, so too is fine wine.
What Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Model Should I Buy?
The differences between the SL 450 and SL 550 are quite minimal, not counting the stronger V8 engine. If you are willing to settle for the more-than-adequate turbo V6, there is no reason to look beyond the SL 450. You can equip the Premium Package to bring the interior up to par with the SL 550 while still pocketing $20k. However, most buyers at this price range will want to get the best their money can buy, so splurging on the throaty V8 in the SL 550 is totally understandable.
2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Comparisons
2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vs Aston Martin DB11 Volante
Occupying a price bracket a full $100k higher than the SL-Class, the Aston Martin comes standard with 503-hp turbocharged V8, while also offering a 630-hp V12 option, making it considerably stronger the SL Roadster from the get-go. Despite this, the DB11 doesn't get a better 0 to 60 mph time than the most powerful SL-Class. The interior features are extensive, and many of the parts, including the V8 engine, are sourced from Mercedes, ensuring that the quality is on par with its German competition, although the SL uses a more dated infotainment setup. The British convertible only offers eight cubic feet of cargo space, but that's not too unusual for the segment, despite the SL Roadster's impressive trunk. While it is a great GT-style car, the Volante is not as up-to-date as many of its rivals - but the Merc is also a bit behind the times. All things considered, the SL-Class is the better choice here, and you save $100k in the process.
2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vs Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
Over the past few years, the SL-Class has lost some of its luster as the premier flagship of the Mercedes brand. The SL-Class has been grabbing the spotlight as the most luxurious model, while the AMG GT has been taking the prize as the performance king. The sportier AMG GT comes equipped with a turbocharged V8 that can put out 469, 515, or 550 hp, with the best performer being capable of getting the large convertible up to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. And all this power comes paired with a high-quality, two-seater interior and a capable infotainment suite. Standard and optional safety features mirror those in the SL Roadster, but the GT Roadster only offers 5.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Despite this shortcoming, and the $20k higher starting price, the AMG GT has been speculated to replace the SL-Class considering the substantial overlap and its higher popularity.