The latest, and perhaps last, edition of the SL Roadster is available in two trim levels: SL 450 and SL 550. The base model comes equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that delivers 362 hp and 369 lb-ft to the rear wheels, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The SL 550 gets a stronger 4.7-liter turbocharged V8 that develops 449 hp and 516 lb-ft. No other transmissions or drivetrains are offered.
The starter model is anything but basic, with leather upholstery, 16-way heated power seats with memory, Keyless-GO, hands-free access, and dual-zone climate control. The eight-inch Comand interface grants access to navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and SiriusXM, played back through a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The upper trim gets heated and ventilated multi-contour seats with massage functions as well as Airscarf neck warmers for both seats and active parking assist. Other available features include Nappa leather upholstery, soft-close doors, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Mercedes' timeless luxury convertible doesn't come cheap, with even the base-level model nearing the six-figure mark. Getting behind the wheel of the V6 SL 450 will cost you $91,000. If that still isn't enough power for you, then you can choose to upgrade to the V8 SL 550, which comes with a $114,700 price tag. These prices are MSRP and exclude tax, registration, licensing, and Mercedes-Benz' $995 destination charge.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a premium vehicle that comes standard with most of the features available to the convertible. Still, there are a few upgrades available to those willing to pay a bit extra over the already substantial asking price. The Driver Assistance Package ($2,250) is available to both trim levels, adding adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot assist, active lane keeping assist, Pre-Safe Plus, and enhanced forward collision avoidance with front cross-traffic alert. The SL 450 is a step below the SL 550 in terms of features, a gap that can be closed without adding the V8 engine when you equip the Premium Package ($4,100). This sees active parking assist, ventilated multi-contour seats, and a neck-level heating system added to the base model. For $2,500, you can equip Mercedes-Benz' patented Magic Sky Control, which functions as a state-of-the-art sunroof by directing electrical current through the glass roof to alter the transparency to block or allow light in without the worry of UV rays. A 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium system ($5,400) is also available if the standard fare isn't enough for you.
There's a pretty hefty price hike between the SL 450 and SL 550, so it really comes down to whether or not you really need the extra power of the V8 engine. The standard V6 on the SL 450 is plenty powerful for the convertible, and the car isn't really designed to be all that athletic, so the V8 seems almost wasted on it. With the SL 450, you can still throw on the Premium Package for $4,100 to get any of the features you might miss out on without the upgrade. It is also eligible for the plusher Nappa leather interior upgrades and the enhanced sound system, and otherwise shares the same safety features with the SL 550. There is no reason to break the $100k mark if you want to budget yourself, but if you have the money to spare, there's also no reason to limit yourself.
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