Mercedes SL-Class: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Mercedes SL-Class data covers 11 catalogue generations from February 1954 through January 2021, with Coupe bodies in the first three generations and Roadster bodies thereafter.
The Mercedes SL-Class data covers 11 catalogue generations from February 1954 through January 2021, with Coupe bodies in the first three generations and Roadster bodies thereafter. For a buyer, the central choice is between the lighter, simpler early cars, the broad engine range of the fourth and fifth generations, and the stronger performance and lower measured consumption of the sixth generation. Among versions with complete acceleration data, the quickest is the restyled sixth-generation 4.7 AT at 4.3 seconds from 0–100 km/h. Its 455 hp output, 700 Nm torque, 9-speed Automatic gearbox and 9 L/100 km combined consumption make it the strongest all-round numerical proposition in the catalogue. The 3.0 AT from the same restyling is the economy-led alternative: 367 hp, 500 Nm, 4.9 seconds to 100 km/h and 7.7 L/100 km combined.
Mercedes SL-Class generations: what changed
The first generation ran from February 1954 to February 1963 as a Coupe with four listed versions. Its 1.9 MT entries span 75–105 hp, while the 3.0 MT produces 215 hp. Every listed version uses Gasoline, an Inline 4-cylinder engine, a 4-speed Manual gearbox and RWD. Acceleration ranges from 10 seconds for the 3.0 MT to 20.5 seconds for the 75 hp 1.9 MT.
The second generation ran from March 1963 to January 1972 as a Coupe with ten versions. All use Inline 6-cylinder Gasoline engines and RWD, with 4- or 5-speed Manual gearboxes and a 4-speed Automatic option. Outputs run from 150 hp in the 2.3 and 2.5 versions to 170 hp in the 2.8 versions. The quickest measured result is 9 seconds for the 2.8 MT5, 2.8 MT4 and 2.8 AT.
The third generation ran from March 1971 to August 1989 as a Coupe with 18 versions, of which 12 are detailed in the supplied data. It broadened the choice from Inline 6-cylinder 2.8 versions to V-shaped 8-cylinder engines of 3.5, 3.8, 4.5 and 5.0 litres. Power among the detailed versions ranges from 177 to 240 hp. All are Gasoline and RWD, with 4-speed Manual or Automatic gearboxes.
The fourth generation ran from September 1989 to September 2001 as a Roadster. Its original phase has ten versions; the September 1995–March 1998 restyling has five, and the April 1998–September 2001 restyling has five. The range includes Inline 6-cylinder and V-shaped 8- and 12-cylinder engines, 4- or 5-speed transmissions, and outputs from 190 to 394 hp. The 6.0 AT provides the highest output, while the later 2.8 MT offers the lowest measured combined consumption at 10.7 L/100 km.
The fifth generation ran from July 2001 to February 2012 as a Roadster. The original phase contains six versions, the March 2006–February 2008 restyling three, and the March 2008–February 2012 restyling four. This generation ranges from the 231 hp 3.0 AT to the 560 hp 5.4 AT. It includes naturally aspirated, Turbo and Compressor engines, plus 5-, 6- and 7-speed gearboxes. The fastest measured acceleration is 4.5 seconds, recorded by both 517 hp 5.5 AT entries.
The sixth generation ran from March 2012 to January 2021 as a Roadster. Its original phase has three versions, followed by two restyled versions from April 2016. Every version uses Gasoline, RWD and an Automatic gearbox. Output rises from 306 hp in the SL350 3.5 AT to 455 hp in the restyled 4.7 AT, while the gearbox changes from 7 speeds to 9 speeds in the restyled cars.
Mercedes SL-Class engine specs
The comparison below covers every exact version name in the data. Repeated names are distinguished by power and phase.
| Generation and phase | Exact version | hp | Nm | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6, restyling | 3.0 AT | 367 | 500 | 2996 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 6, restyling | 4.7 AT | 455 | 700 | 4663 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 6 | SL400 3.0 AT | 333 | 480 | 2996 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 6 | SL500 4.7 AT | 435 | 700 | 4663 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 6 | SL350 3.5 AT | 306 | 370 | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5, restyling 2 | 5.5 AT (517 hp) | 517 | 830 | 5513 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5, restyling 2 | 3.0 AT | 231 | 300 | 2996 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5, restyling 2 | 3.5 AT | 316 | 360 | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5, restyling 2 | 5.5 AT (388 hp) | 388 | 530 | 5461 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5, restyling | 3.5 AT | 272 | 350 | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5, restyling | 5.5 AT (388 hp) | 388 | 530 | 5461 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5, restyling | 5.5 AT (517 hp) | 517 | 830 | 5513 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 | 3.7 MT | 245 | 350 | 3724 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5 | 5.0 AT7 | 306 | 460 | 4966 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 | 5.4 AT | 560 | 780 | 5439 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Compressor | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 | 3.7 AT | 245 | 350 | 3724 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 | 5.0 AT5 | 306 | 460 | 4996 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 | 5.5 AT | 500 | 800 | 5513 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4, restyling 2 | 2.8 MT | 204 | 270 | 2799 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4, restyling 2 | 2.8 AT | 204 | 270 | 2799 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4, restyling 2 | 5.0 AT | 306 | 460 | 4966 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4, restyling 2 | 6.0 AT | 394 | 570 | 5987 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4, restyling 2 | 3.2 AT | 224 | 315 | 3199 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4, restyling | 2.8 MT | 193 | 270 | 2799 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4, restyling | 2.8 AT | 193 | 270 | 2799 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4, restyling | 3.2 AT | 231 | 315 | 3199 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4, restyling | 5.0 AT | 320 | 470 | 4973 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4, restyling | 6.0 AT | 394 | 570 | 5987 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 | 2.8 MT | 193 | 270 | 2799 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4 | 2.8 AT | 193 | 270 | 2799 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 | 3.0 AT (190 hp) | 190 | 260 | 2960 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 | 3.0 MT (190 hp) | 190 | 260 | 2960 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4 | 3.0 MT (231 hp) | 231 | 272 | 2960 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4 | 3.0 AT (231 hp) | 231 | 272 | 2960 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 | 3.2 AT | 231 | 315 | 3199 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 | 5.0 AT (320 hp) | 320 | 470 | 4973 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 | 5.0 AT (326 hp) | 326 | 480 | 4973 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 | 6.0 AT | 394 | 570 | 5987 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 | 2.8 MT (177 hp) | 177 | not measured | 2746 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 | 2.8 AT (177 hp) | 177 | 238 | 2746 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 | 2.8 MT (185 hp) | 185 | not measured | 2746 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 | 2.8 AT (185 hp) | 185 | 245 | 2746 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 | 3.5 MT (195 hp) | 195 | 280 | 3499 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 | 3.5 AT (195 hp) | 195 | 280 | 3499 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 | 3.5 MT (200 hp) | 200 | 292 | 3499 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 | 3.5 AT (200 hp) | 200 | 292 | 3499 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 | 4.5 MT | 225 | 370 | 4520 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 | 5.0 MT | 240 | 402 | 4973 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 | 3.8 MT | 218 | 305 | 3800 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 | 3.8 AT | 218 | 305 | 3839 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2 | 2.5 MT4 (distributed injection) | 150 | 216 | 2496 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 | 2.3 MT4 | 150 | 196 | 2306 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 | 2.3 AT | 150 | 196 | 2306 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2 | 2.3 MT5 | 150 | 196 | 2306 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 | 2.5 MT4 (central injection) | 150 | 216 | 2496 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 | 2.5 MT5 | 150 | 216 | 2496 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 | 2.5 AT | 150 | 216 | 2496 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2 | 2.8 MT5 | 170 | 240 | 2778 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 | 2.8 AT | 170 | 240 | 2778 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2 | 2.8 MT4 | 170 | 240 | 2778 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 | 3.0 MT | 215 | 280 | 2996 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 | 1.9 MT (105 hp) | 105 | 142 | 1897 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 | 1.9 MT (75 hp) | 75 | 139 | 1897 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 | 1.9 MT (80 hp) | 80 | 142 | 1897 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
Mercedes SL-Class performance and mpg
The restyled sixth-generation 4.7 AT is the performance choice supported by the most complete figures. It reaches 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and 250 km/h, using 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 7 L/100 km on the highway and 9 L/100 km combined. The restyled 3.0 AT is 0.6 seconds slower to 100 km/h but cuts city consumption by 1.9 L/100 km and combined consumption by 1.3 L/100 km. Both reach 250 km/h.
Against the earlier SL400 3.0 AT, the restyled 3.0 AT adds 34 hp and 20 Nm, cuts the 0–100 km/h time by 0.3 seconds, and retains the same 7.7 L/100 km combined figure. Against the SL500 4.7 AT, the restyled 4.7 AT adds 20 hp, matches its 700 Nm, accelerates 0.3 seconds faster and reduces combined consumption by 0.2 L/100 km.
The fifth-generation 5.5 AT with 517 hp reaches 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and consumes 13.9 L/100 km combined. The 388 hp 5.5 AT takes 5.4 seconds and consumes 11.9 L/100 km in the later restyling, so the extra 129 hp and 300 Nm cut 0.9 seconds while adding 2 L/100 km. The 560 hp 5.4 AT has no measured acceleration or fuel-consumption figure in the data; both are not measured.
For lower consumption, the sixth-generation SL350 3.5 AT records 7.5 L/100 km combined, the lowest supplied combined figure. It reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and 250 km/h. The 306 hp fifth-generation 5.0 AT7 also reaches 250 km/h but takes 6.3 seconds and consumes 12.1 L/100 km combined.
In the older generations, some figures are incomplete. The third-generation 2.8 MT and 2.8 AT versions have city and highway consumption not measured, although combined consumption is 15.5 L/100 km. The first-generation 75 hp 1.9 MT has fuel consumption not measured, while its 0–100 km/h time is 20.5 seconds and top speed is 139 km/h.
Mercedes SL-Class dimensions and weight
The restyled sixth-generation 3.0 AT weighs 1,735 kg kerb and 2,115 kg gross, with 107 mm ground clearance and a 65 L tank. Wheel size is not measured. The 4.7 AT weighs 1,795 kg kerb and 2,175 kg gross, also with 107 mm clearance and a 65 L tank; its listed wheels are 255/40 R18 and 285/35 R18.
Those figures give the 3.0 AT a weight-to-power ratio of about 4.73 kg/hp, compared with about 3.95 kg/hp for the 4.7 AT. The larger version adds 88 hp for only 60 kg of additional kerb weight, explaining its stronger acceleration result.
The fifth-generation 517 hp 5.5 AT weighs 1,975 kg in the first restyling and 2,045 kg in the second restyling. Both have 150 mm clearance, an 80 L tank and 255/40 R18 and 285/35 R18 wheels. The later car is 70 kg heavier with the same 517 hp and 830 Nm.
The lightest listed SL-Class is the first-generation 105 hp 1.9 MT at 1,160 kg, while the highest listed kerb weight is 2,045 kg for the fifth-generation, second-restyling 517 hp 5.5 AT. Gross weight ranges from 1,400 kg for that 105 hp 1.9 MT to 2,320 kg across several V12 versions. Ground clearance, where measured, spans 107–170 mm, and tank capacity spans 56–100 L.
Which Mercedes SL-Class version should you buy?
Choose the restyled sixth-generation 3.0 AT when measured fuel use matters most. Its 122.5 hp per litre, 4.73 kg/hp ratio, 4.9-second acceleration and 7.7 L/100 km combined consumption give it a strong balance without moving to the heavier V8.
Choose the restyled sixth-generation 4.7 AT for the best complete performance package. It has 455 hp and 700 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, and requires 9 L/100 km combined. Compared with the 3.0 AT, it brings 88 hp and 200 Nm more, improves acceleration by 0.6 seconds, and adds 1.3 L/100 km to combined consumption.
Choose the sixth-generation SL350 3.5 AT for the lowest recorded combined consumption: 7.5 L/100 km. Its 306 hp and 370 Nm are below the Turbo alternatives, but its 5.9-second acceleration remains quicker than every detailed fourth-generation version.
Choose the fifth-generation 517 hp 5.5 AT when maximum torque is the priority. Its 830 Nm is the highest measured torque in the data, 130 Nm above the sixth-generation 4.7 AT, though its 4.5-second acceleration is 0.2 seconds slower and its 13.9 L/100 km combined consumption is 4.9 L/100 km higher.
Choose the fourth-generation 5.0 AT with 326 hp over the 320 hp version when comparing the original phase: the 326 hp car has 10 Nm more torque, a 5-speed rather than 4-speed Automatic gearbox, and reaches 100 km/h 0.3 seconds sooner. Consumption for the 326 hp version is not measured, so an economy comparison cannot be made.
For a classic-generation comparison, the second-generation 2.8 MT5 offers the strongest figures in its generation: 170 hp, 240 Nm, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, 9-second acceleration and 16.5 L/100 km combined consumption. The first-generation 3.0 MT has 45 hp more and the same 10-second acceleration as several lower-powered later entries, but it uses 17 L/100 km combined.
The numbers therefore point to three clear recommendations: the SL350 3.5 AT for the lowest measured consumption, the restyled 3.0 AT for the most balanced modern specification, and the restyled 4.7 AT for the quickest measured acceleration with complete economy data. Reliability, problems and prices are not measured in the supplied data, so they cannot support a version choice here.