Mercedes-Benz SL (2026)

MotorWeek is strongly impressed by the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, portraying it as a thrilling yet sophisticated grand tourer. Track testing revealed startling acceleration, excellent balance, remarkably flat cornering, and brakes capable of managing its considerable weight. The hand-built twin-turbo V8 is the clear favorite, while the soft top’s quick, lightweight operation and exquisite cabin add everyday appeal. Still, MotorWeek criticizes the car’s heavy, tech-mediated driving feel, which can insulate occupants from the road, and points out its poor fuel economy. Overall, it views the SL as an unusually successful blend of performance, elegance, and modern luxury.

Thomas and James are intrigued but ultimately underwhelmed by the Mercedes-AMG SL 63. They praise its striking presence, dramatic V8 soundtrack, luxurious, tech-rich cabin, comfortable highway manners, and greater exclusivity than a Porsche 911. However, they criticize its poor paint quality, noticeable weight, harsh impacts, and cornering behavior that “doesn’t hold a candle” to the 911. They also argue that the Lexus LC 500 offers similar style and refinement for less money, sacrificing mainly speed. Overall, the SL works as a prestigious, fast grand tourer, but its blend of luxury flourishes and compromised handling leaves them wishing Mercedes had preserved a more focused sports-car character.

Raz is thoroughly impressed by the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance, especially its astonishing acceleration and ability to deploy 816 hp without feeling unwieldy. He praises the rear-mounted P3 hybrid system, active suspension, rear-axle steering, braking, V8 soundtrack, and surprisingly effective comfort, arguing that the added weight is remarkably well concealed. Still, his enthusiasm is measured by two substantial objections: the roughly £200,000 price and the car’s questionable purpose when the SL 55 and SL 63 are already so capable. The short electric range, reduced boot, bland visual differentiation, and cumbersome name also weaken its appeal, though excess itself may be the point.

Seen Through Glass is genuinely enthusiastic about the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, calling it a delightful, confidence-inspiring grand tourer. After several days driving it, he praises its striking looks, plush cabin, excellent sound system, powerful 577-hp V8, and effortless all-weather cruising, especially when treated as a relaxed convertible rather than a serious sports car. However, the experience is undermined by overcomplicated technology: the MBUX screen, roof controls, door handles, and hidden buttons feel fiddly and unnecessarily engineered. He also considers it too expensive new and less dynamic than a Porsche 911 Turbo, but believes depreciation makes it compelling used.

Alex Legouix is highly impressed by the Mercedes-AMG SL55, viewing it as a serious Porsche 911 Cabriolet rival. He praises its explosive V8 performance, effortless all-weather grip, precise handling, smooth shifts, luxurious “hyper-analog” cabin, and surprisingly versatile character. The adaptive soft top and Airscarf add genuine open-air usability, while all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering make the large roadster feel far lighter and more agile than its roughly two-ton weight suggests. He does acknowledge that it is expensive, not especially smooth in Comfort mode, and visibly sizable from the low driving position, but those reservations barely dent his enthusiastic conclusion.

The Kelley Blue Book review is strongly positive about the Mercedes-AMG SL 43. It praises the responsive turbocharged four-cylinder, playful rear-wheel-drive handling, effective brakes, precise steering, comfortable ride, and polished open-air experience. The reviewer especially appreciates its Formula 1-derived electric turbo technology and ability to shift from relaxed cruising to sporty driving modes. Interior quality, supportive seats, modern infotainment, and the usable soft top also earn approval. Reservations are limited: the rear seats are essentially for luggage, cargo space is modest, gloss-black trim attracts fingerprints, and a well-equipped example exceeds $120,000.

Motormouth is highly enthusiastic about the Mercedes-AMG SL 63, calling it “Peak Mercedes-Benz” and a genuinely special purchase. They praise its gorgeous design, sonorous 577-hp twin-turbo V8, smooth transmission, precise handling, comfortable ride, standard all-wheel drive, luxurious cabin, AirScarf, and surprisingly useful cargo space. Their distinctive view is that it successfully combines an engaging sports-car feel with relaxed daily-driver comfort, easily handling speed bumps that might challenge a Porsche 911. Reservations are limited but meaningful: the rear seats suit only small children or bags, fuel economy is poor, the controls remain expensive, and the $215,000 CAD price is steep.

Nick O’Leary is highly enthusiastic about the Mercedes-AMG SL, especially its dramatic design, authentic V8 soundtrack, astonishing acceleration, and polished MBUX cabin. After living with the SL 63 S E Performance for a week, he appreciates its ability to shift from quiet, comfortable cruiser to brutally fast sports car, while the adjustable screen and usable rear-seat storage add thoughtful practicality. Still, the near-£200,000 price, tiny hybrid-model boot, cramped rear seats, and limited electric range make the flagship feel excessive. Nick would personally choose the V8 SL 55 as the better-balanced option.

Will from W.T.F. Car Reviews is highly enthusiastic about the 2026 Mercedes-AMG SL 55, calling it an exceptional luxury-performance balance. He praises its gorgeous styling, rich cabin, supportive seats, superb V8 sound, sharp handling, comfortable adaptive suspension, and strong highway refinement. The convertible feels far lighter and more agile than its roughly 4,300-pound weight suggests, while still offering impressive everyday comfort. His main criticisms are predictable: the rear seats are essentially cargo shelves, the soft top and single-pane windows allow some noise, fuel economy is mediocre, and the $150,000-plus price is substantial. Even so, he strongly recommends it over costlier SL variants.

Infinite Shifts is highly enthusiastic about the SL63 AMG, calling its $80,000 used price an extraordinary performance bargain. The 577-hp twin-turbo V8, 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, rear-axle steering, rapid acceleration, sharp handling, dramatic exhaust, premium tech, massage seats, and Airscarf create an unusually capable and comfortable convertible. The reviewer especially values newer-car warranty coverage over older SLs’ intimidating repair bills. Still, this generation is more refined and less emotionally raw than the older 6.2-liter V8 models, and its depreciation may continue. Overall, it’s portrayed as an impressive, fun, relatively reassuring luxury performance buy.