Mercedes-Benz SL (2026)
A thrilling, polished grand tourer with V8 power, though costly and less engaging than rivals.
The Mercedes-Benz SL (2026) is a fast, polished grand tourer for drivers who want open-air comfort without giving up serious performance. It solves the “one car, two moods” problem with twin-turbo V8 power, a refined cabin, adaptive suspension, and a quick soft top that make long trips effortless. Experts praise its grip, composure, and startling acceleration, while owners and reviewers also find it heavy, less communicative than a Porsche 911, and occasionally overcomplicated. The 2+2 layout is mostly decorative, and six-figure pricing makes the SL55 or SL63 easier to justify than the extravagant hybrid. Its overall appeal rests on how much you value comfort, prestige, and performance over feedback, practicality, and cost.
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Benefits
Power roof, quiet cruising, and Airscarf make relaxed top-down drives comfortable across seasons.
Supportive seats, composed ride, and quiet cabin make extended highway trips feel easy.
Strong grip, all-wheel drive, and powerful engines make fast roads feel reassuringly controlled.
It shifts from calm cruiser to exciting sports car without changing vehicles.
Trade-Offs
Rear seats work mostly for bags, leaving adult passengers cramped on shared trips.
Roof and climate controls require screen taps, distracting you when adjusting comfort on the move.
Packing for two means choosing small bags, because the trunk fills quickly with everyday luggage.
On winding roads, its weight and muted steering make the car feel less natural.
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Publications
6 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Car and Driver views the 2026 Mercedes-AMG SL as a highly appealing luxury sports car with a few costly compromises. Its blend of seductive styling, a rich cabin, open-air grand-touring comfort, and genuinely capable handling makes it unusually versatile. The V-8 SL55 and especially SL63 provide the excitement the softer SL43 cannot, while the 805-hp plug-in hybrid adds spectacular straight-line performance. Still, the car is heavy, expensive, and hardly practical: the rear seats are essentially luggage shelves, the trunk holds only two carry-ons, and touch-sensitive controls can be frustrating. Fuel economy is poor, and the hybrid’s electric range is just four miles. Car and Driver ultimately favors the SL63, while acknowledging that the cheaper AMG GT Coupe or a lightly used SL may make more sense for some buyers.
By Austin Parsons
Edmunds’ Josh Jacquot is highly positive about the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL, calling it a remarkably polished luxury grand tourer. The AMG lineup combines explosive performance—especially the SL 63’s 3.4-second sprint—with a composed ride, excellent front seats, strong technology, quietness, and superb build quality. Jacquot’s central insight is that the SL deliberately balances sports-car capability with opulent comfort rather than chasing the sharpest handling; its steering lacks feedback and the car rolls more than a Porsche 911, but it remains genuinely entertaining. The tiny rear seats, sluggish touchscreen controls for climate and roof operation, mediocre visibility, optional driver aids, limited cargo space, and high pricing temper the praise. Still, the SL’s rich interior, refined soft top, all-weather traction, and unusual ability to feel luxurious and rewarding with the roof up or down make it one of the most compelling convertibles available.
By Josh Jacquot
Car and Driver views the 2026 Mercedes-AMG SL as a highly appealing luxury sports car with a few costly compromises. Its blend of seductive styling, a rich cabin, open-air grand-touring comfort, and genuinely capable handling makes it unusually versatile. The V-8 SL55 and especially SL63 provide the excitement the softer SL43 cannot, while the 805-hp plug-in hybrid adds spectacular straight-line performance. Still, the car is heavy, expensive, and hardly practical: the rear seats are essentially luggage shelves, the trunk holds only two carry-ons, and touch-sensitive controls can be frustrating. Fuel economy is poor, and the hybrid’s electric range is just four miles. Car and Driver ultimately favors the SL63, while acknowledging that the cheaper AMG GT Coupe or a lightly used SL may make more sense for some buyers.
By Austin Parsons
Edmunds’ Josh Jacquot is highly positive about the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL, calling it a remarkably polished luxury grand tourer. The AMG lineup combines explosive performance—especially the SL 63’s 3.4-second sprint—with a composed ride, excellent front seats, strong technology, quietness, and superb build quality. Jacquot’s central insight is that the SL deliberately balances sports-car capability with opulent comfort rather than chasing the sharpest handling; its steering lacks feedback and the car rolls more than a Porsche 911, but it remains genuinely entertaining. The tiny rear seats, sluggish touchscreen controls for climate and roof operation, mediocre visibility, optional driver aids, limited cargo space, and high pricing temper the praise. Still, the SL’s rich interior, refined soft top, all-weather traction, and unusual ability to feel luxurious and rewarding with the roof up or down make it one of the most compelling convertibles available.
By Josh Jacquot
Car and Driver views the 2026 Mercedes-AMG SL as a highly appealing luxury sports car with a few costly compromises. Its blend of seductive styling, a rich cabin, open-air grand-touring comfort, and genuinely capable handling makes it unusually versatile. The V-8 SL55 and especially SL63 provide the excitement the softer SL43 cannot, while the 805-hp plug-in hybrid adds spectacular straight-line performance. Still, the car is heavy, expensive, and hardly practical: the rear seats are essentially luggage shelves, the trunk holds only two carry-ons, and touch-sensitive controls can be frustrating. Fuel economy is poor, and the hybrid’s electric range is just four miles. Car and Driver ultimately favors the SL63, while acknowledging that the cheaper AMG GT Coupe or a lightly used SL may make more sense for some buyers.
By Austin Parsons
Edmunds’ Josh Jacquot is highly positive about the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL, calling it a remarkably polished luxury grand tourer. The AMG lineup combines explosive performance—especially the SL 63’s 3.4-second sprint—with a composed ride, excellent front seats, strong technology, quietness, and superb build quality. Jacquot’s central insight is that the SL deliberately balances sports-car capability with opulent comfort rather than chasing the sharpest handling; its steering lacks feedback and the car rolls more than a Porsche 911, but it remains genuinely entertaining. The tiny rear seats, sluggish touchscreen controls for climate and roof operation, mediocre visibility, optional driver aids, limited cargo space, and high pricing temper the praise. Still, the SL’s rich interior, refined soft top, all-weather traction, and unusual ability to feel luxurious and rewarding with the roof up or down make it one of the most compelling convertibles available.
By Josh Jacquot
YouTube
10 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
MotorWeekMotorWeek 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.
Extra Throttle HouseThomas 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.
MotorWeekMotorWeek 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.
Extra Throttle HouseThomas 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.
MotorWeekMotorWeek 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.
Extra Throttle HouseThomas 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.
MotorWeekMotorWeek 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.
Extra Throttle HouseThomas 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.
MotorWeekMotorWeek 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.
Extra Throttle HouseThomas 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.
Social
1 INFLUENCER REVIEW
Jonny LiebermanJonny Lieberman is extremely enthusiastic about the Mercedes-AMG SL63 S E-Performance, calling its 805 horsepower “ballistic” and ideal for effortless passing. He also enjoyed its relaxed long-distance cruising, Mercedes-grade cabin, revived physical roof controls, and eye-catching Light Moss Green paint during a solo four-day trip. His main criticism is the plug-in hybrid system’s nearly pointless 11-mile electric range, especially on the road, while the cramped luggage space makes traveling with two people difficult. Overall, he views it as a wonderful, comfortable cabriolet with absurd performance, though Mercedes’ confusing naming earns a separate jab.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors are cautiously intrigued by the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL, but quality and value concerns outweigh its appeal. Its styling, potent AMG performance, capable brakes, and comfortable grand-touring character earn genuine praise, while many find it too similar to cheaper Mercedes models and less distinctive than earlier SLs. Critics also object to the heavy, sometimes unsettled low-speed feel, oversized screens, cramped cabin, soft-top design, diluted AMG identity, and four-cylinder direction. Experiences with newer SLs amplify doubts, citing creaks, faulty roofs, jerky gearboxes, poor quality control, and disappointing support. It remains exciting, but hardly a universally convincing luxury roadster.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Explosive V8 PerformanceV8 power delivers startling acceleration.
- •Open-Air ComfortDesigned for relaxed, year-round convertible touring.
- •Confident Chassis ControlRear steering and grip disguise substantial weight.
- •Polished Front CabinSupportive seats and premium finishes create occasion.
Considerations
- •Muted Driving FeedbackWeight and steering reduce road involvement.
- •Fiddly Touchscreen ControlsRoof and climate functions require distracting menu taps.
- •Limited Passenger SpaceRear seats mainly serve as luggage shelves.
- •Six-Figure PricingHigh purchase prices weaken its value proposition.
Mercedes’ SL remains a prestige convertible, pairing the brand’s grand-touring polish with AMG-tuned performance for buyers who want comfort without surrendering speed. Positioned between a traditional luxury roadster and a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, it suits affluent enthusiasts, couples, and long-distance cruisers more than families—especially with its 2+2 seating and limited luggage room. The lineup’s twin-turbo V8 power, adaptive chassis, and rear-axle steering distinguish it from softer luxury convertibles, while the lighter SL 43 offers a more approachable, playful alternative. Reviews also make clear that the SL’s strengths come with trade-offs: muted steering feedback, fiddly touchscreen controls, and inconsistent finish temper its impressive polish. The power-folding soft top and supportive cabin broaden its year-round appeal, but practicality remains selective. Explore each area closely to see whether this Mercedes is your ideal grand tourer—or simply a very fast way to pack lightly.
Powertrain and Acceleration
The SL offers effortless speed, with the V8 trims delivering the character this roadster suits best. The SL 55’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 makes about 469 hp, while the SL 63 produces 577 hp and reaches 60 mph in roughly 3.5 seconds. At the top, the 805-hp SL 63 S E Performance adds astonishing thrust, but its short electric range and high price make the extra output difficult to justify. Expert and reviewer feedback generally favors the SL 55 or SL 63 for a better balance of excitement, usability, and value.
Roof and Weather Protection
The SL’s fabric roof makes open-air driving genuinely convenient rather than ceremonial. Power-folding soft-top operation is quick and lightweight, preserving space and avoiding the bulk of a retractable hardtop. Reviewers praise the roof-down experience, Airscarf, and all-season usability, while the cabin remains reasonably refined with the top raised. However, the touchscreen-controlled roof interface can be unnecessarily fiddly, and some reviewers note wind or road noise through the soft top and single-pane windows. A few ownership anecdotes also raise concerns about roof faults, so long-term reliability deserves attention.
Cabin Quality and Finish
The cabin delivers genuine occasion, but its execution is less consistent than its presentation. Leather upholstery, supportive heated and ventilated seats, premium audio, and a polished MBUX interface create a luxurious front-row environment. The adjustable 11.9-inch touchscreen supplies modern navigation, smartphone integration, and vehicle controls, yet reviewers repeatedly criticize sluggish responses and fiddly roof or climate menus. Fit and finish generally feel expensive, though reports of brittle plastics, scratching trim, creaks, and inconsistent quality mean the interior does not universally match the SL’s prestige.
Handling and Chassis Control
The SL feels remarkably capable for its size, though it prioritizes confidence over delicate feedback. Rear-axle steering, adaptive dampers, all-wheel drive, and strong performance brakes help disguise its roughly two-ton mass, while the SL 43’s rear-wheel-drive layout feels lighter and more playful. On fast roads, reviewers praise its grip and stability, but muted steering feel and extensive electronic intervention keep it behind a Porsche 911 Cabriolet for involvement. The 12.41-meter turning circle also makes low-speed maneuvering less graceful than its price suggests.
Ride Comfort and Suspension
Comfort is one of the SL’s strongest reasons to exist, especially on long journeys. Adaptive suspension lets the car settle into quiet motorway cruising, while supportive seats, available massage functions, and Airscarf make open-air travel unusually easy. Reviewers generally find the ride composed, but the heavier V8 versions can deliver firm impacts on rough roads and an unsettled low-speed feel. Mercedes’ claim of a dual-purpose grand tourer is largely supported, although the chassis never feels as natural or transparent as a lighter sports car.
Space and Everyday Use
The SL works best as a grand tourer for two, with occasional flexibility rather than true four-seat practicality. Usable front-seat comfort and a 212.4-liter cargo area support weekend trips, but the trunk generally accepts only a couple of small carry-ons. The rear seats are essentially luggage shelves for most adults, and they do not fold to expand storage. Reviewers appreciate having somewhere to place bags or small passengers, yet limited visibility, modest cabin storage, and the hybrid model’s even smaller boot make careful packing part of ownership.
Conclusion
The SL makes its case as a fast, polished grand tourer rather than a pure sports car: its V8 power delivers startling acceleration, while all-wheel drive, rear steering, and strong brakes make the substantial body easy to place. Adaptive suspension, supportive seats, and a quick power-folding soft top support comfortable, weather-flexible cruising, though rough roads can expose a firm ride. The front cabin feels special, but fiddly screens, inconsistent trim quality, and occasional ownership concerns temper the luxury impression. Its rear seats are best treated as luggage shelves, and the small trunk limits two-person travel. Reviewers generally favor the SL55 or SL63 over the extravagant hybrid, while the lighter SL43 offers more playful feedback. This is a strong choice for affluent couples seeking V8 performance, open-air comfort, and prestige—not for drivers prioritizing Porsche-level connection or practical space. Its impressive breadth earns a favorable recommendation, but high pricing and compromises keep it from being an effortless buy.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Acceleration
5/5
Handling Agility
4/5
Braking Performance
5/5
Ride Quality
4/5
Powertrain Refinement
4/5
Long-Term Reliability
2/5
Cargo Utility
2/5
Value
Performance Value
3/5
Ownership Cost
2/5
Resale Retention
2/5
Design
Exterior Styling
5/5
Interior Ambiance
4/5
Seating Support
4/5
Cabin Ergonomics
3/5
Health
Cabin Air Quality
TBD
Noise Exposure
3/5
Safety
Crash Protection
4/5
Driver Assistance
4/5
High-Speed Control
5/5
Visibility
3/5
Sustainability
Fuel Efficiency
1/5
Emissions Performance
2/5
Material Efficiency
2/5
End-of-Life Recyclability
TBD
Experience Style
Driving Engagement
4/5
Everyday Usability
4/5
Customization Flexibility
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
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