2024 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Once built primarily for open-air luxury, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is now sportier than ever. The current R232-generation model introduced for 2022 is built in AMG spec only, and indeed shares its platform with the redesigned AMG GT sports car . Although still a convertible, the SL-Class is now a 2+2 with two small rear seats. Two tunes of a V-8 engine and a hybrid I-4 powertrain are offered. Competitors to the SL-Class include the BMW 8 Series, Bentley Continental GT, and Porsche 911 Cabriolet.
For 2024, Mercedes' Manufaktur special-order program becomes available on the SL-Class, highlighted by the eye-catching SL63 Big Sur special edition.
What We Think
With its alluring looks, disappearing roof, and impressive power, the AMG-only SL-Class is a mightily tempting convertible sports car. We just wish we actually liked it as much as we want to.
Stylistically, the SL-Class combines elegance and aggression in a manner befitting its Mercedes heritage and new AMG focus. Inside, it's as opulent as one would expect from a high-end Benz, yet its thick steering wheel and bucket seats feel shaped for hard driving. With the top down, hearing the engine roar and crackle is intoxicating—overall, the SL-Class feels quite AMG-forward.
Perhaps, however, it doesn't feel Mercedes enough, with a maniacal demeanor that can be a bit much for everyday driving. Ride quality is quite stiff, and the SL's unusual wet-clutch automatic transmission can stutter slightly on takeoff. Too many basic controls are contained within the infotainment touchscreen. And although the SL exhilarates on a winding road, pushing it hard reveals the constraints of its considerable weight and intrusive stability control.
Furthermore, it's so pricey—the least expensive version costs over $110,000, and we've assessed examples that cost over $100,000 more than that.
We're all in favor of AMG SL-Class models, but we also lament the absence of non-AMG versions in this generation. Not as sporty as the best sports cars and not comfortable like high-end luxury cars, the 2024 SL-Class seems somewhat stuck in the middle.
F1 Hybrid Tech: Mercedes-AMG SL43
In its quest for congruence with real-world vehicles, Formula 1 race cars have gradually downsized their engines while adopting hybridization, remaining ultra-powerful yet becoming much more efficient. The Mercedes-AMG team is a force to be reckoned with in F1, and shares technical know-how with road-going AMG cars. That's indicated by the SL43, which uses a hybrid I-4 with an electrically driven turbocharger, conceptually similar to AMG's F1 engine. It produces 375 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque which, unlike V-8-powered SL models, is sent to the rear wheels only. Our test data demonstrated that the entry-level SL is no slouch. We recorded 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds for the SL43. For 2023, EPA ratings sat at 21/27 mpg city/highway fuel economy. Although the SL43 isn't as quick as higher-end SL-Class models, it's more frugal.
AMG V-8 Muscle: SL55 vs. SL63
Mercedes-AMG's venerated M177 twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine is offered in two states of tune in the SL-Class, either way hooked up to a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD.
In the SL55, the V-8 produces 469 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, which enables a 0-60 mph launch of 3.6 seconds in our experience. The quarter mile arrives in 12.0 seconds at 114.8 mph. Its fuel economy is rated at 14/22 mpg city/highway.
The SL63 cranks up output to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft, cutting the 0-60 mph sprint down to 3.1 seconds and the quarter mile to 11.3 seconds at 124.0 mph. Fuel economy is slightly less: 13/21 mpg.
2024 Mercedes-AMG SL63 Manufaktur Big Sur Edition: What Is It?
Drivers who don't find the SL-Class special enough can now enhance the convertible's rarity with Mercedes' Manufaktur program. Manufaktur offers a broad palette of exterior colors and interior finishes, often more expressive than what's available on standard configurations. Just see the new SL63 Big Sur Edition for proof: it's finished in Orange Flame metallic paint, a tone said to be inspired by sunsets on the California coast. That color is also applied to certain interior elements, alongside dark red leather upholstery finished with orange piping and diamond stitching. Although the SL63 Big Sur has no performance enhancements, it features essentially every option on the list, and will be produced in limited numbers. It's an eye-catching way to bring attention to Manufaktur's new availability on the SL-Class.
Safety Features
As standard, the SL-Class comes equipped with front automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, adaptive headlights with automatic high-beams, and a 360-degree camera. Optional driver assist features include front cross-traffic alert, blind-spot collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.
Is the New SL-Class a Four-Seater?
For the first time in its history, the SL-Class is a four-seat convertible. Unlike the two-seat configuration used previously, every SL-Class now has a 2+2 layout that places two small rear seats behind the main front seats—they're sized for short trips or children only. Perhaps those seats are better thought of as additional cargo storage space, as the SL's trunk isn't tremendously big, especially when the top is down. However, Mercedes includes a clever trunk feature: a movable shelf that indicates where the folding soft top will go, which allows drivers to know how much they can pack inside and still put the roof down.
Technology
Every 2024 SL-Class comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, but its party piece is the 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. This central display can adjust its angle to minimize sun glare during top-down driving (which should be always). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with USB-C charging ports. Other tech features include a head-up display, Wi-Fi hot spot connectivity, multi-color interior ambient lighting, voice controls, and a thumping Burmester audio system.
