2023 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Convertible

　　

2023 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

byClint SimoneSenior Reviews Editor

　　Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining zzdcar as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.

　　, rating written byClint SimoneVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The 2023 Mercedes-Benz SL is the brand's top-end convertible and stands as a more luxurious and performance-oriented model than the C-Class and E-Class convertibles. It received a full redesign last year that brought about a new soft-top roof and a four-seat interior. For 2023, the big news is the new entry-level AMG SL 43 trim. It has a four-cylinder engine, which might seem a bit un-luxury-like, but it makes a respectable 375 horsepower. It also has a lower price than the carryover AMG SL 55 and AMG SL 63.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG SL 43 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$199/mo  for SL-Class AMG SL 43

　　SL-Class AMG SL 43

　　AMG SL 43 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $109,900 MSRPAMG SL 55 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $141,300 MSRPAMG SL 63 2dr Convertible AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $183,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Breathtaking design

It's not too often that we take time to dissect a car's design with such detail, but this generation Mercedes SL is one of the best-looking cars from the company in recent memory. This is the first SL to use a convertible soft top in quite some time, bringing the sleek two-door back to its glory days. Inside, the SL uses the latest in Mercedes technology, surrounded by a cabin made of gorgeous materials and modern amenities. In the luxury convertible segment, good design is one of the strongest selling points, and the 2023 Mercedes SL has plenty to go around.

　　

Competitors to consider

The 2023 AMG SL is more of a sporty grand-touring convertible than its performance-focused rivals. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and BMW 8 Series convertibles are more engaging and capable on a fun road, but that athleticism comes at the expense of comfort, refinement and practicality. The Jaguar F-Type undercuts the others on price but sacrifices some modern amenities in the process. That leaves the SL in its historically appropriate setting as a more elegant roadster, though this time around it has more muscle. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full scoring and analysis of the Mercedes-AMG SL.

　　

What’s it like to live with?

The midrange AMG SL 55 is a perfect middle ground since it includes all of the AMG SL 63's non-performance features. It has more than enough power to please any driver and costs considerably less than the SL 63. To that, we'd add the optional Driver Assistance package for its added assurance but also for the adaptive cruise control.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the SL-Class drive? We tested the AMG SL 63. At our test track, it blasted from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Mercedes says the less powerful AMG SL 55 is only a few tenths behind that. While that means the SL is not as quick as a top-end Porsche 911 or BMW M8, the SL never feels sluggish or slow. The turbo V8 makes plenty of torque, and the standard all-wheel-drive system means you should have no issue with traction. The car simply blasts out of corners.

　　The steering is quick but lacks feedback, and the SL exhibits more body roll around corners than the 911 and M8. But the SL's handling capability is appropriate for a luxury-oriented convertible. This platform is plenty rigid, so the lack of a roof doesn't really affect handling. Adjustable drive modes can stiffen or relax the suspension to improve handling or comfort. The SL is plenty quick and lots of fun on a twisty road.

　　And it's even better around town. The SL has always been a relaxed car, and the new one doesn't lose that comfortable, easy-to-drive demeanor. The transmission shifts are lightning-quick when you want, but it shifts unobtrusively when you just want to cruise through traffic. The steering lightens up at low speeds, so maneuvering through tight parking lots isn't a problem. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, too, are smooth and provide plenty of stopping power.

　　

Comfort

9.0/10

　　How comfortable is the SL-Class? If the SL gets anything right (and it gets quite a few things right), it's striking a great balance between sporty handling and a comfortable day-to-day demeanor. The active suspension can be adjusted based on drive mode, relaxing in the Comfort setting and firming up in the sporty modes. It's never too soft or overly harsh, even on broken pavement. Don't expect S-Class levels of comfort, but few convertibles have such a well-tuned suspension.

　　The SL's seats are excellent, with adjustability for lumbar and both side and thigh bolstering. Our test car had heating, cooling and massaging functions, plus a small vent on the headrest that will blow warm air on your neck when the top is down should you need it on a chilly day. The climate control system isn't quite as good as the rest of the car. The fans blow hard and the air conditioning is cold, but the touchscreen controls can be slow and somewhat cumbersome to use.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below