Mercedes-Benz SL Model Years and History

The SL remains unchanged for 2026, with only minor tweaks such as a new center console design across all SL models which now have soft-top controls. New paints are also available to order on the SL 55 and SL 63.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class rolls into 2025 with minimal changes.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class carries over with minimal changes for 2024.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class carries over with minimal changes for 2023.

After a brief hiatus in 2021, the SL-Class returns for 2022 in AMG 55 and AMG 63 versions.

The Mercedes-Benz SL roadster returns in 2019 with no major changes.

The Mercedes-Benz SL is mostly carried over heading into 2018. Styling has been revised modestly around the front fascia and the wheels, which now are appointed with a simplified Mercedes emblem. A backup camera is now standard as are puddle lamps that illuminate a Mercedes-Benz logo at the driver's feet upon entry. Mercedes offers an AMG Sport steering wheel and seatbelts are now offered in red or silver.

The Mercedes-Benz SL gets a nice update for 2017. Styling has been revised, particularly around the front fascia, which now bears a closer family resemblance to other Mercedes-Benz models. A new 9-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board, though AMG models still make do with the beefier 7-speed unit. New standard features include LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, multi-color ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an improved power hard top. The SL400 has also been replaced with the more powerful SL450.

Ahead of a significant refresh for 2017, the Mercedes-Benz SL is unchanged for 2016.

The 2015 SL-Class gets a major price reduction with the addition of the SL400 model, which slots in below the SL550 at the bottom of the lineup. Powered by a V6 rather than a V8 or V12 like the rest of the lineup, the SL400 gets the best gas mileage of the group while still being plenty fast.

Following a complete redesign last year, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is largely unchanged, with updates limited to new exterior color choices (Polar White, Red Metallic) and an analog dash clock now standard on the SL550.

The 2013 SL-Class has been given a total redesign making this the sixth generation of SL-Class roadsters for Mercedes-Benz. Sporting a brand new chassis, the 2013 SL-Class weighs significantly less than the car it replaces, paying dividends in both fuel efficiency and performance. The mission of the car remains unchanged however, the 2013 SL-Class representing the ultimate in two seat luxury motoring.

For 2012, Mercedes-Benz dropped the SL60 AMG model, leaving only the SL55 and the SL63 AMG. Otherwise, the SL-Class remains pretty much the same as last year's model.

For 2011, Mercedes-Benz dropped the SL600 for the U.S. market, leaving three models: SL550, SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG. They've added the limited-edition SL550 Night Edition with matte black paint and exclusive interior to the lineup. The design refresh brings CLS-Class-style headlights and LED taillights, while under the hood the SL-Class now gets better fuel economy and a new steering system that requires less effort from the driver in high-performance cornering. All models also receive an advanced tire pressure monitoring system and HD Radio with Sirius Traffic. One new color is offered for 2011, Quartz Blue.

For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class line gets a big facelift. The exterior from the windshield forward is newly designed, with more modern headlights, a single crossbar grille, larger three-pointed star logo, and new fender vents borrowed from the McLaren SLR supercar. The hood gets two bulges called "power domes," while the mirrors have a new shape, and the rear end features a diffuser and trapezoidal exhaust tips. The instrument panel features a new three-spoke steering wheel, a subtly revised instrument cluster, a warm air delivery system for occupants' necks called Airscarf and an updated information and entertainment display. A variable-ratio steering system has been added for easier steering at speed. Finally, the ultra-performance SL55 AMG has been replaced by an even greater performing SL63 AMG, which is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 making 538 horsepower and 465 ft-lb of torque. The SL63 AMG also features Mercedes-Benz' new Sportshift MCT 7-speed gearbox.

For 2008, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class line is mostly unchanged. The SL550 gets new standard 18-inch wheels with a revised design. Newly available on the 2008 SL550 are Nappa leather seats. Base prices increase modestly across the line, from the SL550 at $95,300 to the SL65 AMG at $187,200.

The venerable Mercedes-Benz SL-Class gets a standard 5.5L V8 engine that's larger and has 25 percent more power for 2007, bringing a name change to SL550. The flagship, V12-powered SL600 also gets a slight bump in performance, to 510 horsepower. The high-performance SL55 AMG gets redesigned 19-inch wheels, along with new carbon fiber trim for 2007. All SLs get new doorsills and revised, richer interior materials. Sirius satellite radio capability with a six-month subscription and a hands-free phone is now standard, though the common Bluetooth interface is still optional. There's also a new 50th Anniversary Edition of the SL550 offered for 2007, in honor of the original 300SL roadster.