Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale near Southend-On-Sea
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Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: The CarGurus Rating
Shop for Mercedes-Benz SL-Class »CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.9 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 11.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 200
Average Price: N/A
FAQs
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4.9 Overall rating
Customers say
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is celebrated for its exhilarating performance, sleek style, and luxurious comfort, making it a standout choice among sports convertibles. Owners love the impressive acceleration and precise handling, which contribute to an overall thrilling driving experience. However, some drivers do note that the high price can be a drawback, deterring potential buyers from pursuing this premium model.
AI generated from the text of customer reviews.
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What people say
Martin S
Reviewed a 2023 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class on 6 Mar 2025
I love my Mercedes-AMG SL43! I was unsure if I would like the ride and handling of my car after watching YouTube test videos on the latest (R232) SL43 but I need not have been. As for the new dashboard, the new switches and buttons are a refreshing change and an absolute pleasure to use! The buttons work without a problem with the ingenious haptic feedback that is given. Mercedes often takes the lead in car manufacture. Soft close doors first appeared on the S-class now Rolls Royce, Bentley and many others have adopted them. The new Mercedes switch gear will no doubt be adopted by other manufacturers eventually. I cannot recommend my (R232) SL43 enough. It is in fact replacing my SLK 280 from 2007 which has only covered 16k miles so I am letting my sister have it in her family as a future classic. The SL43 rides and handles beautifully and if, like me, you want a replacement for an SLK or SLC this is the right car for you. The new fabric hood makes it easier to style a great car which looks stunningly like the original 300 SL roadster from the 1950's and the SL43 carries on where the 190 SL and SLK and SLC left off! The SL43 is a stunning well made car that I have no hesitation in recommending! It's also great as a 2+2 for children in the back of the car!
Keith S
Reviewed a 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class on 29 Mar 2025
Excellent vehicle with a very high specification. Couldn’t be happier.
Shane J
Reviewed a 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class on 12 Oct 2024
Quality grand tourer with a touch of madness
Howard B
Reviewed a 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class on 5 Sept 2022
The AMG line Mercedes SL400 is a superb sports convertible with great acceleration, handling and exciting to drive. I covered 3,000 miles touring Scotland on two weeks holiday and felt completely safe and comfortable at all times.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class price trends
CarGurus tracks the prices of millions of used car listings every year. See how the average price of Mercedes-Benz SL-Class prices has changed over time.
See more price trendsMercedes-Benz SL-Class: CarGurus Buyer Insights
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.9 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 11.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 200
Average Price: N/A
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (2012-2020) Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| As capable as it is desirable | Not as dynamic or sporting as a Porsche 911 |
| The benefits of a roadster and a coupe in one | High running costs |
| Epic performance of AMG SL65 | AMG models can overstretch the chassis |
Quick Summary
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (2012-2020), known as the R231, is an iconic luxury roadster and coupe that combines the best of both worlds. Its defining feature is the folding metal Vario-roof, which transforms the car from a refined coupe to a glamorous two-seat roadster in less than 20 seconds. Built almost entirely from aluminium, the R231 benefits from improved performance and fuel economy compared to its predecessors. With 485 litres of boot space with the roof raised and 364 litres with it folded, the SL remains surprisingly practical for a weekend away, though packing requires consideration of the roof mechanism.
The SL excels as a dignified grand tourer, perfect for cross-continental cruises or weekend escapes with the roof down. Whilst not as sharp to drive as a Porsche 911 or as luxurious as a Bentley Continental GT, its rounded character makes it difficult to fault. The V8-powered SL 500 is the sweet spot, offering strong performance and refinement, though running costs are substantial across all variants. Standard equipment is generous, particularly on later Grand Edition models, featuring Nappa leather, Airscarf heating, and optional smartphone integration on newer examples.
Best for: Buyers seeking a versatile luxury roadster and coupe in one, those prioritising comfort and refinement over outright sportiness, and drivers planning European grand tours or weekend escapes.
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers concerned about high running costs, those wanting sharp driving dynamics comparable to a Porsche 911, or drivers seeking maximum practicality with larger luggage requirements.
Comparison vs Key Rivals
| Vehicle | CarGurus Expert Rating | CarGurus User Rating | Good/Great deals % | Overall CarGurus Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 4/5 | 4.9/5 | 11.7% | 4.1/5 |
| BMW 6 Series Convertible | 4/5 | 4.6/5 | 37.8% | 4.2/5 |
| Bentley Continental GT Convertible | 3/5 | 4.6/5 | 39.2% | 4.3/5 |
| Porsche 911 Cabriolet | 4/5 | 4.6/5 | 13.2% | 4.2/5 |
The Verdict
You should buy the SL-Class if: You seek a versatile luxury roadster and coupe in one, prioritise comfort and refinement over outright sportiness, or plan European grand tours and weekend escapes.
Consider alternatives if: You are concerned about high running costs, want sharp driving dynamics comparable to a Porsche 911, or require maximum practicality with larger luggage capacity.
Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (2012-2020) is a highly desirable luxury roadster that stands apart from its rivals through its unique dual-character design. Whilst the Porsche 911 Cabriolet offers superior driving dynamics and the Bentley Continental GT Convertible provides greater luxury, the SL strikes an impressive balance between comfort, performance and versatility. The BMW 6 Series Convertible offers better value with more good/great deals available, but the SL's iconic status and refined engineering make it a compelling choice for those prioritising adaptability and open-air charm. Its greatest strength lies in its ability to excel as both a dignified grand tourer and an engaging roadster.
Read our full Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
