Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Convertible (2012-2020) running costs and reliability

Item: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (2012 - 2020)
Rating: 3
Author: Parkers

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Mercedes-Benz 2017 SL Class Convertible static exterior

Mercedes-Benz 2017 SL Class Convertible driving

Mercedes-Benz 2017 SL Class Convertible exterior detail

Mercedes-Benz 2017 SL Class Convertible main interior

Mercedes-Benz 2017 SL Class Convertible interior detail

Mercedes-Benz 2017 SL Class Convertible boot/load space

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp) ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only, and typical current fuel or electricity costs.

Petrol engines	3.4 - 4.5 mpp
Diesel engines	3.7 - 3.8 mpp

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only.

Petrol engines	23.2 - 31 mpg
Diesel engines	28.8 - 29.7 mpg

View mpg & specs for any version

If you have the sort of money to indulge in an SL then you won’t be too concerned about the running costs. The most frugal version is the SL 350, which is claimed to return 41.5mpg on average. The SL will be fairly expensive to insure while parts and servicing costs will be high.

If you have a green conscience then the cleanest version of the SL is the 350. It emits 159g/km of CO2, which is not too shabby for a sporty convertible with a V6 engine.

The SL has had a chequered past in terms of reliability. There was a recall in 2004 following concerns about reduced braking efficiency and another in 2005 for an issue where the brake pedal required more effort than expected. Then in 2008 there was a further recall for a potential problem with the Active Body Control, which can affect driving stability.

More recent cars have proven to be more reliable.