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Luxurious grand touring cruisers may not be as popular as they once were, but the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a standout in the shrinking segment. With the performance of a sports car and the look of a grand tourer, the SL-Class is a rare machine that oozes style and packs oomph.
What's New for 2018
After receiving a face-lift last year, the 2018 SL-Class carries over with minimal changes. The base SL 450 now comes with a rearview camera as standard, because somehow spending upwards of $88,000 on a vehicle didn't bring the piece of tech last year. An AMG Sport Steering Wheel and mirror logo lamps are standard throughout the entire lineup, while silver or red seat belts are an optional extra.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Each SL-Class trim features a bespoke powertrain. The base SL 450 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission that helps the roadster sprint to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds. Stepping up to the SL 550 brings a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that churns out 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The gearbox is a nine-speed automatic unit.
The next two models are the more performance-oriented AMG-branded cars. The base AMG model is the SL 63 AMG that features a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine from AMG. The motor generates 577 hp and 665 lb-ft of torque and is paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes just four seconds for the SL 63 AMG. The range-topping model is the SL 65 AMG that's powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine. The powerhouse of a motor generates 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, which are supercar figures. A seven-speed gearbox from AMG helps the roadster get to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
Roadsters don't have cavernous cargo space, but the SL-Class makes the best of its body proportions with 13.5 cubic feet of space with the hardtop in place. When folded down, the roadster still manages to provide a useful 8.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Like we said, not spacious, but still enough for the essentials.
The SL-Class is available in four trims:
SL 450
Starting at $89,195 (all prices include the $995 transportation charge), the SL 450 is the most affordable way to get into the SL-Class. It's powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that has a nine-speed automatic transmission. On the performance side of things, the SL 450 comes with a active suspension system with active damping, perforated front brakes, and a sport exhaust system.
Exterior features on the roadster include: active LED headlights, 19-inch five-spoke wheels, and side-mirror logo projectors. As a grand tourer, the SL 450 is packed with all sorts of goodies on the inside. Standard interior features include: a panorama roof, illuminated door sills, a three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel, brushed aluminum pedals, dual-zone climate control, heated 16-way power seats with a memory setting, multicolor LED ambient lighting, a power windblocker, a Harman/Kardon sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and navigation.
Available packages on the SL 450 include the Premium Package ($5,050) that brings an Airscarf neck-level heating system, painted brake calipers, perforated rear brake discs, an electronic trunk closer with Hands-Free Access, active multicontour seats with a massage function, keyless-go, ventilated seats, and Parking Assist with Parking Pilot. Magic Sky Control ($2,500) adds the automaker's special panorama roof that alters the transparency of the glass panel via electricity, while adding soft-close doors costs $450. The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Premium Sound System ($5,400) adds 12 active speakers with two Acoustic Lens tweeters for an unmatched sound.
Performance-oriented packages include the Driver Assistance Package ($2,250) that brings a host of safety features, including: forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist. Lastly, getting Active Body Control (ABC) with Curve Function costs $4,090 and is a fully-active suspension system that helps keep the vehicle stable during turns.
SL 550
Getting into the SL 550 costs $113,295. Power comes from a 449-hp 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Over the SL 450, the SL 550 adds painted brake calipers, perforated rear discs, 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels, Parking Assist with Parking Pilot, 12-way power seats with memory, heated seats, and an in-dash CD player and SD card reader. The SL 550 trim has the same available options as the SL 450.
SL 63 AMG
Getting into an AMG-badged SL-Class costs $153,845. The trim features a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that's handcrafted by AMG. Performance wise, the SL 63 AMG adds various features, including: AMG Dynamic Select, AMG Performance Suspension, an AMG high-performance compound braking system, an AMG limited-slip differential, an AMG performance exhaust system, a lithium-ion battery, and ESP Curve Dynamic Assist.
On the outside, the SL 63 AMG adds AMG body styling, AMG instrumentation, an IWC “Ingenieur” dashtop analog clock, an AMG Nappa leather performance steering wheel, Dinamica headliner, and an easy-pack system.
Available packages on the SL 63 AMG include a lot of the same options as the lower models, but adds a variety of performance packages. The AMG Performance Suspension with two-stage adjustment package ($1,500) adds a firmer suspension system; red-painted brake calipers cost $700; the AMG high-performance Ceramic Composite Braking System ($8,950) brings carbon ceramic brakes to the roadster; and the carbon fiber engine cover runs $1,500.
SL 65 AMG
The range-topping model is the SL 65 AMG that features a monstrous 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine and starts at $222,995. Besides the V12 engine, the model adds a few extra goodies over the SL 63 AMG, including: AMG Performance Suspension with two-stage adjustment, an AMG high-performance compound braking system, ESP Curve Dynamic Assist, Magic Sky Control, bespoke body styling, a choice of 19 or 20-inch forged wheels, and a carbon fiber engine cover. The interior also receives some benefits, including AMG Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, soft-close doors, and a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Premium Sound System. Available packages on the SL 65 AMG include red-painted brake calipers ($700) and an AMG High-Performance Ceramic Composite Braking System ($8,950).
While we'd love to see and hear nothing but V8- and V12-powered SL-Class roadsters, spending upward of $153,000 isn't feasible for the majority of consumers. Instead, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL 450 is a good place to start and should have more than enough performance for daily use. The Driver Assistance Package is a welcome addition for those that want some extra safety, while the Premium Package and the Bang & Olufsen sound system are the way to go for a truly opulent Mercedes.
