why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 48 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.9

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has long offered outstanding performance, style, luxury and comfort. Those attributes will only get better for the 2012 SL-Class. With its excellent retractable hard top, which automatically opens or closes in just 16 seconds, the 2012 SL-Class provides both quiet coupe-like driving and open-air motoring. This makes the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL Class is one of the most versatile convertibles on the market.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class still has a knack for turning heads. The 2012 SL-Class remains a classic choice for well-to-do consumers who wish to flaunt their wealth by driving a world-class convertible tourer.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class isn't cheap by any means. Even the base 2012 SL-Class commands a price that's thousands of dollars more than its closest competitors.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.9
Driving Dynamics

7.8
Comfort & Convenience

8.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.6
Value

6.6
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#8

out of 8

MPG

#6

out of 8

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.9 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

With Mercedes' flagship SL-Class nearing the end of its current (and famously long) model generation, changes are minimal for 2012. The only change is the discontinuation of V12-powered models.

Driving the SL-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions While it's far from a lightweight sports car, the SL-Class provides an enjoyably sharp driving experience. Steering, braking and handling are all beautifully precise and up to the task of...

handling both aggressive driving and emergency maneuvers. That's thanks largely to the impressive level of engineering that went into the chassis and suspension, but also due to the unseen arsenal of computer driving aids. Active Body Control works to level the vehicle in sharp turns and can deploy an integrated rollover protection system in the event of an imminent rollover. With 382 horsepower in standard trim, the SL-Class is both powerful and refined.

Favorite Features

Retractable Hardtop
The retractable hardtop works flawlessly and, when in place, offers a cabin that is as handsomely appointed inside as any Mercedes coupe.

Panorama Glass Panel Top
The available panorama glass panel top puts a unique twist on the retractable hardtop.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Details

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The cabin of the 2012 SL-Class offers all of the high-quality materials and technological wizardry we've come to expect from a top-level Mercedes vehicle. Nearly everything inside is automated in one form or another and can often be customized to fit the driver's preference. That said, some of the systems, particularly the COMAND interface, can be counter-intuitive and time-consuming to learn. With the folding hard top open, the trunk offers seven cubic feet of cargo space.

Exterior

The 2012 SL-Class has a classic sports car aesthetic, thanks to proportions borrowed from the hallowed halls of historical automotive design. The SL pays tribute to many of the most beautiful sports coupes and convertibles ever created, thanks to its long nose and short trunk deck. Unlike many retractable hard-top vehicles, the 2012 SL-Class looks as beautiful with its top in place as it does with it stowed. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class remains one of the most attractive vehicles in the Silver Arrow family.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Even in base trim, the SL-Class comes loaded with plenty of standard gear. Buyers will find dual-zone climate control, an illuminated keyless entry fob, hard-drive-based navigation and an excellent 510-watt sound system. In addition, every SL-Class comes with a number of standard safety features, including an automatic rollover protection system and frontal and side-impact air bags.

Optional Equipment

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is available with a trim package that includes leather and wood accents throughout the cabin. Another option package includes keyless start, excellent ventilated seats and an electronic trunk closer. Other options include a wheel package, automatic cruise control and Parktronic park assist.

Under the Hood

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Engine photo

The standard 2012 SL550's 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 provides more than enough power and fun for nearly any driver. Speed freaks, thrill seekers and millionaires will no doubt opt for the supercharged SL63 AMG, which offers 518 horsepower thanks to its 6.2 liters of roaring, AMG-tuned V8 power.

5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
391 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/22

6.2-liter V8 Supercharged
518 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
465 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19

Pricing Notes

The least-expensive 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the SL550 starts just shy of $105,000. Adding any options to the vehicle will see that number quickly increase. Those with the means to opt up to the 2012 SL63 AMG can expect to see an entry price of $140,440. As always, you should check out kbb.com's Fair Purchase Price, to see what SL buyers in your area paying for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class convertibles.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vehicles for sale near you.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 116 Ratings for the 2003 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.5/10

A true 'hardtop convertible" that delivers.

By The Bright Idea Guy (IL) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 39,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great ride. Lives well in the city."

Cons: "Once your warranty is over sell it or extend it."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own the Designo Launch edition. The unique paint color, the hardtop convertible, and the ageless styling makes this car one of the best of the best. There are faster cars (Ferrarri) or better interiors (Lambo) but dollar for dollar this is a great car that combines a reasonable size trunk, eye stopping design, and a killer stereo. It's a car for someone that needs a 'practical' car that doubles as a sports car. I love this car because I can drive in the city and cruise on the highway. The trunk is large enough for golf clubs, the seats are comfortable for long trips, and the front hood design allows for vision for painless parking. Don't buy it new. Let someone else take the hit on the first year or two. The owners are fussy and take care of these cars. True is trust funders buy it, drive it for a year, and move on to the next version."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Excellent design and drive

By SLVirginia (VA) on Monday, December 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 24,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great classic design, fun to drive, massaging seat"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased this '07 CPO with only 23000 miles and it is a sweet ride and a beautiful design. With the heavy weight this car does not handle like a small car. I also get good mileage on the hwy and get positive stares and very favorable comments regarding the design of the car. It has every feature imaginable and I also purchased a 5-yr extended warranty for $5K through the dealer."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

05 Merc SL65AMG awesome value

By Brooks State Farm (PA) on Saturday, November 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "super quick, great price, warranty, low miles"

Cons: "only 2 seats, doesn't go 300 mph...."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car is much quicker then the BMW M6 I had, it's beautiful, sounds great but not quite as sweet as BMW and I paid less then 25% of sticker price with only 32k miles on it ! It is classy/sporty looking with a beast for an engine. Buy a used 1 so u don't get nailed w/price and 30 month warranty for $3k and u can't go wrong. Love this car !"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Fantastic Value - 1/3 $ for low mile like new car.

By EasyRider (AZ) on Wednesday, August 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, Acceleration, Handling and High Style"

Cons: "Nav system but easily resolved with a phone or GPS"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This is the car Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson owns and loves. I highly recommend this car with the same caveat the salesman made when he sold it - Make sure you get the warranty. I've had several cost free repairs on this CPO car since I purchased it with extended factory warranty at 35,000 mi. Two years later we are now at 50,000 and still have a year left on the warranty. My repairs - the roof operating mechanism and motor mounts (which are surprisingly sophisticated). The things that make this car so fun to own and drive are the same ones that make it less reliable than say a vanilla Toyota Corolla. The Mercedes dealerships always treat you like royalty so sometimes I look for things to have checked out just to visit. My biggest surprise has been the gas mileage. I get 24 MPG on long trips with the cruise set at ten over the limit. My Honda Insight Hybrid gets 32 on trips and isn't half as fun, safe or relaxing to drive. The biggest problem I have with this car is that I can't stop driving it. I'm putting more miles on it than I planned. Meanwhile the 24-32 MPG Honda sits collecting dust in the driveway."

16 people out of 17 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Excellent hobby car

By RR (MO) on Sunday, July 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Superb ride, superb engine"

Cons: "Costly to maintain"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Fun car to drive, especially in summer with the top down. Maintenance is costly. Mileage is not great, but reasonable for a 4200 lb car with 490 hp. Bought used for about 1/4 the original sticker."

8 people out of 9 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Looks likes it's flying while sitting still

By Supra7 (TX) on Saturday, April 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 39,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Retractable roof"

Cons: "Nav system"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned this car for 4 years now. I am the 2nd owner. I absolutely love it. It is quick, handles like a dream, dependable and has a timeless look of quality and class. It has maintained it's value like I cannot even believe. I have owned everything from a corvette to an Audi and this car is by far my most favorite. Being a female I have turned a lot of heads driving this car... :) It gets great gas mileage Hwy:25 and City:17 mpg. The only thing I am not fond of is the navigation system. I would rather use a GPS. I use my IPhone now. Another issue I have had with this car is the AC having a musty smell. The dealership cannot seem to fix it. :( Overall I am the PROUD owner of a chromed out Silver 2006 SL500 AMG Mercedes."

10 people out of 11 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 116 reviews