2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Pictured: Mercedes-AMG SL 43 IMG 8050. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Two Seaters
Body styles
Sl550 2dr Convertible, Sl600 2dr Convertible, Sl63 Amg 2dr Convertible, Sl65 Amg 2dr Convertible
Engines
5.5L 8-cyl, 6.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
17 combined · 14 city / 22 hwy
Length
179.5–181.5 in
Curb weight
4,222–4,553 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a two seaters offered with 3 engines (5.5L 8-cyl, 6.3L 8-cyl and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 180 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,222 lb (Sl550 2dr Convertible).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (14 city / 22 highway), 11% worse than the 2011 two seaters average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,850 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.

What changed for 2011

  • Engine added: 6.3L 8-cyl
  • Engines dropped: 5.5L 12-cyl turbo and 6.2L 8-cyl turbo

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 SL-Class →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Sl550 2dr Convertible179.5 in71.7 in51.2 in100.8 in61.4 / 61 in4,222 lb50/50
Sl600 2dr Convertible179.5 in71.7 in51.2 in100.8 in61.4 / 61 in4,497 lb50/50
Sl63 Amg 2dr Convertible181.5 in71.7 in51.2 in100.8 in61.8 / 60.6 in4,398 lb50/50
Sl65 Amg 2dr Convertible181.5 in71.7 in51.2 in100.8 in61.8 / 60.6 in4,553 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
SL5505.5L 8-cylAutomatic 7-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17-11%$4,850523
SL63 AMG6.3L 8-cylAutomatic 7-spdRear-Wheel Drive12 / 19 / 14-27%$5,850635
SL65 AMG6.0L 12-cyl turboAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-27%$5,850635
Spend $12,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.1 MPG2011 Two Seaters average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

Similar 2011 two seaterss

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (this car)17 MPGNot rated0
2011 Audi R816 MPGNot rated0
2011 Audi R8 Spyder16 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

No owner complaints for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Used 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other SL-Class years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 SL-Class23–Not rated00
2026 SL-Class22–Not rated00
2025 SL-Class22–Not rated00
2024 SL-Class22–Not rated00
2023 SL-Class23–Not rated00
2022 SL-Class16–Not rated00
2020 SL-Class22182.3 inNot rated00
2019 SL-Class23182.3 inNot rated00
2018 SL-Class23182.3 inNot rated00
2017 SL-Class23182.3 inNot rated00
2016 SL-Class23181.9 inNot rated00
2015 SL-Class23181.9 inNot rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →