DecodedCars2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Sl550 2dr Convertible, Sl63 Amg 2dr Convertible
- Engines
- 5.5L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 14 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 179.5–181.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,222–4,398 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 17 MPG combined, 18% below the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (5.5L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) 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), 18% worse than the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 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 2012
- Engine added: 6.2L 8-cyl
- Engines dropped: 6.3L 8-cyl and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 SL-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sl550 2dr Convertible | 179.5 in | 71.7 in | 51.2 in | 100.8 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 4,222 lb | 50/50 |
| Sl63 Amg 2dr Convertible | 181.5 in | 71.7 in | 51.2 in | 100.8 in | 61.8 / 60.6 in | 4,398 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL550 | 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -18% | $4,850 | 523 |
| SL63 AMG | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 19 / 14 | -32% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Similar 2012 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Porsche 911 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Audi R8 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Porsche Cayman | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Porsche Boxster | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Jaguar XK | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other SL-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 SL-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 SL-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 SL-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 SL-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 SL-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 SL-Class | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 SL-Class | 22 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 SL-Class | 23 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 SL-Class | 23 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →