2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Sl550 2dr Convertible, Sl63 Amg 2dr Convertible, Sl65 Amg 2dr Convertible
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 181.9–182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,935–4,299 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a two seaters offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,935 lb (Sl550 2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 14% better than the 2016 two seaters average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 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 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 SL-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 SL-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sl550 2dr Convertible | 181.9 in | 74 in | 52 in | 101.6 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,935 lb | 50/50 |
| Sl63 Amg 2dr Convertible | 182.3 in | 74 in | 51.2 in | 101.6 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 4,068 lb | 50/50 |
| Sl65 Amg 2dr Convertible | 182.3 in | 74 in | 51.2 in | 101.6 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 4,299 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL400 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +14% | $3,550 | 392 |
| AMG SL63 | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -6% | $4,350 | 468 |
| SL550 | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -6% | $4,350 | 465 |
| AMG SL65 | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -16% | $4,850 | 539 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2016 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 2016 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 |
| 2015 SL-Class | 23 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 SL-Class | 20 | 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 →