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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 2 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $77,420–$101,772 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.1/10, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL earns a Good rating among the sportss we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.6/10, while Value at 5.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sports — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.1/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.8/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.0/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sports you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.6/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $77,420–$101,772, 14 MPG, seating 2, the Mercedes-Benz SL sits in the luxury tier of the sports market. The value score of 5.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and value scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL ranks #278 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 12% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $77,420 starting price is about 68% above the segment's median of $46,090.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the SL model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.6/10 | $100,940 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $100,940 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $98,000 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $95,060 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $92,120 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.3/10 | $89,180 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $86,240 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $83,300 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $80,360 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $77,420 | |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $74,480 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $71,540 | Read review → |
Other sportss at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
