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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 2 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $89,180–$107,144 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.7/10, while Value at 5.7/10 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. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.3/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.7/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.5/10. The Mercedes-Benz SL delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.7/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $89,180–$107,144, 18 MPG, seating 2, the Mercedes-Benz SL sits in the luxury tier of the sports market. The value score of 5.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL is a passable sports but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL ranks #251 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 21% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $89,180 starting price is about 93% above the segment's median of $46,090.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.3 — and starts roughly $9,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| 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 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $89,180 | |
| 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 | 7.1/10 | $77,420 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $74,480 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $71,540 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL's reliability 6.3/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #251 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 21% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL starts at $89,180 and ranges up to $107,144 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.