carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 2 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $95,060–$119,015 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz SL earns a Good rating among the sportss we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.7/10, while Value at 5.9/10 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 6.5/10 — 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 8.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.3/10 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 8.7/10 — 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 $95,060–$119,015, 20 MPG, seating 2, the Mercedes-Benz SL sits in the luxury tier of the sports market. The value score of 5.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 3 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.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2023 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz SL ranks #237 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 25% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $95,060 starting price is about 106% 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.4 — 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 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $95,060 | |
| 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 | 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz SL's reliability 6.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #237 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 25% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz SL starts at $95,060 and ranges up to $119,015 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
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.
