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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 2 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $100,940–$126,639 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL earns a Recommended rating among the sportss we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.9/10, while Value at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.8/10 — 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 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.4/10 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 8.9/10 — 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 $100,940–$126,639, 16 MPG, seating 2, the Mercedes-Benz SL sits in the luxury tier of the sports market. The value score of 6.1/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Bottom line: Think of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability and value are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL ranks #176 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 45% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $100,940 starting price is about 119% 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 2026 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 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $100,940 | |
| 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 | 7.1/10 | $77,420 | Read review → |
| 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.
