Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2020 Review

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class continues the lineage of one of the most iconic touring roadsters ever. It's been eight years since the SL received a full redesign, though, and its age is showing in the face of fresher competitors. To its credit, the SL remains an excellent luxury convertible that delivers high levels of refinement.

Inside, the SL is very much a last-generation Mercedes, lacking the latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system and maintaining the dated interior design. It's a functional cockpit, no doubt, but it's missing a lot of the latest tech features and the visual sophistication of current stablemates. If you don't need the latest and greatest features, though, this SL still has the comfort and performance you'd expect.

There are strong rumors that this may be the last year for this Mercedes-Benz SL generation since some poorly disguised test mules have been spotted in Europe. If that's the case, you may want to wait and see what the next SL has in store for us. Otherwise, the newer rivals from BMW and Porsche should easily satisfy.

Which SL-Class does MatoCar recommend?

As competent as the base SL 450 may be, we recommend stepping up to the V8-powered SL 550 for the full luxury touring experience. It has the right amount of effortless power with a more accessible price than the AMG model. It also has a much more comfortable ride quality. To that, we'd add the Driver Assistance package for more advanced safety features.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL is a two-seat convertible with a power-folding hardtop that's available in three trim levels based on engine size and output. The base SL 450 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (362 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) and sends power to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The SL 550 ups the power with a turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 (449 hp, 516 lb-ft).

Standard features for the SL 450 include 19-inch wheels, a power windblocker, LED headlights and running lights, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning and mitigation, keyless entry and ignition, a power trunklid with hands-free activation, selectable drive modes and an adaptive suspension.

Inside, you get dual-zone automatic climate control, sun-reflecting leather upholstery, heated seats, a navigation system, a COMAND infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a six-CD changer and satellite and HD radio.

The SL 550 adds AMG-branded 19-inch wheels, an automated parking system, an Airscarf neck-level heater, and ventilated seats with active side bolsters and massage functions.

Most of the SL 550's premium features are optional on the SL 450. All SLs are eligible for mobile Wi-Fi hotspot service and many interior upholstery and trim upgrades. AMG models can be outfitted with carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon-fiber exterior trim. For 2020, a Grand Edition model debuts with 20-inch rear wheels, pre-selected paint and interior trim choices, and diamond-quilted Designo leather upholstery.