Used Mercedes-Benz SL available with Stratstone
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a large, luxurious two-seat convertible with an automatic folding electric roof. It has come to epitomise everything that's great about Mercedes-Benz; luxury, class, refinement and performance, all in one very stylish package.
Sitting at the very top of the Mercedes sports car range, except for the Mercedes-AMG GT, the SL (also known as the SL-Class) has been around since the '50s. The sixth generation, on sale in the UK from 2012 to 2020, is well worth considering as your next car for the following reasons:
- Powerful engines that sound great
- Folding hard-top roof
- Sumptuous comfort
- Style and class in abundance
- Prestige badge
Engines and Driving Experience
Mercedes went to great lengths to make sure the Mk6 SL drove as good as it looked, and that included crafting the body out of aluminium and the roof out of magnesium in order to keep the weight down. This is still a hefty 1.7-tonne car however, and feels planted and reassuringly stable at all speeds.
All the engine options are petrol, and only come with automatic gearboxes. There are three ways to go:
- SL 400: 362bhp 3.0-litre V6 - provides ample power and performance
- SL 500: 449bhp 4.7-litre V8 - has punchier acceleration at the top end
- SL 63: 577bhp 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 - basically a rocket ship
Practicality and Running Costs
Practicality is not really at the top of the agenda for the SL, but potential buyers will be pleased to know that at 504 litres in size, the boot is plenty big enough for a weekly shop, or a couple's holiday luggage. Even when the roof is down there is 364 litres of room - more than an A-Class hatchback.
There is lots of storage areas in the cabin, meaning plenty of places to keep road-trip refreshments.
Running costs are not too bad at all if you go for the SL 400 V6, as fuel economy of 32 to 36mpg is possible on a long run. Do not expect road tax, insurance, servicing and replacement parts to be cheap though, SLs cost £70,000+ new and while used prices may be tempting, the SL should not be run on a tight budget.
Interior, Technology, and Safety
Refined is the best word to describe the interior of the Mercedes SL. From the superb soundproofing that blocks out unwanted road noise, to the way the electronic wind-deflector rises up automatically to control airflow, the SL is a lovely thing to waft around in.
From a technology standpoint, it is good if not up there with contemporary rivals such as the BMW 8 Series Convertible. The 'air scarf' blows warm air onto your neck on a cold but sunny day, and the Magic Sky Roof (look out for used examples with that option fitted) lets you blank out the panoramic roof at the touch of a button.
Mercedes-Benz are known for producing very safe vehicles, and the SL is no different. In addition to a full suite of airbags, there is also rollover protection that automatically deploys in the event of an accident. Other safety features include:
- Stability and traction control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Seatbelt pre-tensioners
- Reversing camera
Is the Mercedes-Benz SL right for me?
Despite its broad range of abilities as a grand tourer, you do not really buy a used Mercedes-Benz SL for what it can do, you buy it because of how it makes you feel, and what it represents. From the way the car looks to the relaxed driving experience, the SL has the ability to make every journey special.
The SL is not the only luxury convertible that can do that, however. The Porsche 911 Cabriolet is more fun to drive, while the newer BMW 8 Series Convertible has better technology features.
Why choose Stratstone for your next used vehicle?
Home Delivery
Get your car delivered to your door, with prices starting from just £99.
Flexible Finance
Our flexible finance packages are tailored to your requirements.
Buy Online
Buy your next car and arrange finance from the comfort of your own home.
Heritage
Our heritage date back to 1921, which is when we were established.
Discover your next car with Stratstone
At Stratstone, we have a variety of quality used cars for you to choose from. Each car is carefully selected by our teams before making its way through the rigorous preparation process, where it is inspected by a qualified technician and then fully valeted.
All our vehicles are fully HPI checked, giving you peace of mind when making a decision. In addition, we are able to offer Home Delivery to UK mainland addresses, giving you flexibility when searching for your next car.
We are also able to offer you a tailored Service Plan for your selected car, which allows you to spread the cost of maintenance over an agreed period of time, whilst saving you money in the process.
If you would like some advice on picking the right car for you, or you have spotted a vehicle and want more information, please contact your nearest Stratstone retailer, where one of our friendly associates will be more than happy to help.
