MSRP: $111,950 – $207,150
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Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL luxury performance convertible, and its tiny rear seats, prevent it from being a true roadster, even though Mercedes calls it one. It comes in four variants: a 416-horsepower RWD SL 43 with a 2.0L turbo four and three variants all using a 4.0L twin-turbo V8, namely the 469-hp AWD SL 55 4Matic, the 577-hp SL 63, and the new 805-hp/1,047-lb-ft SL 63 S E Performance that reaches 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and 196 mph. All configurations use an AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed automatic transmission.
The SL shares its platform with the AMG GT coupe, and all trims have 2+2 seating and an electrically folding soft top. The SL is meant for people who want a grand touring convertible that’s just as good at refined cruising as sports-car thrills.
What’s New for 2025?
Mercedes-Benz’s plug-in hybrid powertrain, pairing the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with a 150-kW rear-mounted motor, a 2-speed transmission, and a 6.1-kWh battery, finds its way into the SL this year, creating the new SL 63 S E Performance. The setup delivers 805 hp combined, and the car comes with carbon-ceramic brakes and AMG Active Ride Control air suspension. The base SL 43’s 4-cylinder powertrain is uprated from 375 to 416 hp at the same time.
The 2025 AMG SL-Class also sees these changes:
- The folding top can now also be had with a dark blue soft top, taking the available top colors to four
- Black-painted AMG brake callipers are now available for all the V8 trims
- Two new optional Manufaktur paint colors, namely Signature Silicon Grey and Signature China Blue, are now offered
- Two new optional Manufaktur Signature Nappa leather upholstery choices, called Mystic Red/Black and Signature Yacht Blue/Black, are now available
Last of all, a special-edition SL called the AMG SL 63 Manufaktur Golden Coast, of which only 100 will be built worldwide, debuts. It’s painted Manufaktur Kalahari Gold Magno and comes with many trim-specific touches.
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Exterior
The long hood and short rear deck are typical SL styling cues, but unlike some previous generations that had a folding hard top, the R232 generation comes with an electrically folding soft top in four available colors. An active rear spoiler deploys automatically at speed. The SL 43 wears 19-inch wheels, while the V8s upgrade to 20s and 21s. A roll bar pops up during a rollover.
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Interior
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen form part of the MBUX infotainment system that also includes navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Heated, ventilated, and massaging power front seats with AirScarf are standard. The Burmester audio system has 11 speakers. The tiny rear seats will only accommodate toddlers or bags. Cargo capacity is 7.5 cu-ft, shrinking to 3.9 cu-ft on the S E Performance.
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Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL-Class price list starts at $111,950 for the 4-pot SL 43, but the $144,650 55 delivers the twin-turbo V8 experience with 4Matic+ AWD for far less than the SL 63. The $207,150 S E Performance adds hybrid hypercar power.
| Model | Price |
| Base: AMG SL 43 (RWD) | $111,950 |
| Top: AMG SL 63 S E Performance | $207,150 |
| Best Value: AMG SL 55 (4Matic+) | $144,650 |
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Model | Engine | HP | Torque | Drive | 0-60 |
| SL 43 | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 416 hp | 369 lb-ft | RWD | 4.6 sec |
| SL 55 | 4.0L Twin-turbo V8 | 469 hp | 516 lb-ft | 4Matic+ | 3.8 sec |
| SL 63 | 4.0L Twin-turbo V8 | 577 hp | 590 lb-ft | 4Matic+ | 3.5 sec |
| SL 63 S E Perf. | 4.0L Twin-turbo V8 + E-Motor | 805 hp | 1,047 lb-ft | 4Matic+ | 2.8 sec |
Fuel Economy
| Model | City | Highway | Combined | Combined Gas Only | Range | EV Range |
| SL 43 | 19 MPG | 27 MPG | 22 MPG | – | 407 mi | |
| SL 55 / SL 63 | 13 MPG | 21 MPG | 16 MPG | – | 296 mi | |
| SL 63 S E Perf. (Gas & Elec) | n/a | n/a | 29 MPGe | 18 MPG | 350 mi | 11 mi |
Fuel: Premium
SL 63 S E Perf. battery: 6.1 kWh
Trunk: 7.5 cu-ft (3.9 S E Performance)
Seating: 2+2
Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Basic | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | Not included |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- S E Performance’s 805 hp with standard Active Ride Control and carbon ceramics provides hypercar open-top performance
- SL 55’s twin-turbo V8 with 4Matic+ delivers 3.8-second acceleration at $144,650, representing strong value
- AirScarf, massaging seats, and well-tuned suspension create one of the most comfortable open-air driving experiences at any price
Cons:
- S E Performance’s 4,839-pound weight limits agility compared to lighter Porsche 911 Cabriolet
- Trunk space just 3.9 cu-ft on S E Performance, severely limiting luggage for grand touring
- SL 43’s 4-cylinder lacks the V8 character that defines the SL experience, making it hard to justify at $112,000
Verdict
The 2025 AMG SL provides everything from a 416-hp 4-pot to an 805-hp hypercar PHEV, but the 55 is the heart of the range at a sensible $145K. It remains more a grand tourer than a light-footed sportster, but with 4Matic traction and great comfort, that is its strength. The new top-performing PHEV is just too expensive and short on cargo space for two-up touring.
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Competitors
- Porsche 911 Cabriolet
- Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
- Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
- Maserati GranCab
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor