Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The 1990s Mercedes-Benz SL-Class debuted in 1989 and ran through 2002. Its nearest competitors were BMW's 850Ci, Chevrolet's Corvette ZR-1, Porsche's 911 Turbo and Ferrari's 348 Spider, but none really matched the SL's combination of quality, safety, luxury and performance.

Year-to-year changes

1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	Discontinued
300SL			SL320				N/A		1997
500SL			SL500						2006
N/A		600SL	SL500						2009

1991

Derived from the S-Class sedans, the two 2-seat SL models, shared with the S-Class models, were virtually identical except for drivetrains. The SL300 had the 3.0-liter dohc 229-hp Six, and the SL500 had the 5.0-liter dohc 322-hp V8. The 1992 SL-Class convertibles were carryovers.

All three SLs shared the same 2-passenger body/chassis. It came standard with both a fully automatic folding soft-top and a removable aluminum hardtop. The soft-top stowed beneath a rigid tonneau cover that would operate automatically as part of the convertible's one-button power-top cycle. 

1993

For the 1993 model year, a new SL600 was added to the lineup. This convertible used a 6.0-liter dohc 389-hp V12 engine. The SL500 also dropped to 315 horsepower.

1994

The SL300 was renamed the SL320 in 1994.

Even more impressive was an automatic rollbar that would pop up by itself if the SL sensed an impending rollover. There was a switch to raise the rollbar, which could then be fitted with a wind-blocking mesh that allowed rearward vision but would reduce drafts. Other clever safety features included "safety capsule" bucket seats to which the seatbelts fasten, ABS disc brakes, dual airbags and automatic belt tensioners.

As expected, these Mercedes vehicles came standard with unique comfort and convenience features such as an electrostatic air filter for the automatic climate-control system and a 3-setting driver's seat memory. Standard on the SL600 and optional on the others were ADS (adaptive suspension control) and an integrated cellular phone.

1995

Prices for the Six and V8 have been reduced by $6900 and $9600 for '95. Traction control was also now standard on the SL320.

Retail prices

As of September 22, 1993:

• $85,200 (1994 Mercedes-Benz SL320)
• $99,500 (1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500)
• $120,100 (1994-1995 Mercedes-Benz SL600)

As of August 18, 1994:

• $78,300 (1995-1996 Mercedes-Benz SL320)
• $89,900 (1995-1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500)

Specifications

Model years	Trim level	Transmission	Cylinders	Engine Size	Drive	MPG	Horsepower
1994-1995	SL320	5-speed automatic	V6	3.2L	RWD	17 City/24 Highway	229
1994-1995	SL500	4-speed automatic	V8	5.0L	RWD	16 City/20 Highway	315
1994-1995	SL600	4-speed automatic	V12	6.0L	RWD	13 City/17 Highway	389

Gallery

1991-1993 Mercedes-Benz SL500

1994-1995 Mercedes-Benz SL320

1994-1996 Mercedes-Benz SL600

Video Clips

Mercedes Benz SL500 2DR Convertible-0