The Mercedes-Benz SL has always been synonymous with luxury, performance, and open-top driving pleasure. For decades, it has represented the pinnacle of the grand touring roadster. While I once underestimated its charm, a week spent behind the wheel of the newer R231 generation, specifically the 2017 model, completely changed my perspective. I realized the SL isn’t about razor-sharp cornering or being the most agile sports car. It’s about something much more profound: effortless cruising, opulent comfort, and a feeling of serene well-being that only a truly exceptional luxury car can provide. It’s a car that lowers your stress levels and elevates your mood, much like the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S or Jaguar XK-R convertibles, but with a distinctly Mercedes-Benz flavor of sophistication. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL, especially in SL 550 guise, solidifies its position as a top-tier luxury drop-top, a timeless classic that continues to reign supreme in its class, regardless of market trends.
Timeless Design: Exterior and Interior Styling of the 2017 SL
One glance at the Mercedes-Benz SL lineage reveals a consistent thread of automotive beauty. From the iconic 300SL Gullwing to the modern iterations, each generation has offered a blend of elegance and desirability. Like the Porsche 911, the SL has largely avoided major design missteps. While some might find fault with the pre-facelift R230, the overall history of the SL is filled with stunningly beautiful cars.
The 2017 model year brought further refinements to the R231 generation SL, initially introduced in 2012. The 2016 facelift sharpened the car’s lines, adding more definition and a contemporary edge. The proportions remain classic SL: a long, imposing hood, generous overhangs, and a sleek profile. It’s a design that exudes confidence and sophistication, equally appealing whether you opt for the SL 450 or the powerful AMG SL 65. Every 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL model benefits from this updated aesthetic.
Stepping inside the 2017 SL, the cabin maintains a luxurious ambiance, although it hints at a slightly dated design compared to the newest Mercedes interiors. The center stack, with its array of buttons, is a familiar Mercedes design element – functional and well-organized, if a bit visually busy. However, the quality of materials and the overall craftsmanship of the dashboard are undeniable. Everything feels premium and meticulously assembled. Perhaps the only minor drawback is the smaller, non-touchscreen infotainment display, which feels less modern than the touch-sensitive screens found in newer models.
Unrivaled Comfort and Space in the 2017 Mercedes SL Roadster
Comfort is paramount in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL’s design philosophy. The seats are exceptionally well-engineered, providing both firm support and plush comfort. They cradle occupants perfectly, and the massage function elevates the driving experience to a truly spa-like level. Whether the top is up or down, both driver and passenger enjoy ample headroom and legroom, making long journeys a pleasure, not a chore.
Practicality isn’t sacrificed for style or comfort. The 2017 SL offers numerous storage compartments cleverly integrated within the cabin, including areas behind the seats and in the center console. The trunk space is surprisingly generous for a roadster, and the power trunk lid provides convenient access, even when the retractable hardtop is stowed. This blend of luxury and usability makes the 2017 SL a truly versatile grand tourer.
Value and Equipment: What You Get for Your Money in a 2017 SL
As an automotive icon, determining the “value” of a Mercedes-Benz SL is subjective. The base SL 450, with a starting price around $105,000, represents a significant investment. The as-tested SL 550, priced at $136,000 with Premium and Intelligent Drive packages, pushes the boundaries of luxury. While some features, like a heated steering wheel (surprisingly absent in the test model despite its price), are standard in much less expensive cars, the SL offers a unique proposition.
Owning a 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL is about more than just transportation; it’s about owning a piece of automotive history and enjoying a level of luxury and prestige that few cars can match. This premium is inherent in the segment, shared by competitors like the Porsche 911. The price includes a wealth of desirable features: massaging seats, the innovative Magic Sky Control roof (adjustable transparency), a Harman Kardon premium sound system, Active Body Control suspension, the potent V8 engine, and a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission.
Performance and Handling: Engine and Dynamics of the 2017 SL 550
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 is capable of exhilarating performance when desired. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds, reach electronically limited high speeds, and deliver impressive grip in corners. While it possesses genuine sporting potential, the SL 550’s true calling is refined, comfortable, and stylish cruising. It’s designed for enjoying the journey, not just reaching the destination.
A key feature contributing to the SL 550’s exceptional ride quality is Mercedes-Benz’s Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, standard on the 550 and optional on the SL 450. This sophisticated system uses sensors and microcomputers to actively manage hydraulic pressure in the suspension struts. It constantly adjusts to road conditions, minimizing body roll in corners and maintaining a level ride height for optimal comfort.
The driving experience in the 2017 SL 550 is remarkably smooth and composed, especially in Comfort mode. The Dynamic Select system allows drivers to tailor the car’s driving characteristics, with Comfort mode being the default and most appropriate for everyday driving. Individual mode allows for customization, enabling drivers to combine the sharper throttle response and steering of Sport mode with the relaxed suspension settings of Comfort.
At the heart of the SL 550 is a sublime 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Upon startup, it emits a brief, muscular growl before settling into a near-silent hum. The engine’s defining characteristic is its effortless torque, with 516 lb-ft readily available from just 1,800 rpm. This abundant low-end power delivers smooth and responsive acceleration in any situation. Even the higher-performance AMG SL 63, with its 664 lb-ft of torque, only shaves a fraction of a second off the 0-60 mph sprint, highlighting the V8’s inherent potency.
The V8 engine in the 2017 SL 550 never feels strained or hurried. Power delivery is seamless and progressive, building effortlessly as you depress the accelerator. The 449 horsepower arrives at 5,250 rpm, but by that point, you’ll likely be exceeding most speed limits. Complementing the engine is a perfectly matched 9-speed automatic transmission. It shifts smoothly and unobtrusively in normal driving, but responds quickly and decisively when you demand more performance.
My time with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 was genuinely enjoyable. While many high-performance cars can induce a sense of anxiety about their capabilities, the SL 550 offers a calming and relaxing experience. It’s like a luxurious, high-speed sanctuary, a place to escape the everyday stresses and simply savor the moment. It’s undeniably quick and capable, but its true appeal lies in its ability to soothe and indulge, making every drive a pleasure.
