Mercedes-Benz SL V
The Mercedes-Benz SL V (2002–2012): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 73 versions in the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: R230
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,530 mm RDW | 4,560–4,610 mm TC | 4,534 mm |
| Width | 1,820–1,880 mm RDW | 1,820 mm TC | 1,816–1,829 mm |
| Height | 1,290–1,320 mm RDW | 1,300 mm TC | 1,295 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm RDW | 2,560 mm TC | 2,560 mm |
| Front track | 1,559–1,611 mm ASTRA | 1,560–1,570 mm TC | – |
| Rear track | 1,537–1,639 mm ASTRA | 1,540–1,550 mm TC | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,670–1,870 kg RDW | 1,915–2,065 kg TC | – |
| Mass in running order | 1,770–1,970 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 2,050–2,225 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 2 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 2 RDW | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 198 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 1,416 L EPA | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 250 km/h RDW | – | – |
| Torque | 300–1,000 Nm ASTRA | – | 300–1,000 Nm |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 255/40R18, 285/35R18, 255/45R17, 255/35R19, 285/30R19
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Transport Canada vehicle specifications, Wikipedia (en, de), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9–12 years | 86.2% (84.7–87.7) | 77.9% | 2,014 |
| 13 years and older | 84.8% (84.4–85.2) | 69.2% | 24,865 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 23.6% | 35.8% |
| Tyres | 21.2% | 31.2% |
| Suspension | 19.2% | 40.5% |
| Lights and electrics | 7.8% | 28.0% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 5.3% | 11.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.3% | 16.4% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
235 complaints for model years 2003–2012. 11 crashes · 13 fires · 10 injuries · 1 death
- Suspension 74
- Brakes 65
- Fuel system 33
- Electrical system 32
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 73 versions of the Mercedes-Benz SL V
Show all 73 versions
European Union 19 versions
New cars registered in the EU (plus Norway and Iceland), from the European Environment Agency. Figures on the NEDC procedure until 2020 and on WLTP from 2021; versions are grouped by engine and power, with their number of registrations.
| Years and version | Engine | Power | Fuel | CO₂ | EU registrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2015 | 5.5 L | 415 kW (564 PS) | Petrol | 231 g/km | 1,396 |
| 2012–2014 | 5.5 L | 395 kW (537 PS) | Petrol | 231 g/km | 441 |
| 2012–2014 | 6.0 L | 463 kW (630 PS) | Petrol | 270 g/km | 167 |
| 2011–2013 | 3.5 L | 225 kW (306 PS) | Petrol | 168–170 g/km | 5,994 |
| 2011–2013 | 4.7 L | 320 kW (435 PS) | Petrol | 213 g/km | 3,378 |
| 2011–2012 | 3.0 L | 170 kW (231 PS) | Petrol | 217 g/km | 197 |
| 2011–2012 | 3.5 L | 232 kW (315 PS) | Petrol | 226–227 g/km | 1,241 |
| 2011–2012 | 5.5 L | 285 kW (387 PS) | Petrol | 258–274 g/km | 356 |
| 2010–2012 | – | – | Petrol | 196–223 g/km | 26 |
| 2011 | 6.2 L | 386 kW (525 PS) | Petrol | 329 g/km | 260 |
| 2011 | 6.0 L | 450 kW (612 PS) | Petrol | 339 g/km | 16 |
| 2011 | 5.5 L | 380 kW (517 PS) | Petrol | 326 g/km | 10 |
| 2010 | 3.5 L | – | Petrol | 229 g/km | 2,036 |
| 2010 | 5.5 L | – | Petrol | 274 g/km | 532 |
| 2010 | 3.0 L | – | Petrol | 217 g/km | 506 |
| 2010 | 6.2 L | – | Petrol | 329 g/km | 494 |
| 2010 | 6.0 L | – | Petrol | 345 g/km | 76 |
| 2010 | 5.5 L | – | Petrol | 329 g/km | 44 |
| 2010 | 5.4 L | – | Petrol | 324 g/km | 10 |
United Kingdom 30 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012SL 63 AMG with 19 inch rear wheels | 6.2 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 14.1 L/100 km NEDC | 328 g/km |
| 2009–2010SL300 · SL 300 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 9.4 L/100 km NEDC | 224 g/km |
| 2010SL 300 with 245/45 17" rear wheels · SL 300 with 255/40 or 285/35 18" rear wheels · SL 300 with 285/30 19" rear wheels | 3.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 9.3 L/100 km NEDC | 217 g/km |
| 2008–2010SL350 255/285 Tyres at rear · SL350 Sports Edition · SL 350 Sports Edition | 3.5 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 10.3 L/100 km NEDC | 246 g/km |
| 2009–2010SL350 255/285 Tyres at rear · SL350 · SL 350 255/285 Tyres at rear | 3.5 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 9.9 L/100 km NEDC | 236 g/km |
| 2010SL 350 with 245/45 17" rear wheels · SL 350 with 255/40 or 285/35 18" rear wheels · SL 350 with 285/30 19" rear wheels | 3.5 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 9.7 L/100 km NEDC | 226 g/km |
| 2006–2010SL55 AMG · SL55 AMG 285 Tyres at rear · SL 55 AMG 285 Tyres at rear | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.5 L/100 km NEDC | 324 g/km |
| 2008–2010SL500 255/285 Tyres at rear · SL500 Sports Edition · SL 500 Sports Edition | 5.5 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 12.2 L/100 km NEDC | 291 g/km |
| 2009–2010SL500 255/285 Tyres at rear · SL500 · SL 500 255/285 Tyres at rear | 5.5 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 11.9 L/100 km NEDC | 284 g/km |
| 2010SL 500 with 255/40 or 285/35 18" rear wheels · SL 500 with 285/30 19" rear wheels | 5.5 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 11.6 L/100 km NEDC | 272 g/km |
| 2007–2010SL600 285 Tyres at rear · SL 600 285 Tyres at rear | 5.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 14.4 L/100 km NEDC | 340 g/km |
| 2009–2010SL600 · SL 600 · SL 600 285/35 18" or 285/30 19" rear wheels | 5.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.9 L/100 km NEDC | 330 g/km |
| 2010SL 600 with 285/35 18" or 285/30 19" rear wheels | 5.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.9 L/100 km NEDC | 326 g/km |
| 2006–2010SL65 AMG · SL65 AMG 285 Tyres at rear · SL 65 AMG 285 Tyres at rear | 6.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 15.1 L/100 km NEDC | 362 g/km |
| 2010SL 65 AMG with 285/30 19" rear wheels | 6.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 14.0 L/100 km NEDC | 333 g/km |
| 2010SL 63 AMG with 285/30 19" rear wheels | 6.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 14.1 L/100 km NEDC | 328 g/km |
| 2009–2010SL63 AMG · SL 63 AMG · SL 63 AMG with 285/30 19" rear wheels | 6.2 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 13.9 L/100 km NEDC | 330 g/km |
| 2007SL350 255/285 Tyres at rear | 3.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 10.3 L/100 km NEDC | 246 g/km |
| 2007SL500 255/285 Tyres at rear | 5.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 12.2 L/100 km NEDC | 291 g/km |
| 2006SL350 | 3.7 L | Petrol | – | 11.5 L/100 km NEDC | 276 g/km |
| 2006SL350 | 3.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.7 L/100 km NEDC | 281 g/km |
| 2006SL500 | 5.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 12.1 L/100 km NEDC | 292 g/km |
| 2006SL600 | 5.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 14.4 L/100 km NEDC | 346 g/km |
| 2003–2004SL 350 (R230) · SL 350 | 3.7 L | Petrol | – | 11.5 L/100 km NEDC | 276 g/km |
| 2003–2004SL 350 (R230) · SL 350 | 3.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.7 L/100 km NEDC | 281 g/km |
| 2004SL 500 | 5.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 12.1 L/100 km NEDC | 292 g/km |
| 2003–2004SL 55 AMG (R230) · SL 55 AMG | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.5 L/100 km NEDC | 324 g/km |
| 2004SL 600 | 5.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 14.4 L/100 km NEDC | 346 g/km |
| 2002–2003SL 500 (R230) | 5.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.7 L/100 km NEDC | 304 g/km |
| 2002SL 55 AMG (R230) | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 14.2 L/100 km NEDC | 340 g/km |
France 5 versions
New cars on sale in France, from ADEME Car Labelling. NEDC figures until 2015, WLTP figures in the current catalogue.
| Years and version | Engine | Power | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2013SL 350 BVA7 | – | 225 kW (306 PS) | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 6.8–7.5 L/100 km NEDC | 159–176 g/km |
| 2012–2013SL 500 BVA7 | – | 320 kW (435 PS) | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 9.1–9.2 L/100 km NEDC | 212–214 g/km |
| 2012–2013SL 63 AMG BVA7 | – | 395 kW (537 PS) | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 9.9 L/100 km NEDC | 231 g/km |
| 2012–2013SL 63 AMG BVA7 | – | 415 kW (564 PS) | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 9.9 L/100 km NEDC | 231 g/km |
| 2012–2013SL 65 AMG BVA7 | – | 463 kW (630 PS) | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 11.6 L/100 km NEDC | 270 g/km |
United States 12 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2012 | 5.5 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA | 325 g/km |
| 2012 | 6.2 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 394 g/km |
| 2011 | 6.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 394 g/km |
| 2011 | 6.3 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 394 g/km |
| 2004–2009EMS 2MODE CLKUP | 5.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 394 g/km |
| 2007–2009EMS 2MODE CLKUP | 5.5 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA | 345 g/km |
| 2005–2009EMS 2MODE CLKUP | 6.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 13–14 MPG (16.8–18.1 L/100 km) EPA | 394–425 g/km |
| 2009EMS 2MODE CLKUP | 6.2 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 394 g/km |
| 2004–2008EMS 2MODE CLKUP | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 14–15 MPG (15.7–16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 368–394 g/km |
| 2004–2006EMS 2MODE CLKUP | 5.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA | 325 g/km |
| 2002–2003GUZZLER, EMS 2MODE CLKUP | 5.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 16–17 MPG (13.8–14.7 L/100 km) EPA | 325–345 g/km |
| 2003GUZZLER, EMS 2MODE CLKUP | 5.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 394 g/km |
Canada 7 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–2012Two-seater | 5.5 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 14.6–15.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 336–350 g/km |
| 2009–2012Two-seater | 6.2 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 16.5–16.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 380–382 g/km |
| 2003–2011Two-seater | 5.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 16.3–17.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 375–398 g/km |
| 2002–2011Two-seater | 6.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 16.9–17.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 389–403 g/km |
| 2004–2008Two-seater | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 15.6–16.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 359–384 g/km |
| 2004–2006Two-seater | 5.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | 14.1–14.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 324–327 g/km |
| 2002–2003Two-seater | 5.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.9–14.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 320–336 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.