DecodedCars2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a minicompact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 8% better than the 2026 minicompact car average of 20.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2026
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 SL-Class →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMG SL43 Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +8% | $3,750 | 400 |
| SL680 Maybach | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 16 | -21% | $5,150 | 558 |
| AMG SL63 4matic Plus | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -21% | $5,150 | 552 |
| AMG SL55 4matic Plus | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -21% | $5,150 | 552 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Similar 2026 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Porsche 911 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus LC | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Other SL-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 SL-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 SL-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 SL-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 SL-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 SL-Class | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 SL-Class | 22 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 SL-Class | 23 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 SL-Class | 23 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 SL-Class | 20 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →