Archived model-year dossier
2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the final year before the 2021 redesign, with standard push-button start its only notable change, a 362-horsepower V6 or a 449-horsepower twin-turbo V8, and a Grand Edition send-off. NHTSA lists three recalls (communication software, fuel rail) and 2 complaints. EPA rates it 20 to 22 mpg combined.
Configurations2
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency20–22 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers5
What changed on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Mercedes welcomes the SL to the 21st century with standard push-button start, that there are no other changes as the generation sunsets, and lists a 362-hp V6 or the 449 horsepower of the twin-turbocharged V8. CarsDirect (opens in a new tab) calls it back for one final model year before a 2021 redesign, with standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, automatic high beams and a driver attention monitor.
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) tested the 2020 SL550 Grand Edition and notes the nine-speed automatic and the 2017 facelift. EPA rates the 2020 SL at 20 to 22 mpg combined and $3,500 to $3,900 a year in fuel, with rear-wheel drive.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists three recall campaigns for the 2020 SL. 21V058000 and 22V365000 cover communication module software that can disable the emergency call function, and 21V961000 covers particles trapped between the fuel rail and injectors that can cause a fuel leak.
Owners have filed 2 complaints, naming power train, vehicle speed control, engine, electrical system and communication. CarFactBase (opens in a new tab) and ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) list the record.
2020 SL against the 911, 8 Series and LC
The Porsche 911 lists 20 mpg combined at $3,900, the BMW 8 Series 23 to 25 at $3,100 to $3,350, and the Lexus LC 19 to 30 at $2,600 to $4,100. The SL matches the 911 at its low end and trails the 8 Series.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: 2 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL 450 | 3.0-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | RWD | 362 | 369 | 4.9 s | 155 mph | 20 / 28 / 22 mpg | 2 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SL 550 | 4.7-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | RWD | 449 | 516 | 4.3 s | 155 mph | 17 / 25 / 20 mpg | 2 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL 450 | 3,825 lb | 182.3 in | 51.2 in | 101.7 in | 36.2 ft | 19.8 gal | 39.1 in | 53.6 in | P255/35R19 | |
| SL 550 | 4,012 lb | 182.3 in | 51.2 in | 101.7 in | 3.7 in | 36.2 ft | 19.8 gal | 39.1 in | 53.6 in | P255/35R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | SL 450 | SL 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||
| Adaptive headlights | Std | Std |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Opt | Opt |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Opt | Opt |
| Navigation system | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Std | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
2 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41790SL450 | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 20 | 28 | 22 | N/A |
| 41789SL550 | 4.7L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 17 | 25 | 20 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
5 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class versus the 2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
Model year
Against the 2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Model/option labels no longer listed: AMG SL63. Engine descriptions no longer listed: 5.5L 8-cyl SIDI. Transmissions no longer listed: Automatic 7-spd. Certification records went from 3 to 2. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 20.5 to 21.0 MPG/MPGe.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How do the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims differ from one another?
Trims
The SL 550 has 449 hp against 362 over the SL 450.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q03How quickly does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class's 0-60 mph time is 4.3 seconds on the SL 550 and 4.9 seconds on the SL 450. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2019 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04What is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class's top speed?
Performance
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class's top speed is 155 mph on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2019 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What size wheels does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have?
Wheels and tires
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class's wheel diameter is 19 inches on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2019 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class across model years.
See every Mercedes-Benz SL-Class model year and research hub
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