2016 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (R231)

Model identity

Category	Specification Details
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Model Name	SL Roadster
Model Code	R231 (Facelift / MoPf)
Model Year	2016
Production Period	March 2015 – 2019 (Facelift production)
Vehicle Type	2-door, 2-seat luxury grand tourer roadster
Body Style	Retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof)
Platform	Mercedes-Benz R231 (Aluminium-intensive spaceframe)
Assembly Plant	Bremen, Germany
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz SL (R230)
Successor	Mercedes-Benz SL (R232)

Dimensions and Weights

Category	Specification Details
Length	4,617 mm (181.8 in)
Width (excl. mirrors)	1,877 mm (73.9 in)
Width (incl. mirrors)	2,102 mm (82.8 in)
Height	1,307 mm (51.5 in)
Wheelbase	2,585 mm (101.8 in)
Track Width, Front	1,618 mm (63.7 in)
Track Width, Rear	1,621 mm (63.8 in)
Ground Clearance	~110 mm (4.3 in)
Kerb Weight (DIN) – SL 400	1,740 kg (3,836 lb)
Kerb Weight (DIN) – SL 500	1,815 kg (4,001 lb)
Kerb Weight (DIN) – SL 63 AMG	1,895 kg (4,178 lb)
Kerb Weight (DIN) – SL 65 AMG	1,995 kg (4,398 lb)
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)	2,180 – 2,430 kg (model dependent)
Max Payload	~380 – 435 kg
Boot Capacity (Roof Up)	364 litres (12.9 cu ft)
Boot Capacity (Roof Down)	225 litres (7.9 cu ft)
Fuel Tank Capacity	85 litres (22.5 US gal)
Drag Coefficient (Cd)	0.32 (Roof Closed) / 0.35 (Roof Open)

Powertrains: SL 400 (M276)

Category	Specification Details
Engine Code	M276 DE35 LA
Configuration	60° V6, Twin-Turbocharged
Displacement	3,498 cc (213.5 cu in)
Bore x Stroke	83.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio	10.5:1
Max Power	245 kW (333 PS / 329 hp) @ 5,250 – 6,000 rpm
Max Torque	480 Nm (354 lb-ft) @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm
Valvetrain	DOHC, 24 Valves, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Fuel Injection	Direct Injection (BlueDIRECT)
Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded (RON 95 / 98)
Emission Standard	Euro 6
Cylinder Block Material	Aluminium
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminium

Powertrains: SL 500 (M278)

Category	Specification Details
Engine Code	M278 DE46 LA
Configuration	90° V8, Twin-Turbocharged
Displacement	4,663 cc (284.5 cu in)
Bore x Stroke	82.9 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Max Power	335 kW (455 PS / 449 hp) @ 5,250 – 5,500 rpm
Max Torque	700 Nm (516 lb-ft) @ 1,800 – 3,500 rpm
Valvetrain	DOHC, 32 Valves, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Fuel Injection	Direct Injection (BlueDIRECT)
Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded (RON 95 / 98)
Emission Standard	Euro 6
Cylinder Block Material	Aluminium (Silicon/Aluminium coating)
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminium

Powertrains: SL 63 AMG (M157)

Category	Specification Details
Engine Code	M157 DE55 LA
Configuration	90° V8, Twin-Turbocharged (AMG Enhanced)
Displacement	5,461 cc (333.3 cu in)
Bore x Stroke	98.0 mm x 90.5 mm
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Max Power	430 kW (585 PS / 577 hp) @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque	900 Nm (664 lb-ft) @ 2,250 – 3,750 rpm
Valvetrain	DOHC, 32 Valves, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Fuel Injection	Direct Injection (BlueDIRECT)
Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded (RON 98)
Emission Standard	Euro 6
Cylinder Block Material	Aluminium (Silitec coating)
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminium
Specific Output	107 PS/Litre

Powertrains: SL 65 AMG (M279)

Category	Specification Details
Engine Code	M279 E60 LA
Configuration	60° V12, Twin-Turbocharged
Displacement	5,980 cc (364.9 cu in)
Bore x Stroke	82.6 mm x 93.0 mm
Compression Ratio	9.0:1
Max Power	463 kW (630 PS / 621 hp) @ 4,800 – 5,400 rpm
Max Torque	1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) @ 2,300 – 4,300 rpm
Valvetrain	SOHC, 36 Valves, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Fuel Injection	Direct Injection
Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded (RON 98)
Emission Standard	Euro 6
Cylinder Block Material	Aluminium
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminium

Transmissions

Category	Specification Details
SL 400 / SL 500 Transmission	9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)
SL 63 AMG Transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed (722.9) – Wet Multi-plate Clutch
SL 65 AMG Transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC 7-Speed (722.9) – Torque Converter
Drive Type	Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Differential (SL 400/500)	Mechanical Limited Slip (Optional / Standard on AMG Line)
Differential (SL 63)	AMG Electronic Rear-Axle Locking Differential
Differential (SL 65)	AMG Electronic Rear-Axle Locking Differential
Shift Modes	C (Comfort), S (Sport), S+ (Sport Plus), M (Manual), E (Eco – 9G only)
Steering Wheel Paddles	Standard (Magnesium on AMG)

Chassis, Suspension, Steering and Brakes

Category	Specification Details
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone (Aluminium), Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link (5-Link, Aluminium), Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
Standard Damping	Semi-Active Damping (Selectable: Comfort / Sport)
Optional Damping	ABC Active Body Control (Hydraulic, Cross-Linked, Anti-Roll)
AMG Suspension (SL 63/65)	AMG Ride Control (ABC Sport) Standard
Steering System	Electromechanical Power Steering (Speed-Sensitive)
Steering Ratio	Variable Ratio (Direct-Steer)
Turning Circle	11.4 m (37.4 ft)
Front Brakes (SL 400/500)	360 x 36 mm Ventilated Discs, 4-Piston Fixed Calipers
Rear Brakes (SL 400/500)	360 x 26 mm Ventilated Discs, 1-Piston Floating Calipers
Front Brakes (SL 63 AMG)	390 x 36 mm Ventilated/Perforated Discs, 6-Piston Fixed Calipers
Rear Brakes (SL 63 AMG)	360 x 26 mm Ventilated/Perforated Discs, 1-Piston Floating Calipers
Front Brakes (SL 65 AMG)	420 x 40 mm Carbon Ceramic (Optional Std Equip), 6-Piston Fixed Calipers
Rear Brakes (SL 65 AMG)	360 x 32 mm Carbon Ceramic (Optional Std Equip), 4-Piston Fixed Calipers
Parking Brake	Electric (EPB), Auto Hold Function

Wheels and Tyres

Category	Specification Details
Standard Wheels (SL 400/500)	19-inch 5-Twin-Spoke (8.5J x 19 ET45 Front / 9.5J x 19 ET48 Rear)
Standard Wheels (SL 63)	19-inch AMG 5-Twin-Spoke (8.5J x 19 / 9.5J x 19) – Forged Optional
Standard Wheels (SL 65)	19-inch AMG 10-Spoke Forged (8.5J x 19 / 9.5J x 19)
Optional Wheel Sizes	20-inch (AMG Multi-Spoke / Cross-Spoke Forged)
Standard Tyres (SL 400/500)	255/40 R19 Front / 285/35 R19 Rear (Run-Flat / MO Extended)
Standard Tyres (SL 63/65)	255/35 R19 Front / 285/30 R19 Rear (Run-Flat / MO Extended)
Tyre Pressure Monitoring	Direct TPMS (Individual Pressure Readout)
Spare Wheel	TIREFIT Mobility Kit (No Spare)

Performance Figures

Category	Specification Details
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) – SL 400	5.2 seconds
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) – SL 500	4.6 seconds
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) – SL 63 AMG	4.1 seconds
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) – SL 65 AMG	4.0 seconds
Top Speed (Electronic Limiter) – SL 400/500	250 km/h (155 mph)
Top Speed (Electronic Limiter) – SL 63/65 AMG	250 km/h (155 mph) / 300 km/h (186 mph) with AMG Driver’s Package
Fuel Consumption (NEDC Combined) – SL 400	7.9 – 8.2 L/100km (29.7 – 28.8 mpg US)
Fuel Consumption (NEDC Combined) – SL 500	9.0 – 9.3 L/100km (26.1 – 25.3 mpg US)
Fuel Consumption (NEDC Combined) – SL 63 AMG	10.5 – 10.9 L/100km (22.4 – 21.6 mpg US)
Fuel Consumption (NEDC Combined) – SL 65 AMG	11.9 – 12.3 L/100km (19.8 – 19.1 mpg US)
CO2 Emissions (Combined) – SL 400	184 – 191 g/km
CO2 Emissions (Combined) – SL 500	209 – 216 g/km
CO2 Emissions (Combined) – SL 63 AMG	244 – 254 g/km
CO2 Emissions (Combined) – SL 65 AMG	277 – 286 g/km

Exterior Features and Lighting

Category	Specification Details
Headlights (Standard)	LED High Performance (Low/High Beam, Indicators, DRL)
Headlights (Optional)	MULTIBEAM LED (84 LEDs per unit, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus)
Daytime Running Lights	LED Light Guide (Integrated in Headlight)
Tail Lights	LED (Two-Part Design: Body + Boot Lid)
Front Bumper (Facelift)	Diamond Radiator Grille (Single Louvre), Larger Air Intakes
Rear Bumper (Facelift)	Reshaped Diffuser Inserts, Trapezoidal Tailpipes (Standard/AMG)
Vario-Roof Operation	Electro-Hydraulic, Operable up to 40 km/h (25 mph)
Roof Operation Time	~20 Seconds (Open/Close)
Magic Sky Control	Optional (Electrochromic Glass Panel, Variable Transparency)
Wind Deflector (AIRSCARF)	Integrated Neck-Level Heating (Standard)
Exterior Mirrors	Power Folding, Heated, Auto-Dim (Driver), Memory, LED Indicators

Interior, Comfort and Infotainment

Category	Specification Details
Instrument Cluster	Analog Dials with 7-inch TFT Central Display (High-Res)
Central Display	8.4-inch High-Resolution Colour Display (Free-Standing Look)
Infotainment System	COMAND Online (NTG 5.5) with Navigation, HDD, SD, USB, Bluetooth
Controller	Rotary Controller with Touchpad (Capacitive Handwriting Recognition)
Smartphone Integration	Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (Software Update Dependent / Late 2016+)
Audio System (Standard)	8 Speakers, 100W
Audio System (Optional)	Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound (13 Speakers, 1000W, 9 Channels)
Seats	AMG Performance Seats (Std AMG), Luxury Seats (Std Non-AMG), Multi-Contour w/ Massage Opt.
Seat Functions	Heated, Ventilated, AIRSCARF (Neck Heating), Memory (Driver/Pass)
Upholstery (Standard)	Nappa Leather (Diamond Stitching on AMG)
Upholstery (Optional)	Designo Nappa / Exclusive Nappa / Leather/Alcantara
Trim Options	High-Gloss Black Linden, Brown Burr Walnut, Carbon Fibre, Piano Lacquer
Climate Control	THERMOTRONIC 2-Zone Automatic (Top-Down Sensor Logic)
Steering Wheel	Nappa Leather (3-Spoke Standard / 3-Spoke AMG Performance / 2-Spoke Designo)
Keyless Entry/Start	KEYLESS-GO (Standard), KEYLESS-GO Comfort (Hands-Free Boot) Optional

Driver Assistance and Safety Systems

Category	Specification Details
Airbags	Dual Front, Side (Pelvis/Thorax), Windowbags (Integrated in Door), Knee Bag (Driver)
Roll-Over Protection	Automatic Deployable Roll Bars (Behind Rear Seats)
PRE-SAFE System	Standard (Pre-Tensioners, Window/Roof Closure, Seat Positioning)
PRE-SAFE Brake	Optional (Autonomous Emergency Braking)
DISTRONIC PLUS	Optional (Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Stop&Go)
Steering Assist	Optional (Lane Keeping Assist)
Blind Spot Assist	Optional (Active Blind Spot Assist w/ Brake Intervention)
Lane Keeping Assist	Optional (Active Lane Keeping Assist)
BAS PLUS	Brake Assist System PLUS (Cross-Traffic Detection)
Night View Assist Plus	Optional (Pedestrian/Animal Detection, IR Camera)
360° Camera	Optional (Surround View System)
Parking Assist	PARKTRONIC (F/R Sensors Std), Active Parking Assist (Parallel/Perpendicular) Opt.
Traffic Sign Assist	Optional (Speed Limit / No Overtaking Recognition)
Head-Up Display	Optional (Full Colour, 210 x 70 mm Virtual Image)
ESP / Stability Control	ESP CURVE Dynamic Assist, ASR, ABS, EBD, ESP SPORT Handling Mode (AMG)

Standard and Optional Equipment Highlights (2016 MY)

Category	Specification Details
AMG Line (Option Code P30)	AMG Bodystyling, 19″ AMG Wheels, Sports Suspension, Nappa Leather, Aluminium Trim
Exclusive Package (Option Code P55)	Designo Leather, Exclusive Trim, DINAMICA Headliner, Illuminated Door Sills
Night Package (Option Code P60)	High-Gloss Black Exterior Elements (Grille, Mirrors, Lamella, Exhaust Tips)
Magic Sky Control (Option Code 417)	Electrochromic Panoramic Roof Panel (Clear/Dark Tint Switchable)
MULTIBEAM LED (Option Code 642)	Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, 84 Individual LEDs
ABC Active Body Control (Option Code 489)	Hydraulic Active Roll Stabilization, Curve Inclination Function (Std SL 63/65)
AMG Performance Studio Options (SL 63/65)	AMG Driver’s Package (300 km/h), Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Forged Wheels, Performance Exhaust
Head-Up Display (Option Code 463)	Full Colour Projection onto Windshield
Burmester High-End 3D (Option Code 810)	13 Speakers, 1000W, VIP Sound Profile
Designo Paint Finishes	Magnesite, Alanite, Hyacinth Red, Diamond White Bright (Extra Cost)

Market Position and Model Codes (VIN / Baumuster)

Category	Specification Details
VIN Prefix (WMI)	WDD (Germany, Mercedes-Benz Car)
Model Code (Baumuster) – SL 400	231.459
Model Code (Baumuster) – SL 500	231.474
Model Code (Baumuster) – SL 63 AMG	231.477
Model Code (Baumuster) – SL 65 AMG	231.479
Major Competitors (2016)	Porsche 911 Cabriolet (991), Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster, Bentley Continental GT Convertible, BMW 6 Series Convertible (F12), Jaguar F-Type Convertible
US Market Availability	SL 400, SL 500, SL 63 AMG, SL 65 AMG (All 50-State Legal)
UK Market Availability	SL 400, SL 500, SL 63 AMG, SL 65 AMG
Production Period	04/2015 – 03/2016 (2016 Model Year)

Model identity

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (R231) represents the penultimate model year of the sixth-generation SL, a lineage tracing back to the original 300 SL Gullwing of 1954.

Positioned as a grand tourer rather than a dedicated sports car, the SL combines a folding hardtop, a front-mid engine layout, and a focus on high-speed refinement.

The 2016 model year arrived as a mild refresh following the 2015 facelift, carrying forward revised styling cues, updated powertrains, and the introduction of the MULTIBEAM LED headlamp system across the range.

It sits at the apex of the Mercedes-Benz roadster hierarchy, above the SLK (R172) and the newly introduced SLC (R172 facelift), serving as the brand’s flagship convertible until the AMG GT Roadster expanded the portfolio.

Development

Facelift Continuity

The 2016 model year is effectively a carryover of the comprehensive mid-cycle update introduced for the 2015 model year.

That update brought a redesigned front bumper with a more prominent diamond-block grille, new LED headlamp and taillamp signatures, and a revised interior featuring a freestanding central display and updated COMAND Online infotainment.

For 2016, the development focus shifted to powertrain refinement and technology consolidation. The SL 400 replaced the outgoing SL 350.

Adopting the 3.0-litre biturbo V6 (M276 DE30 LA) with 367 PS, while the SL 500 received a power bump to 455 PS from its 4.7-litre biturbo V8 (M278 DE46 LA).

The AMG models retained the 5.5-litre biturbo V8 (M157) and 6.0-litre biturbo V12 (M279) respectively, though the SL 63 gained the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission as standard equipment, replacing the 7G-TRONIC PLUS torque-converter unit used previously.

Chassis and Body Engineering

The R231 platform utilizes an aluminum-intensive spaceframe architecture, reducing body-in-white weight by up to 140 kg compared to its steel-bodied predecessor (R230).

The 2016 cars continue to feature the fully automatic electro-hydraulic vario-roof, which folds into the trunk in 20 seconds at speeds up to 40 km/h.

The roof mechanism comprises three sections: a front panel, a center panel with integrated glass, and a rear panel housing the retractable rear window.

Structural rigidity remains a benchmark in the segment, with torsional stiffness rated at 14,000 Nm/degree (roof closed) and 8,500 Nm/degree (roof open), achieved through a combination of high-strength aluminum alloys, magnesium crossmembers, and a shear panel behind the seats.

Design

Exterior

The 2016 SL’s exterior design language emphasizes width and horizontal visual mass. The facelifted front apron incorporates the “diamond grille”.

With chrome pins — a styling cue shared with the contemporary S-Class and AMG GT — flanked by the standard LED High Performance headlamps or optional MULTIBEAM LED units.

The latter feature 84 individually controllable LEDs per module, enabling precise high-beam shading and adaptive cornering illumination. The rear lighting clusters adopt a two-part “boomerang” LED signature, visually widening the tail.

Standard 18-inch alloy wheels (SL 400) or 19-inch designs (SL 500, SL 63, SL 65) fill the arches, with a wide selection of AMG and multi-spoke designs available through the option catalog.

The Night Package (P60) blacks out the grille pins, mirror housings, window surrounds, and exhaust finishers for a more menacing presence.

Interior

The cabin retains the “wing-shaped” dashboard architecture introduced with the R231, characterized by a sweeping center console that separates driver and passenger zones.

The 2016 model year standardizes the freestanding 8.4-inch COMAND display (replacing the earlier integrated unit) and the revised three-spoke steering wheel with touch-sensitive controller pads.

Materials quality is high throughout: standard ARTICO leather/DINAMICA microfiber gives way to Nappa leather on AMG Line and Exclusive Package cars, while Designo appointments offer semi-aniline hides with contrast stitching and piping.

The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, integrated into the seat head restraints, remains a signature SL feature, enabling top-down driving in near-freezing temperatures. Ambient lighting offers three color schemes (Solar, Polar, Neutral) as standard, with 64-color active ambient lighting available on Exclusive Package models.

Engines and performance

SL 400 — M276 DE30 LA V6 Biturbo

The entry-point SL 400 utilizes a 2,996 cc 60-degree V6 with twin turbochargers integrated into the cylinder bank “V” (hot-vee layout). Output stands at 367 PS (270 kW) at 5,500–6,000 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,600–4,000 rpm.

The engine features NANOSLIDE cylinder wall coating, piezo direct injection (200 bar), and CAMTRONIC variable valve lift on the intake side. Paired exclusively with the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic, the SL 400 accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reaches an electronically limited 250 km/h.

Fuel consumption (NEDC combined) is rated at 7.3–7.5 L/100 km with CO2 emissions of 169–173 g/km.

SL 500 — M278 DE46 LA V8 Biturbo

The SL 500’s 4,663 cc V8 employs twin turbochargers nestled within the cylinder banks, producing 455 PS (335 kW) at 5,250 rpm.

And 700 Nm from 1,800–3,500 rpm. Updates for 2016 include revised turbocharger compressor wheels and optimized injection timing, yielding a 15 PS gain over the pre-facelift unit.

The 9G-TRONIC transmission features a hydrodynamic torque converter with a lock-up clutch active from first gear. Performance figures: 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, top speed limited to 250 km/h. NEDC combined consumption: 9.2–9.5 L/100 km, CO2: 214–221 g/km.

SL 63 AMG — M157 DE55 LA V8 Biturbo

The AMG 5.5-litre V8 retains its 585 PS (430 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 900 Nm from 2,250–3,750 rpm in standard tune. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission replaces the torque converter.

With a wet multi-plate launch clutch, enabling faster shifts and a dedicated “Race Start” function.

The AMG Driver’s Package (optional) raises the limiter to 300 km/h. 0–100 km/h takes 4.1 seconds (3.9 s with Driver’s Package).

The AMG Performance exhaust system features electronically controlled flaps, offering a subdued “Comfort” mode and a sonorous “Sport/Sport+” note. NEDC combined: 10.9 L/100 km, CO2: 254 g/km.

SL 65 AMG — M279 DE60 LA V12 Biturbo

The flagship SL 65 AMG deploys a 5,980 cc V12 with twin turbochargers, generating 630 PS (463 kW) at 4,800–5,400 rpm and a colossal 1,000 Nm from 2,300–4,300 rpm.

Torque is capped at 800 Nm in first and second gear to protect the 7G-TRONIC PLUS torque-converter automatic (the MCT clutch pack cannot withstand the V12’s peak torque).

The SL 65 reaches 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and is limited to 250 km/h (300 km/h with Driver’s Package). Distinctive cues include 19-inch forged cross-spoke wheels (20-inch optional).

Carbon-ceramic brakes (standard), “V12 BITURBO” badging, and exclusive interior appointments including Designo leather and IWC analogue clock. NEDC combined: 12.8 L/100 km, CO2: 298 g/km.

Driving Character

On the road, the 2016 SL Roadster delivers a driving experience defined by effortless grand touring competence rather than razor-edged track dynamics. The aluminum chassis provides a rigid, rattle-free platform even with the roof retracted, isolating occupants from structural shake over broken pavement.

The standard steel-spring suspension with adaptive damping (DYNAMIC SELECT: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual) offers a compliant ride in Comfort mode, absorbing expansion joints.

And coarse surfaces with genuine luxury-car suppleness. Switching to Sport+ firms the damping noticeably, reducing body motions during rapid direction changes without introducing harshness.

The optional ABC Active Body Control (standard on SL 63/65) transforms the character further. Its hydraulic active anti-roll bars counteract lateral lean almost entirely.

While the Curve Inclination Function leans the body into corners by up to 2.5 degrees — a sensation akin to a high-speed train tilting through bends.

This system excels on sweeping autobahn curves and mountain passes, delivering a flat, composed trajectory that belies the car’s 1,800–2,000 kg mass. Steering is precise and well-weighted in Sport modes, though the electromechanical rack filters out fine texture, prioritizing stability over tactile feedback.

Powertrain responses vary by model. The SL 400’s V6 is remarkably refined, with minimal turbo lag and a linear torque delivery that suits relaxed cruising.

The SL 500’s V8 adds a deeper acoustic signature and stronger mid-range urgency, making it the sweet spot for many buyers. The SL 63 AMG’s MCT transmission snaps through ratios.

With motorsport immediacy, and the V8’s soundtrack — amplified by the Performance exhaust — adds theatricality.

The SL 65 AMG’s V12 is in a league of its own: the sheer depth of torque allows seamless acceleration from any gear at any speed, accompanied by a muted, turbine-like hum rather than a bark.

Braking performance is strong across the range; the standard composite discs on SL 400/500 resist fade well, while the carbon-ceramic units on AMG models offer immense thermal capacity and a firm, consistent pedal feel.

Ownership notes

• Strengths: Exceptional build quality and materials; class-leading structural rigidity for a convertible; versatile vario-roof with excellent NVH isolation; powerful and refined engine lineup; comprehensive safety and driver-assistance technology; strong residual values for AMG models; AIRSCARF system extends top-down season significantly.
• Things to Watch: ABC hydraulic system (if equipped) requires specialist maintenance and fluid changes every 2–3 years; M278 V8 turbocharger oil supply lines can leak on high-mileage examples; M157 V8 camshaft adjuster bolts (pre-2015) may need updated parts; 9G-TRONIC transmission software updates address occasional rough downshifts; vario-roof mechanism complexity demands regular operation and lubrication; carbon-ceramic brake rotors (AMG) are expensive to replace if damaged; Designo leather requires specific care products to avoid dye transfer.

Legacy

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (R231) stands as the final iteration of the traditional front-engined, rear-drive SL formula before the model’s radical transformation for the R232 generation (2022 onward), which adopted the AMG GT platform, all-wheel drive, and a 2+2 seating configuration.

In its sixth generation, the SL cemented its reputation as the definitive luxury grand tourer convertible — a car capable of crossing continents at triple-digit speeds in silence and comfort, yet possessing the dynamic reserves to entertain on a mountain pass.

The 2016 model year, with its refined powertrains, MULTIBEAM LED innovation, and matured infotainment, represents the most complete and sorted version of the R231 chassis.

It remains a benchmark for folding-hardtop engineering and a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s ability to evolve a nameplate across six decades without losing its essential character.