Mercedes-Benz SL value and depreciation
Known for long-running flagship roadster.
Projected value of a new Mercedes-Benz SL
We class the Mercedes-Benz SL as a luxury flagship & exotic in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 52% after three years and 35% after five. Flagship saloons and exotics shed value brutally once the first owner is done. Some halo cars (911, certain AMG and M cars) beat this curve and carry per-model overrides.
Retention table
| After | Retained | Retail value | Trade-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 75% | R 2 890 986 | R 2 544 068 |
| 3 years | 52% | R 2 015 667 | R 1 773 787 |
| 5 years | 35% | R 1 368 590 | R 1 204 359 |
| 7 years | 24% | R 916 835 | R 806 815 |
| 10 years | 13% | R 492 677 | R 433 556 |
Estimates for a new purchase at R 3 870 128; retail basis, trade-in ≈ 12% under retail.
Mercedes' halo roadster has been on the SA price list continuously since the 1990s and is now sold as a Mercedes-AMG model near R4 million. Volumes are tiny and buyers are collectors and enthusiasts. Older R129 examples have a classic following while 2000s cars depreciated hard.
What used SL years are worth today
Tap a year for the full breakdown: value range, remaining depreciation, and what to pay.
| Year | Est. retail today | Trade-in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 SL | R 3 870 128 | R 3 405 713 | Details → |
| 2025 SL | R 2 740 271 | R 2 411 438 | Details → |
| 2024 SL | R 2 168 840 | R 1 908 579 | Details → |
| 2023 SL | R 1 716 570 | R 1 510 582 | Details → |
| 2022 SL | R 1 340 714 | R 1 179 828 | Details → |
| 2021 SL | R 1 047 155 | R 921 496 | Details → |
| 2020 SL | R 817 873 | R 719 728 | Details → |
| 2019 SL | R 630 266 | R 554 634 | Details → |
| 2018 SL | R 485 693 | R 427 410 | Details → |
| 2017 SL | R 374 283 | R 329 369 | Details → |
| 2016 SL | R 288 428 | R 253 817 | Details → |
| 2015 SL | R 222 268 | R 195 596 | Details → |
SL against its rivals
Mercedes-Benz SL: common questions
What is a Mercedes-Benz SL worth after 3 years?
A Mercedes-Benz SL bought new today for R 3 870 128 is projected to be worth about R 2 015 667 after three years, which is 52% of its price. A dealer trade-in offer would sit closer to R 1 773 787.
Does the Mercedes-Benz SL hold its value?
We class the Mercedes-Benz SL as a luxury flagship & exotic in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 52% after three years and 35% after five. Flagship saloons and exotics shed value brutally once the first owner is done. Some halo cars (911, certain AMG and M cars) beat this curve and carry per-model overrides.
What does a used Mercedes-Benz SL cost?
As a guide: a 2024 model is worth about R 2 168 840 retail today, while a 2015 model sits around R 222 268. Condition, mileage and spec move real prices by 10% or more either way.
What would a Mercedes-Benz SL cost per month?
Financing a new Mercedes-Benz SL at R 3 870 128 over 72 months at 11.75% with a 10% deposit comes to roughly R 67 644 per month before bank fees and insurance.
Keep going
All figures are modelled estimates for planning, not offers or valuations. Data reviewed 2026.