2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The SL-Class has always been a popular model for Mercedes-Benz, and the current generation remains competitive in the market despite receiving only minor updates since its launch in 2013. It may not be the sportiest or most luxurious vehicle offered by the manufacturer, but it's perhaps the best amalgamation of the two factors under one retractable roof. Buyers can choose from the standard turbo V6 with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, or the more beastly turbo V8. Neither engine can compete with the more potent powertrains offered by segment rivals like the Aston Martin DB11 or BMW 8 Series, but they are far from lacking. Nonetheless, the market is becoming saturated with more up-to-date rivals, and even Mercedes' own AMG GT is now drawing attention away from the flagship model. 2020 is rumored to be the SL roadster's final year, and whether it gets a redesign or is consigned to the annals of history, the classic convertible has enough of a reputation for excellence to eke out one last year of successful sales.

Mercedes' timeless luxury convertible doesn't come cheap, with even the base-level model nearing the six-figure mark. Getting behind the wheel of the V6 SL 450 will cost you $91,000. If that still isn't enough power for you, then you can choose to upgrade to the V8 SL 550, which comes with a $114,700 price tag. These prices are MSRP and exclude tax, registration, licensing, and Mercedes-Benz' $995 destination charge.

Despite its leanings towards luxurious comfort over playfulness, the SL-Class is more than capable on the road. The suspension absorbs mid-corner bumps with ease, although switching to Sport or Sport+ mode tightens it up to improve handling. Thus, even with nearly two tons of bulk swinging around a corner, the Active Body Control System is able to cancel out almost all body roll. This makes the Merc far nimbler than it may appear at first.

Still, the convertible is no sports car. The steering is light but precise, making the roadster far more capable around town, but there is no feedback to speak of. Pick up some speed, however, and the steering wheel gains a bit of heft to help the convertible stay stable on the highway.

As stated, the SL emphasizes luxury over performance, so it's no surprise that the ride comfort is exemplary. Despite coming standard with large 19-inch wheels, the roadster is able to soak up most road imperfections without a fuss, thanks to its refined suspension. But if you want a truly silky-smooth ride, flick over to Comfort mode and you'll feel like you're cruising down the road on a cloud. Wind noise is well-suppressed, even with the hardtop down, but road noise can intrude into the cabin at times.

While it may be an aging model, the SL-Class Roadster is still a classy grand tourer with a loyal following. And, with a powerful 362-hp V6 on the base model, or an available 449-hp V8 on the upper trim, it's not hard to see why. All this power comes alongside a luxurious interior with all the features you need to enjoy cruising down the highway with the wind in your hair.

Regardless of trim, the convertible comes with plush leather upholstery and classy, if somewhat dated, interior styling. Similarly, you get all the creature comforts you could need, such as dual-zone climate control, heated power-adjustable seats, and an infotainment suite that comes with all the features modern buyers expect. Unfortunately, the interface doesn't look or feel modern.

You won't get the performance of the more athletic BMW 8 Series Convertible or the increasingly popular and more up-to-date AMG GT, but the SL Roadster is still capable of delivering a fun driving experience with its powerful engines and competent handling. And, it does so while providing a more luxurious setting than you'd find in a true sports car, and a lot more cargo space than you'd expect from a convertible. Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced its intention to redesign the flagship convertible, so this could very well be your last chance to pick up a new SL-Class. Despite its age, it is a timeless classic that still holds plenty of appeal for today's buyers. Still, the more modern AMG GT could snag quite a few potential buyers, assuming they can afford it.

There's a pretty hefty price hike between the SL 450 and SL 550, so it really comes down to whether or not you really need the extra power of the V8 engine. The standard V6 on the SL 450 is plenty powerful for the convertible, and the car isn't really designed to be all that athletic, so the V8 seems almost wasted on it. With the SL 450, you can still throw on the Premium Package for $4,100 to get any of the features you might miss out on without the upgrade. It is also eligible for the plusher Nappa leather interior upgrades and the enhanced sound system, and otherwise shares the same safety features with the SL 550. There is no reason to break the $100k mark if you want to budget yourself, but if you have the money to spare, there's also no reason to limit yourself.

Redesigned for 2019, the BMW 8 Series is far more up-to-date than the now aging SL-Class Roadster. And it's not just the tech and styling that got an update. The standard six-cylinder engine is only slightly weaker than the Merc's, at 335 hp and 368 lb-ft, but the available V8 engine blows the SL's V6 out of the water with an impressive 523 hp and 553 lb-ft on tap. And the BMW isn't simply more powerful, it handles better than its German cousin, too. As luxurious as BMW vehicles are, the manufacturer has always placed a focus on performance first, so it's not surprising that the 8 Series Convertible is more fun to drive, even if it can be argued that the SL is more opulent inside, despite its old-school design. The BMW offers comparable trunk space to the SL, as well as slightly better fuel economy with its six-cylinder engine. The rear-wheel-drive base model is a smidge cheaper, too, so the better value buy definitely seems to be the 8 Series Convertible. If you don't mind the extra cost, you can opt for the high-performance all-wheel-drive M850i with its potent V8 engine, for which Mercedes has no direct response.

While not a convertible, the Lexus LC Coupe is a similarly powered, and sized, coupe rival to the SL Roadster. While it may have an optional V6 hybrid engine, it's the LC's naturally aspirated V8 that makes it so appealing. Even without a turbo, the powertrain develops 471 hp and 398 lb-ft. It's not as much as the turbocharged V8 in the Merc, but it's nothing to sniff at either. The LC Coupe will cost you a bit more than the SL Roadster, and it gets significantly poorer gas mileage thanks to the thirsty naturally aspirated engine, but it's stylishly appointed and comes with all the creature comforts and tech features you'd expect on a top-range trim level. It also gets a more advanced safety suite as standard. Overall, while the Mercedes SL might have more power, the LC is more fun to drive while maintaining its luxurious appeal. The Lexus is simply more modern and refined for today's market.