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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG RoadsterWhoever thought it was a good idea to give us a long-term Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster deserves a raise. | October 31, 2013 | Editors at Edmunds.com for Edmunds Read the introduction of our long-term 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.
See all of the long-term updates of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.
What We Got
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS was offered in two variations: the gullwing SLS AMG Coupe and the convertible SLS AMG Roadster.
Both SLS models were powered by the same dry-sump, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter engine. This drool-inducing V8 generated 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission transferred all that power to the rear wheels via an AMG limited-slip differential. Oh, and inside the cabin was a Bang & Olufsen stereo, COMAND media interface and the usual fare of Mercedes-Benz refinement.
So which one did we get? That decision was made by Mercedes-Benz as it was offering up the loan. In the end, we were tossed the key to an SLS AMG Roadster with one stipulation. We had to return it in eight months. We agreed, and from then on we had ourselves a $242,675 supercar for a daily driver.
Our Impressions
Maintenance & Repairs
Regular Maintenance:
The only routine service interval during our test of the SLS came at 20,000 miles. It included an oil and filter change, brake fluid flush and cabin air filter replacement. The bill was an attention-grabbing $688.
Our biggest problem with the SLS Roadster was the repeated failure of its convertible top. Sure it was under warranty, but it broke three separate times and spent 20 days parked awaiting parts. Small fixes, like a windshield repair and tire swaps were our only out-of-pocket expenses beyond the routine.
Service Campaigns:
There were no recalls or TSBs during our test.
Fuel Economy and Resale Value
Observed Fuel Economy:
We averaged just over 14 mpg after 15,000 miles of mixed driving. Our best single tank garnered 24 mpg and covered 415 miles. Not only was the SLS easy to drive around town but its range made road trips far less stressful.
Resale and Depreciation:
Mercedes-Benz loaned us an SLS Roadster with an MSRP of $242,675. When the car arrived it already had 14,000 miles behind it. We added more than 15,000. With a total of 30,159 miles on the odometer, Edmunds' TMV® Calculator valued our SLS at $162,596 based on a private-party sale. This marked 33 percent depreciation from its original MSRP.
Summing Up
Pros: The 563-horsepower engine is spectacular, one of the best naturally aspirated V8s ever, the transmission has no trouble keeping up with the engine, more braking power than you'll ever need, plenty of room for taller drivers, enough cargo space for a golf bag, adequate range for road trips.
Cons: Suspension requires an experienced hand at the wheel to get the most out of it, seat support isn't ideal, SUV-like mileage, convertible top doesn't always want to open and close without incident, difficult to get out of gracefully.
Bottom Line: Despite its supercar price, the Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster is not a temperamental trailer queen. This is a car that can be driven and enjoyed on a daily basis as long as you're OK with less-than-graceful exits from its low-slung cabin.
Total Routine Maintenance Costs:Replace converitble top components, twice20 waiting for convertible top partsTrue Market Value at service end:$80,079 (33% of original MSRP)
Go here for a gallery of SLS road trip images.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
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