They’re very expensive.
But there’s no competition in this segment apart the continental GTC.
SL-Class (R232) [Official] Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series (R232)
- Thread starter GCF
- Start date
The Mercedes-Benz R232 is the seventh generation of the SL-Class roadster. It succeeds both the R231 and the GT R190 (roadster). Presented in October 2021, the R232 was an AMG model only, until the introduction of the Mercedes-Maybach SL in August 2024. Production: March 2022-
But there’s no competition in this segment apart the continental GTC.
sako97
Autotechnik Ace
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Even the GTC is becoming a relic. Those are pushing up to $400k nowadays for a Mulliner or well-specced example. Those are a hard sell also, as they were in the $200’s upon release and the FL didn’t bring much to the table, but pricing shot upwards.
Though one will take a bath value-wise, I think Astons are more compelling options at the moment. Anything from the Vantage, DB12, or Vanquish are great cars.
I think the FL with the PHEV drivetrain made the cars worse.
Much smaller trunk, much bigger weight.
Biggest question on the Aston Martin is the reliability and the dealer network.
Not putting the V12 in the SL680 was really a missed opportunity.
With a V12 and at a similar price point, this car would be really unique, would sell like hot cakes.
Much smaller trunk, much bigger weight.
Biggest question on the Aston Martin is the reliability and the dealer network.
Not putting the V12 in the SL680 was really a missed opportunity.
With a V12 and at a similar price point, this car would be really unique, would sell like hot cakes.
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- Name
- Marcus
Any word from your dealer on how they’re selling? I could be wrong because I’ve never bought a car at this level, but I feel this car would almost be worth it if it offered the full the manufaktur catalog and of course the V12. What do you think?
M
Design FIRST
Aerodynamic Artisan
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Fundamentally, the design is gorgeous. But how M-B/AMG design department and marketing decision makers always seem to somehow patently f*** up a good thing without fail is quite remarkable.
Good grief, take away the kindergarten craft boxes with the adhesive stars, cheap crayons and faux-chrome plated plastic trim pieces.
Design FIRST
Aerodynamic Artisan
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Engines or the type of drivetrains in general appear to me to be the least of M-B's problems.
I disagree, the M177 is a fantastic engine, but it’s not effortless. That’s why it doesn’t fit in that car.
The biggest issue of the SL680 is that there’s no wood in the interior.
And the plastic with metal surface feels too cheap for that car.
Design FIRST
Aerodynamic Artisan
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M-B's problems as a manufacturer. Not only those of the R232 SL's.
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- 7,585
I did a general Google AI search to see if the 2025-26 models have been improved (or updated) in reliability compared to the 2022 models.
If the newer, current-year models were as bad as the 2022 models, the SL would have been pulled from showrooms by now.
Quality and reliability have notably improved on the 2025–2026 Mercedes-AMG SL compared to the 2022 debut models. [1, 2]
When Mercedes-Benz relaunched the SL-Class (R232 generation) in late 2022, it was shifted completely over to the AMG performance division. As a brand-new, highly complex platform, the 2022 and early 2023 models suffered from severe "first-year" production bugs, critical software glitches, and major recalls. [1, 3, 4, 5]
By the 2025 and 2026 model years, Mercedes successfully ironed out most of these early platform growing pains. [1, 6]
What Was Wrong With the 2022 Models?
The earliest vehicles of this generation were heavily plagued by widespread hardware and electronic faults:
For the 2025 and 2026 model years, the SL-Class benefits from several generational refinements:
The Long-Term Reality
While the build quality and electronics have vastly improved, keep in mind that the SL remains a high-performance grand tourer. The complex active anti-roll suspension, multi-material canvas roof mechanism, and highly strung engines (ranging up to the 805-hp SL63 S E Performance hybrid) mean long-term maintenance and out-of-warranty repair costs will still be premium. [4, 16, 19, 20, 21] If you are shopping the used market, strictly avoid un-repaired 2022 models unless you can verify through service records that all factory software updates and wiring recalls were performed. Buying a brand-new 2025 or 2026 model will give you a vastly more dependable vehicle out of the box. [1, 5]
If the newer, current-year models were as bad as the 2022 models, the SL would have been pulled from showrooms by now.
Quality and reliability have notably improved on the 2025–2026 Mercedes-AMG SL compared to the 2022 debut models. [1, 2]
When Mercedes-Benz relaunched the SL-Class (R232 generation) in late 2022, it was shifted completely over to the AMG performance division. As a brand-new, highly complex platform, the 2022 and early 2023 models suffered from severe "first-year" production bugs, critical software glitches, and major recalls. [1, 3, 4, 5]
By the 2025 and 2026 model years, Mercedes successfully ironed out most of these early platform growing pains. [1, 6]
What Was Wrong With the 2022 Models?
The earliest vehicles of this generation were heavily plagued by widespread hardware and electronic faults:
- The 12-Volt Battery Drain: This was the most notorious issue. Software bugs frequently prevented the car's computers from entering "sleep mode" when turned off, completely draining the starter battery in a matter of days.
- Wiring Harness Recall: A major National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall was issued for 2022–2023 models because the starter/alternator wiring harness was routed incorrectly and could rub against the driveshaft, causing a short circuit and immediate loss of propulsion.
- MBUX Infotainment Glitches: The massive 11.9-inch tilting touchscreen frequently suffered from freezing, total blackouts, and erratic sensor alerts (such as false automatic braking or blind-spot warnings).
- Interior Rattles: Owners commonly complained about prominent dashboard creaks and rattles in the newly designed cabin. [3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
For the 2025 and 2026 model years, the SL-Class benefits from several generational refinements:
- Zero Active Recalls: While the 2022–2023 models have multiple open recalls, the 2025 model year currently carries zero active safety recalls from the NHTSA.
- Resolved Software & Battery Faults: Massive over-the-air (OTA) and dealership-applied firmware updates have stabilized the MBUX system and successfully cured the parasitic battery drain issues.
- Tighter Build Quality: Automotive reviews from Edmunds and critics note that the fit, finish, and structural rigidity have leveled up, with significantly fewer reports of strange cabin rattles and tighter canvas top seals.
- Refined Ergonomics: The 2026 model introduces tactile soft-top control updates to the center console, smoothing out the clunky touch-and-slide digital mechanics that frustrated early buyers. [1, 5, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]
| NHTSA Recalls | High (Wiring harness, fuel pumps, etc.) | Zero reported (As of mid-2026) |
| Battery Dependability | Poor (Frequent dead batteries, required trickle chargers) | Fixed (Resolved via updated power-management firmware) |
| Infotainment & Safety Tech | Buggy (Screen crashes, false sensor triggers) | Stable (Smoother MBUX operation and accurate sensors) |
| Interior Quality | Noticeable dashboard creaks and loose trim pieces | Impeccable build quality and tighter panel gaps |
The Long-Term Reality
While the build quality and electronics have vastly improved, keep in mind that the SL remains a high-performance grand tourer. The complex active anti-roll suspension, multi-material canvas roof mechanism, and highly strung engines (ranging up to the 805-hp SL63 S E Performance hybrid) mean long-term maintenance and out-of-warranty repair costs will still be premium. [4, 16, 19, 20, 21] If you are shopping the used market, strictly avoid un-repaired 2022 models unless you can verify through service records that all factory software updates and wiring recalls were performed. Buying a brand-new 2025 or 2026 model will give you a vastly more dependable vehicle out of the box. [1, 5]
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Mercedes-Maybach
In November 2014, Daimler announced the revival of the Maybach name as a
sub-brand of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222), positioned as an upscale
version akin to the more sporty Mercedes-AMG sub-brand.
Official website: Mercedes-Maybach
Official website: Mercedes-Maybach
