2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class — Full Specifications
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The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a coupe offered with 3 engines (5.5L 8-cyl, 6L 12-cyl turbo, 6.3L 8-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 20 mpg (UK) / 17 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 17–20 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Mercedes-Benz SL-Class workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 5.5L 8-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 5.5L 8-cyl · 6L 12-cyl turbo · 6.3L 8-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 7-spd |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 20 combined / 17 urban / 26 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 17 combined / 14 city / 22 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 325 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,850 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class across 3 engines (5.5L 8-cyl, 6L 12-cyl turbo, 6.3L 8-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 14 to 17 mpg (US), or 17 to 20 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 17 (14/22) | 325 | $4,850 |
| 6L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 14 (12/18) | 394 | $5,850 |
| 6.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 14 (12/19) | 394 | $5,850 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Running Costs: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at 20 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,818 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $4,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. The most-reported areas are Wheels (1), Air bags (1), Structure (1). Complaints include 1 reported crash.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Wheels (1 owner complaint) — Look for bent or cracked wheels and ask about any wheel recalls.
- Air bags (1 owner complaint) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Body structure (1 owner complaint) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
- Engine (1 owner complaint) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class compare to similar coupes? For context, coupes in our database average around 25 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 20 mpg figure is 5 mpg below that average. Its 325 g/km CO₂ figure is 47 g/km higher than the 278 g/km average for coupes on this site. This comparison is based on 1072 coupes in our dataset.
Mercedes-Benz models in our database average about 26 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class's 20 mpg is 6 mpg below that make average. Its 325 g/km CO₂ figure is 57 g/km higher than the 268 g/km Mercedes-Benz average.
Of the 15 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (20 mpg UK combined, against a high of 28 mpg). See every Mercedes-Benz SL-Class year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: 5.5L 8-cyl, 6L 12-cyl turbo, 6.3L 8-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 5.5L 8-cyl with a automatic 7-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
The most efficient configuration returns around 20 mpg (UK) combined, or 17 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 17 to 20 mpg.
How much does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $4,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
Among the 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Wheels (1 complaint), Air bags (1 complaint), Structure (1 complaint). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class's fuel economy good for a coupe?
It returns around 20 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 25 mpg among the coupes we track.