Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this one owner 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL400.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is an interesting car with a history of responding to the changes of time. Initially built as a high performance coupe and roadster in the form of the 300SL, it evolved from a sports car to a grand touring car with the Pagoda series cars, and then into a luxury touring car in the R107 series cars of the 1970s and 80s. Then in 1989 it again moved back into a true high performance GT car with the launch of the R129 series car. This brought the SL into a high performance car that included the best luxury features. After that it progressed into the R230 and R231 series with the highlight of those cars being the AMG models. Mercedes not only delivered a high performance SL but also one that was comfortable and luxurious enough for their established owners. They went fast but they also were comfortable enough to take to the golf club and hold your golf bags.
The newest SL cars introduced in 2022 have been so focused on performance that the designers seem to have forgotten the important task of golf club transport and luxury car duty that these cars are very often used for. These new models simply do not deliver the ride comfort I believe most of the Mercedes SL audience has come to expect from these luxury GT roadsters. To me the SLs that delivered the very best balance of performance and luxury was reached were the earlier R231 series cars built from 2012-2020 of which this AutoHunter Spotlight is one.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL400 we have here is the smaller V6 powered model, but, like many of the lower powered cars, it does everything that Mercedes intended the SL to do in both the performance and luxury arenas and is a less expensive car to own, run, and service than an AMG flagship.
The seller describes this SL400 as being a one owner car from new. It was sold new by Mercedes-Benz of Oxnard and has remained California-owned. It is powered by an M276 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and comes optioned with adaptive bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch AMG wheels, the Premium Package, the Driver Assistance Package, and a harman/kardon audio system. Finished in black over a black Nappa leather interior, this R231 SL is now offered by the selling dealer with service records, owner’s booklets, two keys, and a copy of the original window sticker.
The exterior features include LED daytime running lights, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, vented fenders, a power-retractable hardtop with a glass roof panel, and dual polished exhaust outlets. The car rides on the Mercedes optional Sport Wheel Package which are 19-inch AMG five-spoke aluminum wheels, wrapped in Michelin tires. The seller does add that one of the wheels has some slight curb rash.
The interior of this SL400 is one of the reasons people love these cars so much. It features supremely comfortable power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated black Nappa leather bucket seats as well as matching leather for the door panels, dash, center console, black carpeting, and floor mats. It also has Mercedes pushbutton Keyless-Go, illuminated door sills, one-touch power windows, power door locks, power steering, a leather- and wood-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, AIRSCARF neck-level heating, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, an terrific sounding 11-speaker harman/kardon LOGIC7 audio system, COMAND infotainment with navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, and woodgrain trim.
This car is higher mileage at 162,000 miles, but the seller adds that the timing chains, intake, and coil packs have been recently serviced in preparation for the sale. Additional maintenance in 2021 included the replacement of the spark plugs, engine air filter, and cabin air filter. The engine compartment look as clean as the rest of the car and the higher mileage means that it is likely to have an affordable final auction price. That combined with the extensive recent service history makes this an attractive car to me.
The auction for this 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL400 ends Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (MST)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
