Mercedes-Benz SL500 MPG by year — every rating on record

The Mercedes-Benz SL500 has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 13 model years, from 1994 to 2006. Across those years its best rated version returned 17 mpg (1996) and its thirstiest returned 16 mpg (1994). The EPA record holds 13 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Two Seaters.

Year-by-year EPA ratings

Where it has stood in its class

Ranked against every other nameplate the EPA filed under the same class that year. The Mercedes-Benz SL500 placed highest in 1998 at #7 of 16, and lowest in 2006 at #23 of 39. It spent 1 of its 13 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 13 configurations EPA lists for this nameplate, newest first.

How the rating has moved between model years

Comparing the best-rated configuration of each year. 3 of 5 year-over-year steps improved the top rating.

What SL500 fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500 burns 676 to 676 gallons depending on configuration. Below is what that costs at three pump prices, and how much more the thirstiest configuration costs than the most efficient one.

EPA’s own estimate for the 2006 model year is $4,550 to $4,550 a year in fuel, or $11,500 more than the average new vehicle over five years.

How it compares with other Two Seaters

Across the 263 nameplates EPA classifies as Two Seaters, the median best combined rating is 18 mpg. At 17 mpg the Mercedes-Benz SL500 is 1 mpg below the median, which is worth about $132 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

• All Two Seaters rankings — every nameplate in the class, best to worst.

Other Mercedes-Benz nameplates

Every Mercedes-Benz model compared → — all nameplates ranked by best combined rating, with what each one costs a year.