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© 2026 - Octane Automotive BV
© 2026 - Octane Automotive BV
In 2010 Mercedes-Benz unveiled the first car designed entirely by AMG, rather than an AMG version of a Mercedes-Benz model. The SLS AMG was widely seen as the spiritual successor to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing of 1954, also with gullwing doors, also in the luxury sports car segment. Beneath the long bonnet sits the naturally aspirated M159 V8 (6.2 litres, 571-622 hp in Black Series), a further developed version of the M156 in the C63 AMG. Production ran from 2010 to 2014 in four variants: Coupé, Roadster, GT and the limited Black Series (2014, around 132 cars, 622 hp, with sharpened aerodynamics and weight reduction). The SLS is, moreover, the direct technical predecessor of the current AMG GT line, the spaceframe architecture was passed on to the GT generation from 2015 onwards.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 and went on sale in 2010. It was the first Mercedes-Benz car designed entirely by AMG and the spiritual successor to the iconic 1954 300SL Gullwing. AMG had previously contributed to the 300SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé and the SLR McLaren, but the SLS AMG was the first Mercedes-Benz car designed, developed, and built entirely in Affalterbach. The engine was the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 (M159, an evolution of the M156 in the C63 AMG) producing 563 hp at 6,800 rpm. The seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT gearbox was mounted at the rear for optimal weight distribution, and the aluminium spaceframe chassis kept weight at 1,620 kg.
In 2011 Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SLS AMG Roadster. Unlike the coupé, the Roadster has conventional doors instead of gullwing (technically not possible due to the need for a stiffer chassis). The soft-top roof mechanism folds electrically in eleven seconds. The Roadster retains the same 563 hp V8 and aluminium spaceframe as the coupé, with reinforcement for the open specification. For collectors both specifications are valuable; the coupé has the iconic gullwing doors, the Roadster offers the open driving experience.
In 2012 Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SLS AMG GT as an uprated specification. The engine was refined to 591 hp and the DCT gearbox received faster shift times. The GT was available in both coupé and Roadster specifications and replaced the original SLS AMG in the market. In 2014 Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SLS AMG GT Final Edition, a limited production to mark the closure of the SLS line. The Final Edition was delivered in specific factory designo colours (often designo Mystic Blue or designo Alanit Green) with contrasting accents. For collectors Final Edition specifications are scarcer and generally priced higher than regular GT models.
In 2013 Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SLS AMG Black Series, the most extreme regular SLS specification. Black Series production was around 132 cars worldwide. The engine was uprated to 631 hp at 7,400 rpm, a 68 hp increase over the original SLS. The Black Series received extensive carbon packs (bonnet, roof, Aerodynamics Package Pro with large rear wing and rear diffuser), 70 kg weight saving, stripped interior with bucket seats, and sharpened chassis with sport tyres. For collectors the Black Series is the most sought-after SLS specification; concours examples trade in seven-figure amounts.
The SLS AMG has seen a strong valuation curve since launch, particularly for the Black Series and Final Edition specifications. Regular SLS AMG and SLS AMG GT models in original specification with proven service history are an accessible entry into modern Mercedes-Benz collecting. The Black Series and Final Edition are in a substantially higher tier, with Black Series examples in concours condition consistently above their original list price. For sellers this means a well-documented SLS AMG with proven Mercedes-AMG service history, original specification, and (for Black Series) confirmed original specification attracts strong international interest. The buyer you want is a Mercedes-AMG collector who values the naturally aspirated V8 culture and knows the specific SLS specification.
SLS AMG (2010-2012, 563 hp, gullwing coupé), SLS AMG Roadster (2011-2014, 563 hp, soft top), SLS AMG GT (2012-2014, 591 hp, uprated coupé and Roadster), SLS AMG GT Final Edition (2014, limited production), SLS AMG Black Series (2013-2014, 631 hp, hardcore specification, around 132 cars worldwide). Each specification has its own buyer pool and price class.
The SLS AMG coupé (and GT, Final Edition, Black Series) has the iconic gullwing doors as a direct reference to the 1954 300SL. The SLS AMG Roadster has conventional doors and a soft-top roof mechanism. For collectors the gullwing specifications are generally more attractive due to the historical reference and visual impact.
For SLS AMG collectors, factory designo colours (Mercedes-Benz's custom programme) and rare colours such as designo Mystic Brown, designo Alanit Green, designo Liquid Silver, and matte specifications strongly drive price. carbon packs exterior and interior, AMG Performance Studio details, and leather specification with embroidery reinforce value.
SLS AMG service is specialist work: the naturally aspirated M159 V8 requires regular inspection of valve clearance, head gaskets, and the seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT gearbox. Service at a Mercedes-Benz dealer with AMG certification or at a Mercedes-AMG Performance Center is essential. Major service intervals depend on specification and use.
For the SLS AMG, particularly for Black Series and Final Edition specifications, Mercedes-Benz Classic Center supplies documentation on request of original specification, colour, options, and build information. For collectors this document reinforces confirmation of original specification.
For SLS AMG collectors low mileage (under 30,000) in original condition is generally strongly value-driving. Document number of previous owners, any trackday participation, factory build sheet, and complete service history. For Black Series and Final Edition, low mileage and unmodified original specification are particularly important.
The SLS AMG Black Series (2013-2014, around 132 cars worldwide) has 631 hp, Aerodynamics Package Pro, extensive carbon packs, stripped interior, and sharpened chassis. For collectors, confirmation via documentation of all Black Series elements is essential for top valuation.
Note: These factors may influence buyer interest. Value depends on many factors.
SLS AMG (2010-2012), SLS AMG Roadster (2011-2014), SLS AMG GT (2012-2014, coupé or Roadster), SLS AMG GT Final Edition (2014), or SLS AMG Black Series (2013-2014). Model year, chassis number, and engine number. For the Roadster: confirmation that the soft-top roof mechanism operates without faults. For Black Series: confirmation of packages.
Strongly recommended for the SLS AMG, particularly Black Series and Final Edition. Apply via a Mercedes-Benz dealer or Classic Center in Fellbach based on the chassis number. Confirms original specification, colour, packages, and all factory designo options.
All invoices from a Mercedes-Benz dealer with AMG certification or Mercedes-AMG Performance Center. The naturally aspirated M159 V8 requires diagnostics for valve clearance, head gaskets, and the DCT gearbox. Major service intervals depend on specification and use.
Paint colour with factory code, designo confirmation if applicable, carbon packs exterior and interior, AMG Performance Studio details, leather specification with embroidery. For collectors factory designo colours (Mercedes-Benz's custom programme) are substantially higher priced than factory standard colours.
The seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT gearbox requires diagnostics for clutches and software updates. Document any clutch renewal and diagnostic report. For the M159 V8: factory inspection of valve clearance, head gaskets, and cooling system components.
The SLS AMG Black Series (132 cars worldwide) has Aerodynamics Package Pro with large rear wing, rear diffuser, and extensive carbon packs. Confirm all Black Series elements are original and not replaced. For collectors, proof of Black Series package is essential.
Number of previous owners, mileage, any trackday participation (rare for Black Series, more common for regular SLS), geographic distribution. For collector-oriented sales low mileage in original condition is generally strongly value-driving; document proof of no damage history and unmodified original specification.
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