2010 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230)

Highlights

• Iconic luxury GT
• Late model, post-facelift example
• Improved 383bhp, 5.5-litre V8 engine
• Well-optioned from the factory
• Impressive service history
• In superb condition throughout
• Low mileage

Overview

The Mercedes SL has perennially been a genre-defining, not to mention aspirational, model since its inception. From those gorgeous early cars through the heady days of the '60s and the yuppie era of the '80s to the more modern incarnations and current crop of seventh-generation SL-Class machines, whichever variant you decide to opt for you'll be the proud owner of a wonderfully-designed, beautifully engineered car. The fifth-gen R230, like this particular example, is no different.

Introduced in 2001, the R230 replaced the ageing R129 and presents as a much more modern looking offering with smoother lines but carried over a defining characteristic of previous models – a huge choice of engines. Offered with everything from a 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated V6 and various V8s to supercharged V12s there was an R230 SL for most but it’s the V8 in the SL 500 that is considered by many to be the Goldilocks powerplant.

Bestowed with plenty of reliable, refined power without being too lairy, the R230 SL 500 remains a popular choice in the second hand market. Going through two separate facelifts throughout its decade-long production run – first in 2006 and then again in 2008 – it's the later examples that feel the most accomplished, which is exactly what we have available here with this late model 2010 SL 500.

Presenting in a rather attractive shade of Indigolite Blue Metallic with AMG styling pack over a lovely Pebble Beige Exclusive Nappa leather interior, this late model, post facelift Mercedes SL 500 looks every bit the modern luxury GT car. With a buttery-smooth seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox mated to that venerable V8 (a new and improved 5.5-litre engine in later models such as this) it's the perfect setup for cruising and comes to market in excellent overall condition, complete with an impressive service history and is reportedly driving faultlessly.

History and documentation

• 2010 model year
• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name
• First registered 29 Apr 2010
• Two registered former keepers
• Two keys
• Original purchase invoice
• Mercedes-Benz Digital Service Report showing inspections in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017
• Mercedes-Benz service invoices detailing inspections in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025
• HPI clear
• MOT until 17 Jul 2026
• London ULEZ compliant
• 53,107 indicated miles
• Please note that this car is being sold by the wife of the late previous owner and, as such, she is not able to definitively verify all of the details; we have described the car to the best of our ability based on the photographs and available paperwork

Interior

• Well-presented throughout
• Pebble Beige Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery in excellent condition
• Dark burr walnut wood trim looks to be free from any blemishes
• Minimal signs of wear and tear with only some very light marks here and there to note
• No damage to report
• Some minor staining to the floor mats
• Headlining remains fixed in place
• First aid kit present
• No reports of any switchgear or electrical issues
• Air scarf
• Garage door opener
• Keyless go system plus remote boot closing
• Parktronic system
• Harman Kardon surround sound audio
• Comfort ventilated seats
• Boot space is clean and tidy
• Space saver spare wheel and tyre present
• Engine bay looks clean and presents well

Exterior

• Exterior condition is very good overall
• Indigolite Blue Metallic paintwork remains in excellent order
• Factory optioned AMG bodystyling
• No major damage evident but there are a couple of scratches and scuff marks to the sills below the doors
• No signs of any corrosion
• Panel gaps are uniform across the board
• All glasswork looks to be in good order
• Intelligent light system
• Convertible panoramic glass roof operates as it should
• AMG 19” five-spoke wheels are all in good condition with only some light marks and scratches in places to note
• Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres all round (two new fitted Jun 2025)
• The underside looks to be in very good condition

Mechanical

• 383bhp, 5.5-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine
• Seven-speed automatic gearbox
• Rear-wheel drive
• 0-60mph in 5.4s
• 155mph top speed (electronically limited)
• No mechanical issues to report
• The vendor informs us that the car starts, stops and goes as it should

Summary

The superlative SL-Class from Mercedes offers a certain level of sophistication that remains unmatched by many rival models and the SL 500, with its venerable V8, will always present as a highlight of the range. Combining effortless performance with a sublime level of comfort and luxury, you really can't go wrong and this beautiful example is a fine representation of these desirable modern classic GTs.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Bournemouth, Dorset.