How much is auto insurance for a Mercedes Benz SLS AMG?

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG is available as both a coupe and a roadster for the 2012 model year with a starting MSRP of $189,600.

According to U.S. News and World Report the SLS AMG wins raves for its ability to compete on the track while still providing a comfortable ride on the street.

It also gets points for its stylish exterior and crisp handling, but some reviewers are disappointed with its transmission, which they consider subpar for this price range.

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Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Competition

The Mercedes SLS AMG’s main competitors are the Aventador and the Gallardo from Lamborghini, as well as the Audi R8 and Ferraris like the 458 Italia, the FF and the California.

The SLS is slightly more affordable than some of its competitors, a few of which start at over $200,000.

How much does car insurance cost for a Mercedes Benz SLS AMG?

Projected auto insurance rates for the 2012 SLS aren’t available yet, but it is estimated that insuring the 2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG for one year will cost the typical good driver owner about $4,374.

This breaks down to a monthly rate of $364, and it will add up to almost $22,000 over five years.

Auto insurance for the Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe, which has a starting price about $20,000 lower than the SLS’, is expected to cost around $3,713 per year. That works out to a monthly bill of $310.

For the 2012 Audi R8, which is more than $50,000 cheaper than an SLS, you’ll pay approximately $3,485 each year for auto insurance. If you pay monthly, your bill will be approximately $300 per month.

Mercedes SLS AMG Performance

Mercedes AMG reports that the 2012 SLS’ 6.3 liter, V8 engine can accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.7 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed is limited electronically to 197 mph, and the engine generates 563 horsepower.

The Lamborghini Gallardo can produce up to 562 horsepower with its V10 engine, and the Ferrari 458 Italia’s V8 can generate 570 horsepower.

The Gallardo coupe’s top speed is a hair higher than the SLS’, at 202 mph, and it also accelerates a tad faster, since it can reach 62 mph in 3.7 seconds.

Cars.com calls the SLS AMG a “tour de force,” and notes that it has the potential to compete with the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of the world on the track.

The Los Angeles Times reports that this supercar’s exceptionally low center of gravity makes it extremely stable in straight-line driving, and Edmunds’ reviewer praises the SLS AMG’s cornering ability.

Fuel Economy for the SLS

With fuel economy of 14 mpg in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway, the SLS is far from an economical ride, but most people don’t buy supercars to save money.

The Lamborghini Gallardo has a comparable fuel economy rating of 13 city mpg and 20 highway mpg, and the Audi R8 and Ferrari California both get 13 city mpg and just 19 mpg highway.

The DB9 from Aston Martin has even lower fuel economy, getting just 11 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.

Mercedes SLS AMG Safety

The federal government doesn’t usually test limited production cars like the Mercedes SLS AMG. However, Mercedes has equipped this supercar with a host of standard features like traction control, anti-lock brakes, and dynamic stability control.

Reviewers note that the SLS is wide for a supercar, and it has a longer-than-average nose. This means it can be difficult to maneuver in parking lots and enclosed spaces.

The vehicle does come with standard parking sensors and a backup camera, but a reviewer from Cars.com noted that the SLS’ parking sensors aren’t exactly foolproof. The Mercedes SLS AMG comes with eight air bags, including front knee air bags.

Interior Features for the SLS

The SLS may be designed for speed, but it is still a luxury vehicle. It is available with gullwing doors that open vertically.

Reviewers say that they make the car a bit difficult to enter and exit, but are remarkably easy to open and close. Edmunds reports that the Mercedes SLS’ seats are comfortable, even for taller drivers, but legroom is less generous.

The auto press notes that, although it is limited, the SLS does offer some cargo space. Cars.com points out that the SLS’ trunk is 6.2 cubic feet, which is almost twice the size of the Audi R8’s.

Road and Track calls the SLS’ cockpit design “elegant,” and the vehicle comes standard with high-tech bells and whistles like navigation, Bluetooth, and satellite radio.

Some reviewers complain that the Mercedes SLS’ infotainment system, which controls the navigation and audio functions, is unnecessarily complicated, but this is a common refrain regarding these systems, and it’s not limited to the SLS.

SLS Warranty and Reliability

The 2011 Mercedes SLS’ warranty extends for four years or 50,000 miles, which is more generous than the 3-year/unlimited mileage warranty that Lamborghinis feature.

The SLS’ warranty includes roadside assistance, but scheduled maintenance is not covered. Owners can pay extra to extend their warranties for an additional three years and 50,000 miles over the base warranty.

The 2011 SLS received a reliability score of 7.0 on a 10-point scale from J.D. Power and Associates. It was the only supercar to be rated on this scale.

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