1. Updates to the range

2. Introducing the 600SL

3. UK reception

4. The 500SL vs. 600SL debate

5. Conclusion

Updates to the range

For the US market, 1993 brought few changes beyond cosmetic and comfort improvements. All SLs destined for America were fitted as standard with eight-slot alloy wheels (code 652), and an automatic dimming rearview mirror was added after the start of the season. Prices, however, did climb slightly:

• The 300SL with manual transmission rose by around €750

• The 300SL automatic increased by about €840

• The 500SL carried a €930 increase

Beyond these adjustments, the real headline was the debut of the 600SL. Around 900 units per year were allocated for US buyers. Introduced at approximately €111,000, the 600SL justified its premium with a host of standard features including a six-litre V12 engine, ADS suspension, enhanced interior trim, heated seats, a CD changer, and an integrated hands-free cellular phone. Only a few options needed to be added at production, such as adjustable lumbar support. Despite its lofty price, the 600SL quickly garnered attention for its smooth, effortless performance and understated luxury, establishing itself as the ultimate expression of the SL range.

Introducing the 600SL

Priced at €110,000, the 600SL commanded a hefty €19,300 premium over the 500SL. Still, Mercedes justified this with a wealth of standard features:

• Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS)

• Heated seats

• Enhanced interior trim

• A CD changer

• Even a factory-fitted, hands-free cellular phone integrated into the audio system

Surprisingly, buyers still had to pay extra for some essentials: lumbar support cost €320 per seat, and floor mats – regardless of the price of the car – were €82. Despite these minor extras, the 600SL stood out as the flagship of the SL range, combining cutting-edge technology with luxurious comfort. Its V12 engine delivered effortless power, while the refined suspension and superior build quality made it an ideal grand tourer. Enthusiasts appreciated not only its performance but also the attention to detail and exclusivity that came with owning one of Mercedes’ most prestigious roadsters.

UK reception

In Britain, the story was slightly different. Prices in 1993 were actually lower than the previous year:

• 300SL: €74,600
• 300SL-24: €81,200 (manual) or €82,300 (automatic)
• 500SL: €104,000

The 600SL made its British debut at the International Motor Show in Birmingham, priced at €134,900. Not long after, the price range shifted upwards, with the SL line spanning between €80,800 and €146,600.

The 500SL vs. 600SL debate

Even as the 600SL dazzled, many still favoured the 500SL. In a comparison test against the Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible and Aston Martin Virage Volante, Car magazine concluded:

“We pick the 500SL. It’s practical, safe, durable, fast, and beautifully wrought. The best long-term ownership proposition, and in the meantime, a joy both to drive and behold.”

This underscored the truth: while the 600SL was a technical marvel, the 500SL remained the sweet spot in the range for many buyers. Its combination of strong performance, relative affordability, and ease of maintenance made it a reliable choice for enthusiasts who wanted a luxury roadster without the extra complexity or cost of the flagship model. Even today, the 500SL continues to be celebrated for its balance of style, comfort, and driving pleasure—a timeless icon in the Mercedes SL lineage.

Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz R129 of 1993 was not just a car – it was a statement. It combined understated luxury with immense engineering sophistication. Whether adored for its refinement or criticised for its weight and price, it left no one indifferent.

Three decades later, the debate remains: was the V12 SL an unnecessary extravagance, or a timeless symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s ability to engineer a car that could glide, roar, and dominate the grand touring stage all at once?

Are you already a proud owner of a Mercedes R129? If so, check out our selection of parts for this car at the following link:

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/mercedes-benz/r129

Photos sources: theslshop.com, tenwheel.com