- Newest year: 2001
- Gas
- Two-seaters
2000-2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class MPG & Fuel Cost
2 model years · 14–17 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 2 of 10 two-seater configurations, MY2001. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2000-2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at a glance
The 2000-2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class covers 2 model years in the EPA database (4 configurations in all), rated 14–17 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2001, costs about $4,730 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the SL500 5.0L 8-cyl RWD (17 MPG), at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2001.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2000-2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by model year
What the 2001 SL500 5.0L 8-cyl RWD costs to drive
Per month
$394
$4,730 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$7.88
Per 100 miles
$31.53
Five years
$23,650
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the two-seater median
$710more a year
Class median $4,020 a year, MY2001
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2000: The most efficient configuration stays at 17 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $4,730.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL500 (Most efficient) | 5.0L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 21 | 17 | $4,730 |
| SL600 | 6.0L 12-cyl | RWD | 12 | 17 | 14 | $5,740 |
2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class MPG
14–17 MPG · $4,730–$5,740/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL500 (Most efficient) | 5.0L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 21 | 17 | $4,730 |
| SL600 | 6.0L 12-cyl | RWD | 12 | 18 | 14 | $5,740 |
2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the SL500 5.0L 8-cyl RWD: $5,640 in California and $4,100 in Texas, a $1,540 difference.
- California $5,640
- Washington $5,300
- New York $4,670
- Florida $4,320
- Texas $4,100
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2001 two-seater models.
Generations
- 2000-2001 (R129)
- 2002-2011 (R230)
- 2012-2020 (R231)
- 2022-2027*
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2000-2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class get?
EPA rates the 2000-2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at 14–17 MPG combined across 4 configurations and 2 model years. The most efficient version, the 2001 SL500 5.0L 8-cyl RWD, is rated 17 MPG (14 city, 21 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2000-2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
Every model year of the 2000-2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class tops out at 17 MPG combined, so no year is better than another.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2000-2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2001.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the SL500 5.0L 8-cyl RWD costs about $4,730 a year. Across all 2 configurations the cost runs $4,730–$5,740 a year. That is a $1,010 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 100 miles?
About $31.53 per 100 miles for the SL500 5.0L 8-cyl RWD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $31.53 and $38.27 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The SL500 5.0L 8-cyl RWD is rated 14 city and 21 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 7 MPG.
How does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class compare with other two-seater configurations?
The SL500 5.0L 8-cyl RWD costs about $4,730 a year to fuel, $710 more than the class median of $4,020, and less than 2 of 10 two-seater configurations. The comparison covers all 40 rated two-seater configurations for MY2001, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class different from the 2000 model?
The most efficient configuration stays at 17 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $4,730. EPA lists 2 configurations for 2001 against 2 configurations for 2000. See the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for that year.