Why the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is Still Pricier Than New Cars

Despite being 14 years old, this Mercedes-Benz hasn’t depreciated at all
It’s the SLS AMG

Typically, a car’s value decreases over time. It will depreciate whether it’s a popular domestic car or a low-priced vehicle with steady demand, like a compact car. However, the depreciation is even more significant for high-priced vehicles like imports. This depreciation occurs because various parts need to be replaced as the vehicle ages, and introducing new models makes the existing ones outdated.

However, some cars increase in value over time. Of course, it’s not a common occurrence. Classic cars with only a few remaining after more than 30 years or limited-edition models like the Lamborghini Sian, which are produced in minimal numbers, are examples. Yet, a Mercedes-Benz car, which is less than 20 years old, has seen its price rise above its initial launch price.

The AMG independently developed supercar
borrowed the design from the 300SL

The star of the show is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The SLS AMG, which debuted in 2010, was the first supercar independently developed by Mercedes-AMG and was designed to succeed the SLR McLaren, which Mercedes and McLaren jointly developed. It also borrowed its distinct gullwing doors and long-nose short-deck design from the legendary Mercedes sports car, the 300 SL.

As a supercar, the SLS AMG performed impressively. Its powertrain featured a 6.280cc V8 naturally aspirated engine that produced 571 horsepower and exerted 66.3 kg.m of torque. It also had an AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed transmission that allowed it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed reaching 317 km/h (197 mph).

Why is it hard to find in Korea?
Because most were exported abroad

However, this car has become hard to find in Korea. Why is that? The SLS AMG was discontinued in 2014 and replaced by the AMG GT. While the AMG GT maintained the long-nose short-deck design, the engine was changed to a turbo, and the unique gullwing doors were replaced with regular doors, losing some of their charm.

Therefore, oddly enough, demand for the car increased immediately after it was discontinued. The SLS AMG didn’t have large sales during its production, as the Audi R8 overshadowed it. As a result, demand exceeded supply, naturally leading to a price increase. As the overseas price increased first, most of the SLS AMGs in Korea were exported abroad, significantly reducing the number of vehicles in the country.

Used car prices are higher than new car prices.
Expected to continue rising

The overseas price for the SLS AMG Coupe is between 310 million won ($263,000) and 350 million won ($297,000). The launch price of the SLS AMG in 2010 was around 250 million won ($212,000), so it’s not just a case of zero depreciation. It’s a used car that’s more expensive than a new one.

There’s a common saying about the price of classic cars: The cost of a used car hits its lowest point 20 years after it’s released and starts to rise again after 30 years. However, the SLS AMG has already surpassed the price of a new car at the point typically considered its lowest, so it’s expected that the cost of this vehicle will continue to rise steadily.