1954 Mercedes-Benz SL Coupe (W198) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Mercedes-Benz SL Coupe (W198) is approximately 1295 kg (2,856 lbs), and its maximum weight tops out at 1515 kg (3,340 lbs). This relatively lightweight build for its class was achieved through meticulous engineering and helped the car offer impressive performance and agility given its powerful engine and grand touring intent.

With a ride height or ground clearance of just 130 mm (5.1 inches), the Mercedes-Benz SL Coupe (W198) is quite low to the ground. This low stance improves handling and stability at higher speeds by lowering the center of gravity, but it also means the car requires careful navigation over speed bumps and uneven roads to avoid underside damage.

The Mercedes-Benz SL Coupe (W198) rides on rims sized 5 K x 15, paired with tires sized 165/90 R 15. These specifications reflect typical period standards, offering a balance of comfort and performance with a relatively tall tire profile (90 aspect ratio) and moderate wheel diameter aimed at both aesthetic appeal and ride quality.

Yes, the SL Coupe (W198) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Its length of 4520 mm (178 inches) and width of 1790 mm (70.5 inches) are modest by today’s standards. Most typical garages measuring about 5500 mm in length and 2700 mm in width can accommodate the car with adequate space to maneuver and safely park.

The W198 SL Coupe introduced in 1954 was a new flagship design rather than a direct evolution of a predecessor model in the same category. Compared to earlier Mercedes-Benz roadsters and coupes of the late 1940s and early 1950s, the W198 was larger and more luxurious, boasting a longer length and wider stance. This resulted in improved interior space and enhanced road presence, positioning it firmly as a grand touring coupe unlike lighter and simpler prior models.

Compared to contemporaries such as the Jaguar XK140 and the Ferrari 250 Europa GT, the Mercedes-Benz SL Coupe (W198) holds its own with a comparatively larger and more imposing footprint. It is longer and wider than many competitors, contributing to a more spacious cabin and a grander appearance. Its advanced engineering and high luxury level set it apart, even if it means it has a slightly larger curb weight relative to some lighter British sports coupes.

The SL Coupe (W198) is a two-seater grand tourer, designed primarily for driver and passenger comfort rather than high passenger capacity. While exact interior dimensions vary, the wider body at 1790 mm (70.5 inches) provides good shoulder room, and the coupe’s design emphasizes a luxurious and intimate cabin with high-quality materials and excellent ergonomics. Its limited seating is typical for sports coupes focusing on performance and style.

Weighing in at 1295 kg (2,856 lbs) curb weight, the W198 SL Coupe was relatively lightweight for a luxury grand tourer, thanks to advanced materials and engineering techniques of its time. This lower weight improved acceleration, braking, and especially handling dynamics, allowing the grand coupe to balance comfort with spirited driving, a hallmark of the SL series. However, its weight distribution and low ride height also contributed to a stable, confident feel on the road.

The Mercedes-Benz SL Coupe (W198) production period from 1954 to 1957 marks an important era in post-war automotive history, representing Mercedes-Benz's return to high-performance luxury sports coupes. This period was significant as the W198 was among the first SL models, laying the foundation for the brand’s reputation in blending racing pedigree with luxury cruising. Its limited production numbers and cutting-edge technology for the time make it a highly sought-after classic today.