2026 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda Review: Mercedes-Benz has done something truly special for 2026 – it has revived one of the most iconic roadsters of all time, the 280SL “Pagoda”, and reimagined it for the modern era. The original Pagoda from the 1960s was loved for its elegant shape, balanced performance, and everyday usability. Now, more than half a century later, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda returns as a luxury performance roadster that blends timeless design with advanced engineering.
Heritage-Inspired Exterior Design
The first thing you notice about the new 280SL Pagoda is its unmistakable silhouette. Mercedes has faithfully recreated the signature concave hardtop roof – the famous “Pagoda” shape – while adding modern touches like LED headlamps, a slim chrome grille, sculpted body lines, and frameless doors.
The long hood, short rear deck, and wide stance give the car a confident and sporty look, while 19-inch alloy wheels and flush door handles keep the design contemporary. It is a perfect balance between retro charm and modern elegance.
Luxurious Yet Sporty Interior
Step inside and you are welcomed into a cabin that feels handcrafted. Premium Nappa leather, brushed aluminum accents, and real wood trim surround the driver and passenger. The interior layout keeps the classic roadster feel but adds digital convenience through a fully digital instrument cluster and a floating infotainment screen with Mercedes MBUX system.
Features like ambient lighting, wireless smartphone connectivity, head-up display, and dual-zone climate control ensure the Pagoda feels every bit like a modern luxury car.
Powerful and Refined Performance
Under the hood, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda features a turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain. This setup delivers around 420 horsepower, providing thrilling acceleration while maintaining efficiency.
The car is expected to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds, with power delivered smoothly through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive keeps the traditional sports-car character alive, offering an engaging driving experience on winding roads.
Balanced Mileage and Driving Range
Thanks to the mild-hybrid technology, the 280SL Pagoda achieves a combined fuel efficiency of around 28 mpg, making it surprisingly practical for a high-performance luxury roadster.
Advanced Safety and Smart Technology
Mercedes equips the new Pagoda with cutting-edge safety and assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, 360-degree camera system, and intelligent parking assist. Over-the-air software updates ensure the vehicle remains future-ready.
Expected Price and Availability
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda is positioned as a premium heritage model. The expected starting price is around $95,000, with fully loaded variants crossing $115,000. It is expected to reach showrooms in early 2026 as a limited-production model.
Key Highlights
- Classic Pagoda roof design with modern styling
- Turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid engine
- Around 420 horsepower with rear-wheel drive
- 0–60 mph in approximately 4.2 seconds
- Luxury handcrafted interior with MBUX system
- Advanced safety and driver-assistance technology
Frequently Asked Questions(2026 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda Review)
Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda fully electric?
No, it uses a turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain.
How much power does the new 280SL Pagoda produce?
It delivers around 420 horsepower.
What is the expected fuel mileage?
The car offers approximately 28 mpg combined.
When will the 280SL Pagoda be available?
It is expected to launch in early 2026.
What is the estimated price?
Pricing is expected to start around $95,000 in the USA.
