The R230 generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class was introduced at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show and 2001 Bologna Motor Show, replacing the R129. The R230 underwent revisions in 2006 and 2008, and was superseded by the new R231 SL-Class in 2011.

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In early 1996, over six years into the life of the R129, development work on a successor began. On 27 January 1996, design work commenced, and draft designs were submitted by ten designers in Germany, California, and Japan. Hundreds of sketches were submitted and would form the basis for twelve quarter-scale models digitized for computer manipulation. Design of the R230 would progress through two different formats. The real world process centered on the traditional 1:4 scale models, with most of them initially being done clay. Virtual world design development took place in a room packed with state-of-the-art computer processing technology referred to as the "CAVE" (Computer Aided Virtual Environment). This technology was also used earlier on to design the W203 in 1995.