The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster is a vehicle that commands attention. Its striking design and the allure of a Mercedes-Benz convertible ensure that heads turn and conversations ignite wherever it goes. Even those not typically drawn to cars find themselves captivated by its presence. The SL550, particularly in a vibrant Mars Red, exudes a powerful charisma, a sentiment perfectly captured by one observer’s description of it as “sex on wheels.” This review delves into the essence of the 2013 Benz Sl550, exploring its blend of luxury, performance, and technology, to see if it lives up to the hype.
The Allure of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550: Design and Comfort
The 2013 Benz SL550 embodies classic sports car aesthetics with its elongated hood and abbreviated rear deck. The prominent Mercedes-Benz tristar emblem on the grille is flanked by striking HID headlamps with LED accents, leading the eye along the car’s elegant lines. Optional 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels enhance its sporty stance, while bold hood vents hint at the power beneath, often leading to questions of whether it’s the higher-performance SL63 AMG. The two-seater cabin, nestled under a sleek roofline, offers a sense of exclusivity and focused driving pleasure.
One of the defining features of the 2013 Benz SL550 is its power-retractable hardtop. Operating with Mercedes-Benz precision, the top lowers in a smooth, automated sequence in approximately 6 seconds, transforming the coupe into a roadster and back again with ease. While top-down driving exhilarates, it does impact trunk space. A retractable cover manages storage, allowing space for a couple of carry-on bags even with the top down. For maximum cargo capacity with the top up, the cover can be moved, but this requires manual adjustment and prevents top operation until repositioned. Accessing the trunk with the top down involves a multi-step automated process, highlighting the engineering complexity behind the convertible mechanism.
The interior of the 2013 Benz SL550 is designed for spacious comfort. Even taller occupants will find ample room in the cabin. Motorized adjustments for the seats and steering wheel, complete with memory settings and an Easy Exit function, ensure personalized comfort. Practicality is addressed with a small parcel shelf and storage compartments for smaller items. However, the placement of the cupholders far back on the center console might be less than ideal for some drivers.
For open-air enthusiasts, the 2013 Benz SL550 is equipped with features to enhance the experience in various conditions. A motorized windscreen minimizes wind buffeting at higher speeds, while the Air Scarf system provides warm air to the neck area, extending comfortable top-down driving into cooler weather. Automatic climate control adjusts seamlessly for open-top motoring, and heated and ventilated seats further contribute to passenger comfort. With these features engaged, the SL550 creates a remarkably serene open-top environment, minimizing wind noise and allowing for easy conversation and phone calls even at highway speeds. Massage seats with multiple levels add another layer of luxury, making long drives surprisingly relaxing. The Attention Assist system is there as a safety net, monitoring for driver drowsiness on those extended cruises.
When conditions dictate, raising the top transforms the 2013 Benz SL550 into a remarkably quiet coupe. For those who still desire a connection to the sky, the optional Magic Sky Control, a dimmable glass roof panel, offers an innovative feature. This technology allows drivers to switch the roof from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button, controlling light and glare while maintaining UV and IR protection. This feature adds a unique element of modern luxury to the SL550 experience.
Performance and Handling Prowess of the 2013 Benz SL550
Beneath the hood of the 2013 Benz SL550 resides a potent 4.6-liter V-8 biturbo engine. This powerplant is not only powerful but also engineered for efficiency, incorporating direct-injection and a defeatable autostop function. Paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission featuring an Econ mode, the SL550 achieves respectable fuel economy for its class, rated at 16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. While not class-leading economy, these figures are impressive considering the engine’s output of 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
The standard suspension of the 2013 Benz SL550 is designed for excellent handling. However, the test vehicle was equipped with the optional Active Body Control (ABC) adaptive suspension. This system elevates handling and ride comfort with selectable Sport and Comfort modes. Beyond damping adjustments, ABC allows the SL550 to raise its ride height for obstacle clearance at low speeds and automatically lower it at higher speeds for improved aerodynamics and stability. The system continuously adjusts dampers at each wheel, optimizing for either responsive handling or smooth ride quality. The Comand system even provides a display to visualize the ABC system’s real-time adjustments, though focusing on the road remains the priority.
In everyday driving, the 2013 Benz SL550 in Comfort mode is characterized by its effortless nature. The abundance of power allows for relaxed cruising with minimal throttle input, maintaining low engine speeds and quiet operation. While San Francisco’s roads present a challenge for any suspension, ABC effectively mitigates harshness from road imperfections. The autostop system, while generally smooth at complete stops, can feel less refined in stop-and-go traffic, prompting the driver to use the easily accessible defeat button in such conditions.
On the highway, the 2013 Benz SL550 maintains its smooth and quiet demeanor in Comfort mode. However, the Econ transmission setting can be hesitant to downshift for quick acceleration. Switching to Sport mode transforms the driving experience. The transmission holds lower gears longer, and downshifts become more responsive, unleashing the engine’s full potential. The chassis also feels more responsive in Sport ABC mode, though it still maintains a comfortable ride. For spirited driving, Sport mode is the preferred setting. Manual shifting via steering wheel paddles is available but less intuitive than letting the Sport program manage gear selection.
The 2013 Benz SL550 features active seat bolsters that can automatically adjust to provide lateral support during cornering. While effective at higher performance driving, this feature can be intrusive during normal driving and is best used in its lower settings or deactivated for everyday use.
The ideal environment for the 2013 Benz SL550 is a winding road in scenic landscapes. Its blend of powerful engine, refined suspension, and striking aesthetics is perfectly suited for spirited drives through picturesque routes. Stability control remains unobtrusive during normal driving, intervening only when necessary. For those seeking a bit of playful fun, disabling stability control allows for controlled drifts, showcasing the car’s inherent balance and power.
Dashboard Technology and the Comand Online System in the 2013 Benz SL550
While the 2013 Benz SL550 excels in design, comfort, and performance, its technology interface, particularly the Comand Online system, is a less impressive aspect. The core infotainment system is based on Mercedes-Benz’s Comand interface, utilizing a rotary dial and a layered menu structure. Despite its long-standing presence, Comand can still feel cumbersome to navigate, requiring multiple steps to access basic functions. The system’s complexity stems from the addition of numerous features over time without a fundamental redesign of its organization.
Voice command is a helpful alternative to the rotary controller for tasks like entering navigation addresses, offering above-average accuracy. The navigation system provides clear maps with traffic data, but lacks advanced features like topographic or satellite imagery despite having a data connection.
The 2013 Benz SL550 offers a wide array of audio sources, including a six-disc DVD changer, iPod and USB interfaces, SD card reader, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and AM/FM radio with HD Radio. Bluetooth connectivity supports hands-free calling and audio streaming. These sources feed a standard Harman Kardon Logic7 surround-sound system with FrontBass technology, which utilizes front-mounted subwoofers to enhance the audio experience. An optional Bang & Olufsen sound system further elevates audio quality with more power and speakers.
The Comand Online system, a new feature for the 2013 Benz SL550, introduces web-connected services via an always-on data connection. This includes Google Local Search, News, Yelp, and Facebook integration. However, the primary drawback of Comand Online is its slow performance. Loading times for menus and features are lengthy, making the system feel unresponsive and outdated compared to modern smartphone interfaces.
Google Search integration allows users to find points of interest and access location details, including Google Street View and Panoramio photos. Yelp integration provides business reviews and ratings, although search accuracy can be inconsistent. The news app offers access to headlines and top stories, but lacks text-to-speech functionality.
Facebook integration, while ambitious, suffers from the same slow performance issues. Users can check in, view friends’ updates, and update their status, but the sluggish response times make these features impractical while in the car. The inconsistent behavior of the Comand controller’s back button within the online interface further adds to the frustration. Compared to similar connected services from Audi and BMW, Comand Online falls short in terms of speed and user-friendliness. The separation of connected services from core functions like navigation also limits its overall utility.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the 2013 Benz SL550
Despite the shortcomings of the Comand Online system, the 2013 Benz SL550 remains a compelling luxury roadster. Its exceptional driving dynamics, powerful engine, and comfortable open-top experience overshadow its technological deficiencies. The SL550 offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Mbrace telematics, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and parking assistance systems, though these were not extensively detailed in this review. For buyers prioritizing driving pleasure and classic roadster appeal over cutting-edge infotainment, the 2013 Benz SL550 is a highly satisfying choice. While the allure of the SL63 AMG might tempt some, the SL550 provides a luxurious and exhilarating experience in its own right.
The as-tested price of the reviewed 2013 Benz SL550 reached $124,345, including options like premium leather, Magic Sky Control, Active Body Control, and driver assistance packages. While a significant investment, the SL550 delivers a sense of occasion and driving enjoyment that justifies its price point for those seeking a premium luxury roadster experience.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Tech Specs:
| Tech specs | |
|---|---|
| Model | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster |
| Trim | n/a |
| Power train | 4.6-liter biturbo V-8, RWD, 7-speed automatic transmission |
| EPA fuel economy | 16 city, 24 highway, 19 combined mpg |
| Observed fuel economy | n/a |
| Navigation | Standard, HDD-based |
| Bluetooth phone support | Standard |
| Disc player | 6-disc DVD changer |
| MP3 player support | Standard analog 3.5mm auxiliary input, USB connection, Bluetooth audio streaming, iPod connection |
| Other digital audio | SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD Radio |
| Audio system | 10-speaker, 600-watt Harman Kardon Logic7 5.1 surround with FrontBass |
| Driver aids | Rear camera, proximity detection (4 corners), blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assistant, adaptive cruise control, precollision warning, Attention Assist driver alertness monitoring |
| Base price | $105,500 |
| Price as tested | $124,345 |
