The Mercedes-Benz SL has long been an icon, representing the pinnacle of open-top motoring for six decades. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL continued this esteemed tradition, marking a significant leap forward in performance, luxury, and innovation. This all-new generation, the sixth in the SL lineage, not only honored its heritage but also boldly redefined what a luxury roadster could be. For the first time, the SL embraced an almost entirely aluminum construction, shedding considerable weight and paving the way for enhanced agility and efficiency. This focus on lightweight engineering, coupled with a potent new engine and cutting-edge technology, positioned the 2013 SL as a true standout in its class.
Lightweight Revolution: The All-Aluminum Bodyshell
Staying true to the “Sport Leicht” (Sport Light) designation of its predecessors, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL placed weight reduction at the forefront of its design philosophy. Mirroring the original 1952 SL with its revolutionary lightweight tubular frame, the 2013 model pioneered the use of an all-aluminum bodyshell in a Mercedes-Benz series production vehicle. This groundbreaking shift in construction resulted in a substantial weight saving, with the new aluminum structure tipping the scales approximately 242 pounds lighter than a comparable steel counterpart.
Dr. Thomas Rudlaff, the Mercedes-Benz engineer responsible for the aluminum bodyshell, aptly described the impact of this weight reduction: “The effect is as if a large passenger has stepped out of the car.” This reduction in mass translated directly into tangible benefits, improving not only the car’s overall performance and agility but also its fuel efficiency. The lighter chassis contributed to sharper handling, quicker acceleration, and enhanced responsiveness, making the 2013 SL feel more dynamic and engaging on the road.
Beyond the primary aluminum construction, further weight optimization was achieved through the strategic use of magnesium for components like the cover panel behind the fuel tank and roof. High-strength steel tubing was integrated into the A-pillars, ensuring structural integrity and occupant safety without compromising the lightweight design. This intelligent material mix underscored Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to both performance and safety in the 2013 SL.
The advanced aluminum structure also delivered significant improvements in rigidity, safety, and comfort compared to the previous steel construction. Intelligent lightweight design principles were applied throughout, with components meticulously engineered and optimized for their specific roles. Different aluminum forming processes, including chill casting, vacuum die casting, and extruded sections, were employed to tailor the material properties to the demands of each part. The result was a bodyshell that offered exceptional rigidity and safety alongside reduced resonance and vibrations, contributing to a more refined and comfortable driving experience. While the 2013 SL boasted increased comfort features and advanced assistance systems, some of which added weight, the fundamental weight savings from the aluminum bodyshell were so substantial that the 2013 SL550 still weighed approximately 275 pounds less than its predecessor.
Driving Dynamics and Performance: Engine and Suspension
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL was engineered to deliver exhilarating driving pleasure, seamlessly blending powerful performance with refined comfort. The SL550 model, in particular, was equipped with a potent engine and a sophisticated suspension system, both working in harmony with the lightweight construction to provide an exceptional driving experience.
At the heart of the SL550 lay a new 4.7-liter V8 engine, producing an impressive 429 horsepower. Despite being smaller in displacement than its predecessor’s engine (by 0.8 liters), this direct-injection powerplant generated approximately 12 percent more power. Furthermore, torque output saw a significant increase, jumping from 391 lb-ft to a robust 516 lb-ft – a gain of 32 percent. This surge in torque translated to effortless acceleration at any speed and enhanced responsiveness in everyday driving situations. Fuel efficiency was also improved, thanks in part to the standard ECO stop/start function and the optimized 7-Speed Driver-Adaptive automatic transmission. Despite its focus on efficiency, the engine did not compromise the roadster’s sporty character. The 2013 SL550 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds, a remarkable eight-tenths of a second quicker than the previous SL550 model.
Complementing the powerful engine was a meticulously engineered suspension system. The 2013 SL came standard with Agility Control Suspension, offering a balance of sporty handling and ride comfort. For those seeking an even more sophisticated driving experience, the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system was available as an option. Both suspension configurations were paired with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system. This system featured speed-sensitive power steering and a variable steering ratio that adjusted based on steering wheel angle. At higher speeds, it provided excellent directional stability and enhanced safety, while at lower speeds, it reduced steering effort for easier parking and maneuvering, further contributing to the SL’s agility. To minimize unsprung mass and further enhance handling, the steering knuckles and suspension arms on the front axle, along with virtually all suspension components on the rear axle, were also crafted from lightweight aluminum.
Luxurious and Sporty Interior Design
The interior of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL was a testament to refined luxury and sporty elegance. Premium materials, meticulously crafted with exceptional attention to detail, defined the cabin’s style and character. The designers successfully created an environment that was both inviting and performance-oriented, perfectly aligning with the SL’s dual nature as a sports car and a luxurious tourer.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2013 SL offered a more spacious interior, thanks to its increased length (+1.97 inches) and width (+2.24 inches). This translated into greater comfort for occupants, with noticeable improvements in shoulder room (+1.46 inches) and elbow room (+1.10 inches), exceeding the standards in its vehicle class. The interior design emphasized clean lines and a cohesive aesthetic. A generous expanse of fine wood trim flowed seamlessly from the center console across the dashboard and into the doors, creating a welcoming and enveloping ambiance. Two distinct wood trim options were available, allowing for personalization. The overall interior atmosphere struck a harmonious balance between the understated sophistication expected of a high-performance sports car and the comfortable, stylish environment characteristic of a luxurious touring vehicle.
Classic SL Design, Modern Execution
The exterior design of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL was a masterful blend of tradition and contemporary styling. The designers drew inspiration from the SL’s rich heritage while injecting modern design elements to create a luxury sports car that was both instantly recognizable and refreshingly new. The result was a vehicle with balanced proportions and classic SL cues, updated for the modern era.
The long hood, a hallmark of the SL lineage, flowed gracefully into a compact, set-back passenger compartment. The rear end was wide and muscular, hinting at the car’s sporty capabilities. Sculpted surfaces and carefully drawn lines defined the flanks, creating a sense of powerful elegance. Finely crafted details, a striking rear design, and ventilation grilles with chromed fins – a nod to Mercedes-Benz’s dynamic heritage – all contributed to the SL’s iconic appeal.
The upright, classic sports car radiator grille proudly identified the 2013 SL as a distinguished member of the contemporary Mercedes-Benz sports car family. The centrally positioned Mercedes-Benz star, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic trademark, now extended into the grille’s center section with organically flowing contours. Dynamically styled headlamps, positioned wide apart, framed the striking front end and gave the new roadster its distinctive face. Bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, corner illuminating lamps, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist were standard features. These advanced lighting systems provided optimized illumination in various driving and weather conditions, significantly improving driver visibility. LED technology was utilized for the striking sidelights and the horizontal daytime running lamps integrated into the bumper’s outer edges.
Retractable Hard Top and MAGIC SKY CONTROL
Continuing the SL’s tradition of innovation, the sixth generation featured a retractable hard top that seamlessly transformed the car from a coupe to a roadster and back again in seconds. The electrohydraulic mechanism operated efficiently and compactly, preserving valuable trunk space. The 2013 SL offered two distinct versions of the retractable hard top: a standard glass roof and the groundbreaking panoramic roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL.
The MAGIC SKY CONTROL roof was a truly unique feature, allowing drivers to switch the roof’s transparency between light and dark at the touch of a button. In its light setting, the roof became virtually transparent, providing an open-air feel even when the top was closed, ideal for cooler weather. In its dark state, the roof offered welcome shade and effectively reduced heat buildup within the cabin on sunny days. Both roof versions utilized a magnesium frame, resulting in a weight reduction of approximately 13 pounds compared to the previous model. This weight saving not only contributed to overall vehicle lightness but also lowered the car’s center of gravity, further enhancing agility. The roof and trunk lid operating mechanism was refined for quicker operation, with the complete opening or closing process taking less than 20 seconds.
Aerodynamic Excellence and Reduced Wind Noise
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the design of the 2013 SL prioritized aerodynamic performance. Extensive wind tunnel testing and meticulous engineering resulted in exceptional aerodynamic characteristics, positioning the roadster at the top of its segment in several key areas. The 2013 SL achieved remarkably low wind noise levels, rivaling those of a closed sedan, ensuring a serene cabin environment even at high speeds. Open-air driving comfort was also significantly enhanced, allowing the roof to remain down even at higher speeds without excessive wind buffeting. Furthermore, the aerodynamic design minimized dirt accumulation on the side windows, maintaining clear visibility in various driving conditions.
Innovative Technology: FrontBass and MAGIC VISION CONTROL
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL continued the model line’s legacy as a technological trendsetter, introducing two world-first innovations: MAGIC VISION CONTROL and the FrontBass system.
MAGIC VISION CONTROL represented a revolutionary advancement in wiper/washer technology. This intelligent system dispensed washer fluid directly in front of the wiper blade via channels integrated into the blade itself, operating in both directions of wiper travel. This precise application eliminated water spray across the windshield, ensuring uninterrupted driver visibility and a perfectly clean screen. Crucially, it also prevented overspray into the passenger cabin when driving with the top down. The system included a fully heated wiper blade as standard, preventing ice and snow buildup in winter. This heating function also enabled the use of warm washer fluid directly on the windshield, even in freezing temperatures, for enhanced cleaning performance.
The FrontBass system was equally innovative, ingeniously utilizing the cavities within the aluminum structures ahead of the footwell as resonance chambers for the woofers. This marked the first time a sound system had been integrated directly into the vehicle’s body-in-white. The result was a rich, clear bass response that filled the cabin, creating a concert hall-like audio experience even with the top down. This unique layout also freed up space in the doors and interior, contributing to a cleaner and more spacious cabin design. Both MAGIC VISION CONTROL and the FrontBass system were included as standard equipment in the 2013 SL, underscoring Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology and a premium driving experience.
Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL was engineered to be the world’s safest roadster, incorporating a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver assistance systems. The foundation of its safety performance was the collision-optimized aluminum structure, providing a robust passenger cell with precisely defined deformation zones at the front and rear. Standard safety equipment included PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system and ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, along with a range of other assistance systems comparable to those found in the flagship S-Class sedan.
In the event of a rollover, occupant protection was provided by two roll-over bars and A-pillars constructed from a combination of steel and aluminum. The restraint systems, including two-stage driver and front passenger airbags, were further refined. A head airbag covered the side impact area, and an additional thorax airbag integrated into the seat backrest provided upper body protection in side collisions. Another innovative safety feature was the NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints, developed by Mercedes-Benz and included as standard equipment.
The PRE-SAFE® system, a hallmark Mercedes-Benz innovation, proactively prepared the vehicle and occupants for a potential collision. If the system detected an imminent accident, it reflexively activated precautionary measures, such as tightening seatbelts and adjusting seats, to ensure optimal protection from the airbags and restraint systems during an impact. Post-impact measures further enhanced safety, automatically unlocking the doors, activating interior lighting, and partially lowering the side windows to improve ventilation and facilitate rapid assistance, regardless of impact severity. The steering wheel also moved upwards to aid egress.
Standard driver assistance features included ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE, the latter incorporating ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR), and active yaw control, offering both safety and convenience functions. Optional equipment included DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control with PRE-SAFE® Brake, which used radar sensors to detect the risk of rear-end collisions, warn the driver, and initiate autonomous braking if necessary, mitigating or preventing accidents. Active Parking Assist was also a new option for the SL, using ultrasound sensors to identify parking spaces and automatically steer the vehicle into the chosen spot.
Infotainment and Connectivity with COMAND
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL featured the COMAND infotainment system as standard, providing comprehensive connectivity and entertainment features. COMAND included internet access capabilities, allowing web browsing when the vehicle was stationary, and access to Mercedes-Benz Apps like Google Local Search, Yelp, and Facebook via a subscription to Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 connected services. Navigation was integrated, and the system offered the ability to send routes from Google Maps and destinations from smartphones to the vehicle using the Mercedes-Benz mbrace Mobile App. The COMAND system featured a high-resolution 7-inch TFT color display (800 x 480 pixels) positioned adjacent to the instrument cluster, minimizing driver distraction.
Conclusion: A Modern Icon Reborn
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL represented a significant evolution of a legendary nameplate. By embracing innovative lightweight construction, powerful and efficient engines, and cutting-edge technology, Mercedes-Benz created a luxury roadster that was not only worthy of the SL badge but also redefined the segment. The 2013 SL delivered a compelling blend of sporty performance, luxurious comfort, and advanced features, solidifying its position as a modern icon and continuing the proud legacy of the Mercedes-Benz SL for a new generation of enthusiasts. To mark the launch, Mercedes-Benz also offered a special “Edition 1” model for a limited time, featuring exclusive design elements and premium equipment, further enhancing the appeal of this exceptional roadster. The 2013 SL550 arrived in U.S. showrooms in the spring of 2012, ready to captivate drivers with its unparalleled blend of sport, luxury, and innovation.
