2013-14 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Overview

The SL’s history dates back six decades. It’s not redesigned very often, but that was the case for model-year 2013. It didn’t look a whole lot different than the 2012 version, but it was actually about 2 inches longer and wider. The body was re-engineered to make use of aluminum and high-strength steel, which lead to a weight savings of more than 200 pounds.

Mercedes-Benz did a gradual rollout of the 2013 SL-Class. The first model to reach dealerships was the “base” SL550. The high-performance SL63 and SL65, both of which came from the brand’s AMG performance division, followed a few months later.

As far as standard equipment goes, the list was rather comprehensive. On the SL550 you got leather upholstery, heated seats, driver-seat memory, a navigation system with music hard drive, genuine wood trim, steering-linked bi-xenon headlights, and a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The latest version of Mercedes’ COMAND interface offered web applications, including Google Local searches and access to Facebook. SL63 and SL65 models had similar levels of standard equipment, but added specific interior and exterior trim.

Newly available on the SL was Mercedes’ MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which was basically adjustable tinting for the roof’s panoramic glass panel.

Options on the SL550 included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, keyless entry/engine start, rearview camera, front- and rear-obstacle detection, ventilated seats, Mercedes’ AIRSCARF neck-level heater, performance brakes, a wood/leather steering wheel, and high-end Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The optional Active Body Control included revised suspension hardware and tuning with new dampers designed to reduce body lean in turns by up to 95 percent based on driver-selectable settings.

SL63 options included an AMG Performance Package that added red brake calipers, a limited-slip differential, and tweaked engine tuning that raised horsepower and top speed. Individual extras included a carbon-ceramic brake package, a carbon-fiber trim package for the exterior, and 19- and 20-inch wheels.

Individual options on the SL65 included red-painted brake calipers, a carbon-ceramic brake package, exterior trim in carbon fiber, a specific “performance” steering wheel, and forged 19- and 20-inch wheels.

The three 2013 SL-Class models each had a different engine. The 550 received a brand new 429-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 engine. The SL63 had a new twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 with 530 horsepower. The optional AMG Performance Package raised the output to 557 horsepower. The SL65’s twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 with a massive 621 horsepower carried over from the outgoing car. The SL550 and SL65 had a 7-speed automatic transmission. The SL63 received a 7-speed automated manual that behaved like an automatic.

All SLs were rear-wheel drive.

EPA estimated for economy for the SL550 was 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway. The SL63 was rated at 16/25, and the SL65 was 14/21.

All SL-Class models required premium-grade gasoline.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class had the usual complement of expected and federally mandated safety features. Driver and passenger knee airbags were standard. Additional available safety features included blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning and prevention, pop-up rollover bars, active head restraints, and Mercedes’ mbrace2 assistance system.

This evaluation was based on preview test drives.