For decades, the “SL” designation has resonated with automotive enthusiasts as shorthand for “Super-Light,” embodying the essence of Mercedes-Benz’s legendary sports cars. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster, the sixth generation of this iconic lineage, doesn’t merely follow in the footsteps of its predecessors; it boldly carves its own path, setting a new benchmark for the future of luxury sports roadsters. Staying true to its heritage, this model masterfully blends high-performance capabilities with unparalleled comfort and everyday usability, eliminating the typical compromises often associated with high-octane driving.
The 2013 model year marked the arrival of a completely reimagined Mercedes-Benz SL roadster. This iteration boasts a revolutionary all-aluminum unit body, enhanced technological features, and a refined version of its signature retractable hardtop. While slightly larger than its predecessor, being approximately two inches longer and wider, the 2013 SL550 achieves a significant weight reduction of over 200 pounds thanks to its innovative aluminum construction. This leap forward in engineering not only improves fuel efficiency but also contributes to enhanced agility and performance.
From Coupe Versatility to Roadster Freedom
The defining feature of the 2013 SL Roadster remains its fully automatic, electrically operated retractable hardtop. This ingenious system allows drivers to seamlessly transition between the open-air exhilaration of a classic roadster and the serene comfort of a well-insulated, weather-tight coupe. Equipped with a standard panorama roof, the hardtop offers an abundance of natural light even when closed. With a simple push of a button, the transformation is completed in under 20 seconds. During this elegant ballet of engineering, a smart tilting mechanism ensures the roof and rear window sections neatly “spoon” together, retracting into the upper portion of the trunk, cleverly maximizing usable luggage space.
The Pinnacle of Open-Top Safety
Mercedes-Benz has long prioritized safety, and the 2013 SL Roadster is a testament to this commitment. Frequently lauded as “the world’s safest convertible,” it incorporates a comprehensive suite of safety systems, both active and passive. From preventative measures like Attention Assist, Distronic Plus, PRE-SAFE Brake, and ESP stability control, designed to mitigate accident risks, to robust occupant protection features and rapid rescue systems in the event of a collision, every facet of safety has been meticulously engineered.
Occupant safety is further enhanced by the high-strength aluminum body structure, intelligently designed front airbags, knee airbags, side airbags, and head-thorax airbags. дополнениеally, seat belt tensioners, belt force limiters, and the sensor-controlled roll bar – a pioneering Mercedes-Benz innovation first introduced in the fourth-generation SL – provide an unparalleled safety cocoon for occupants.
Exclusivity Woven into the Fabric
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster elevates the concept of standard equipment, placing a strong emphasis on comfort and exclusivity. Features that are often optional extras in competing vehicles are seamlessly integrated into the SL’s standard specification. These include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, GPS navigation for effortless journeys, the aforementioned panorama sunroof, sumptuous leather-clad seats, refined wood trim accents, customizable multi-color ambient lighting, and a premium harman/kardon audio system, transforming every drive into a luxurious experience.
Beyond these comfort features, the SL boasts a suite of standard safety technologies. In addition to Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering ABS anti-lock brakes, traction control, and ESP stability control, the 2013 model includes the innovative PRE-SAFE system, ATTENTION ASSIST to combat driver fatigue, automatic pop-up roll bars for rollover protection, high-performance bi-xenon headlights for superior visibility, and a comprehensive array of eight airbags.
For those seeking to personalize their SL further, a range of optional equipment is available, including cutting-edge features such as DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control for effortless highway driving, Active Blind Spot Assist to enhance lane change safety, Active Lane Keeping Assist to prevent unintentional lane departures, ABC active suspension for a supremely smooth ride, and KEYLESS GO for ultimate convenience.
A Glance Back: The Storied SL Heritage
To fully appreciate the 2013 SL Roadster, it’s essential to understand its rich heritage. The very first Mercedes-Benz SL, the 300SL race car of 1952, was a revolutionary departure from the sports cars of its era. Its groundbreaking tubular space frame, aerodynamic teardrop-shaped aluminum body, and iconic gullwing doors caused a sensation in the motorsport world. Victories at prestigious races like Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana solidified the 300SL race car’s debut season as legendary. In a surprising move, Mercedes-Benz then introduced a road-going version in 1954, the 300SL Gullwing, debuting not in Europe but in New York, marking the beginning of a lasting legacy of exhilarating SL sports cars.
Building on the success of the 300SL Gullwing coupe, the convertible 300SL roadster was launched in 1957. These models are often seen as spiritual predecessors to the modern SLS AMG gullwing and roadster. Mirroring today’s SLK (now SLC), the 190SL, a smaller and more accessible convertible introduced in 1955, was marketed alongside the exclusive 300SL, broadening the SL appeal.
The second-generation SL, known as the W113 and affectionately nicknamed the “Pagoda SL” due to its distinctive roofline, arrived in 1963. Replacing both the 300SL and 190SL, it was available as a convertible with a folding soft top or an open car with a removable hardtop. While retaining the 94.5-inch wheelbase of its predecessor, the W113 was based on a shortened version of the 220 SE sedan, incorporating Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering crumple zones and a robust passenger cell, prioritizing safety.
1971 saw the launch of the third-generation SL (R107), which enjoyed an exceptionally long production run of 18 years, becoming the highest-selling SL generation to date. This era also marked the debut of the first V8-powered SL, the 350SL. Furthermore, the SLC coupe (C107), based on the R107, was produced until 1981. Throughout its lifespan, the R107 received continuous improvements, including a padded dash, recessed switches, an impact-absorbing steering wheel, ABS anti-lock brakes, and eventually, airbags and seat belt tensioners, reflecting evolving safety standards.
The fourth-generation SL (R129), introduced in 1989, showcased a wave of technical innovations, most notably the first automatic folding soft top and an automatic pop-up roll bar. The R129 also featured seats with integrated shoulder belts directly in the seatbacks, a unique design enhancing rollover safety. A V12-powered flagship model, the 600SL, joined the lineup in 1992. The R129 underwent two facelifts, in 1995 and 1998, keeping it fresh and competitive.
The fifth-generation SL (R230), launched in 2001, marked a significant milestone with the SL’s first retractable hardtop and the introduction of ABC active suspension. The R230 range expanded to include high-performance AMG versions of both V8 and V12 models, culminating in the exclusive SL65 AMG Black Series, pushing the boundaries of SL performance.
Across five generations, over half a million SL sports cars have graced roads worldwide, creating a legacy rich enough to fill volumes. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster, the sixth chapter in this ongoing saga, builds upon this heritage, blending iconic design with cutting-edge technology and luxurious appointments.
| Model Years | Models Sold | Internal Designation | Approximate Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1954-1963 | 300SL “Gullwing” Coupe 300SL Roadster | W 198 W 198 II | 1,400 1,858 |
| 1963-1971 | 230, 250, 280SL | W 113 | 48,912 |
| 1971-1989 | 350, 380, 450, 560 SL | R 107 | 237,287 |
| 1989-2002 | SL320, SL500, SL600 | R 129 | 204,940 |
| 2003-2012 | SL550, SL600, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG | R 230 | 169,434 |
| 2013 | SL550 | R231 |
The Innovative Aluminum Architecture of the R231 SL
Aluminum Unit Body: A Foundation for Performance and Efficiency
The sixth-generation 2013 SL roadster is distinguished by its pioneering unitized aluminum body – a first for Mercedes-Benz in mass production. Compared to the steel body of the previous generation, this aluminum structure achieves a remarkable weight reduction of approximately 275 pounds, while simultaneously enhancing crash safety and ride comfort. This innovative construction is central to the 2013 SL Roadster’s improved performance and handling dynamics.
Key elements of the advanced aluminum body include:
- High-pressure-formed front longitudinal frame members for robust frontal impact protection.
- Hollow-cast, chilled longitudinal rear frame members optimizing rear-end rigidity.
- Thin-wall, double-plate, hollow-profile main floor contributing to overall structural integrity and reduced weight.
- Cast-aluminum firewall, B-pillars, and base of the A-pillars providing critical structural reinforcement.
The rocker panels beneath the doors, crafted from body-color protective plastic, are structural frame members composed of seven-chamber extruded aluminum sections, maximizing lateral rigidity.
Strategic Use of High-Strength Steel
While aluminum dominates the body structure, high-strength steel is strategically employed in the front roof pillars and roof frame. This ensures optimal occupant safety in rollover situations, a critical consideration for any convertible. Instead of conventional fork-shaped tubular roof pillars, a tube-in-tube, box-section design is utilized, achieving both enhanced rigidity and reduced weight in this crucial safety area.
Lightweight Aluminum Panels
Further contributing to weight savings, the front hood, fenders, and doors are also crafted from aluminum. The doors, in particular, represent advanced engineering, utilizing a combination of aluminum sheet, extruded sections, and cast parts, joined through a combination of riveting, bonding, and folding techniques. Even the door hinges incorporate both aluminum and steel for optimized strength and weight.
The trunk lid features a sophisticated construction, with an outer panel made of sheet-molded plastic bonded to a structural inner frame of steel. These materials are carefully chosen for their near-identical expansion rates, ensuring durability and longevity. The plastic outer skin also cleverly integrates antennas within the trunk lid, maintaining a clean exterior aesthetic.
Fuel Tank Safety Cell
The fuel tank is positioned above the rear suspension within a structural cage. This protective cage is constructed from chilled-cast aluminum longitudinal members, aluminum crossmember profiles, and a magnesium partition wall, providing robust protection in the event of a rear-end collision.
Refinement Through Noise and Vibration Reduction
The lighter aluminum body necessitated enhanced measures to manage noise and vibration, ensuring the 2013 SL Roadster surpasses its predecessor in cabin quietness and refinement. Beyond the double-layer floor, a one-piece carpeting system with thicker foam backing effectively dampens road noise. Heavy firewall insulation minimizes engine noise intrusion, while additional insulation is strategically placed near the rear-wall crossmember, trunk sides, and ventilation ductwork to reduce tire and wind noise. To further minimize vibration transmission into the cabin, spray-on insulation is applied to structural elements throughout the car. Even the laminated windshield incorporates a transparent, elastic noise-reducing film to dampen vibrations and enhance acoustic comfort.
The Result: Balanced Strength and Lightweight Agility
The comprehensive design of the 2013 SL Roadster’s body achieves a remarkable balance between structural strength and lightweight construction. This results in exceptional handling characteristics and superior ride comfort. The torsional rigidity of the new aluminum body is a significant 20 percent greater than the previous-generation steel body, contributing to the car’s agile and responsive driving dynamics.
For a deeper dive into the technical specifications and detailed engineering of the 2013 SL-Class, we recommend downloading the Comprehensive_Technical_Guide_2013_SL-Class.pdf file. And for expert maintenance and repair of your Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster, trust the specialists at mercedesxentry.store, your premier destination for Mercedes-Benz automotive expertise.
