The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class marked the continuation of a legendary lineage, celebrating 60 years of sportiness, luxury, and groundbreaking innovation. This all-new model, for the first time, embraced an almost entirely aluminum construction, significantly reducing weight and enhancing performance. Let’s explore what makes the 2013 SL a standout in the luxury roadster segment.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2013 SL offered a remarkable blend of enhanced comfort and athletic prowess, establishing new benchmarks in the luxury roadster category. Its exceptional everyday usability further solidified its position as the most versatile sports car in its class. The unveiling of the new SL was not just about a car; it was about experiencing passionate and refined motoring at its finest.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, then Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, perfectly encapsulated the essence of the SL, stating, “There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there is only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them: It has class, it has style, it is the ultimate in comfort and luxury. And it combines all that with an incredibly sporty and dynamic character. You would struggle to find a car that embodies Gottlieb Daimler’s aspiration more perfectly than our new SL – the best or nothing.”
Lightweight Revolution: The All-Aluminum Bodyshell
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class truly lived up to its “Sporty, Lightweight” (SL) designation. Weight reduction became a central theme in the design of this new generation, echoing the spirit of the original 1952 SL with its revolutionary tubular frame. Mercedes-Benz achieved a groundbreaking feat by implementing an all-aluminum bodyshell in a series production model for the first time. Only a minimal number of components utilized materials other than aluminum, with even lighter magnesium used for elements like the cover panel behind the fuel tank and the roof. For enhanced safety, high-strength steel tubing was integrated into the A-pillars.
This innovative aluminum bodyshell resulted in a weight saving of approximately 242 pounds compared to a steel equivalent used in the previous model. Dr. Thomas Rudlaff, the Mercedes-Benz engineer responsible for the aluminum bodyshell, aptly described the impact: “The effect is as if a large passenger has stepped out of the car. The result is perceptible and measurable. Less weight means improved performance and efficiency. In other words, the driving pleasure increases and the environmental impact decreases.”
Beyond weight reduction, the aluminum structure excelled in rigidity, safety, and comfort compared to the steel construction of its predecessor. This was achieved through intelligent lightweight construction, optimizing components for their specific roles. Different aluminum manufacturing processes were employed depending on the component’s function, including chill casting, vacuum die casting, extruded aluminum sections, and aluminum panels of varying thicknesses. The outcome was a structure boasting high rigidity, exceptional safety, and minimized resonance and vibrations.
While the 2013 SL gained some weight back due to increased comfort features and advanced assistance systems, the net weight reduction remained impressive. The 2013 SL550 weighed approximately 275 pounds less than its predecessor, a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to lightweight engineering and intelligent design details beyond just the aluminum bodyshell.
Driving Dynamics and Performance: Engine and Suspension
The 2013 SL delivered exhilarating driving pleasure, characterized by powerful acceleration, effortless cruising at any speed, and agile handling on winding roads. The SL550 model boasted not only a potent engine but also a finely tuned suspension system that balanced sportiness with comfort, further enhanced by intelligent lightweight construction. Aluminum was extensively used in suspension components, such as the steering knuckles and suspension arms on the front axle, to minimize unsprung masses and improve handling responsiveness. This lightweight approach extended to virtually all suspension components on the rear axle as well.
Mercedes-Benz offered the new SL with two suspension system choices. The Agility Control Suspension came as standard equipment, providing a comfortable and dynamically capable ride. For those seeking an even more advanced driving experience, the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system was available as an option, offering superior body control and handling precision.
Both suspension systems 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 the steering wheel angle. The result was excellent directional stability and safety at high speeds, coupled with enhanced agility for spirited driving. The Direct-Steer system also reduced steering effort during parking and maneuvering, adding to the car’s ease of use in urban environments.
Powering the SL550 was a newly developed V8 engine, producing 429 horsepower from its 4663 cc displacement. This represented a significant 12 percent power increase compared to its predecessor, despite a slightly smaller displacement of 0.8 liters. Simultaneously, fuel consumption was reduced, while torque surged from 391 lb-ft to an impressive 516 lb-ft – a substantial 32 percent gain. The engine incorporated an ECO stop/start function as standard to further enhance fuel efficiency, and the 7-Speed Driver-Adaptive automatic transmission was optimized for both fuel economy and driving comfort. The improved fuel economy did not compromise the roadster’s sporty character; in fact, the SL550 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, a remarkable eight-tenths of a second faster than the previous SL550.
Interior Design: Aesthetic, Stylish, and Sporty Luxury
The 2013 SL Class seamlessly blended its refined performance with a luxurious and meticulously crafted interior. Premium materials, flawlessly finished with exceptional attention to detail, defined the style and character of the cabin.
Compared to the previous generation, the new SL was notably longer (+1.97 inches) and wider (+2.24 inches), resulting in a more spacious interior and enhanced comfort. Shoulder room (+1.46 inches) and elbow room (+1.10 inches) were increased, surpassing typical dimensions in this vehicle class. The interior design featured clean, flowing lines that created a cohesive and inviting ambiance. A generous expanse of fine wood trim flowed from the center console across the dashboard and into the doors, creating a sophisticated wrap-around effect. Buyers could choose from two distinct wood trim options to personalize their SL. True to its roadster character, the interior harmoniously combined the understated elegance of a high-performance sports car with the comfortable and stylish atmosphere expected of a luxurious touring car.
Exterior Design: Classic SL Proportions, Modern Interpretation
Mercedes-Benz designers masterfully crafted the latest SL generation with a respectful nod to tradition while embracing fresh perspectives and forward-thinking visions. The result was a luxury sports car that exuded both sporty elegance and timeless style, characterized by balanced proportions that were unmistakably SL. The elongated hood gracefully transitioned into a compact, set-back passenger compartment, culminating in a wide, powerful rear end that conveyed a strong sense of athleticism. Sculpted yet smooth surfaces along the flanks were defined by carefully placed lines. Finely detailed elements, a striking rear design, and ventilation grilles with chromed fins – reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz’s dynamic heritage – paid homage to the legendary SL lineage.
An upright, classic sports car radiator grille unmistakably identified the new SL as a distinguished member of the contemporary Mercedes-Benz sports car family. The centrally positioned star, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic trademark, now extended into the center section with organically flowing contours.
Dynamically angled headlamps, positioned wide at the outer edges, framed the assertive front end, giving the new roadster its unique and recognizable face. Bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, corner illuminating lamps, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist were standard features. These advanced lighting functions, tailored to various driving and weather conditions, and automatically activated based on the driving situation, provided the driver with significantly improved visibility. Striking sidelights and the horizontal line of daytime running lamps integrated into the bumper extremities utilized energy-efficient LED technology.
Retractable Hard Top and MAGIC SKY CONTROL
The sixth generation SL continued the tradition of a retractable hard top, operated by a space-saving electrohydraulic mechanism. This system allowed seamless transformation between coupe and roadster configurations in mere seconds. Unlike its predecessor, the 2013 SL offered two retractable hard top options: a standard glass roof or the exclusive panoramic roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. The MAGIC SKY CONTROL roof offered a unique feature – the ability to switch between transparent and darkened states at the touch of a button. In its light setting, it became virtually transparent, providing an open-air feeling even in cooler weather. When darkened, the roof provided welcome shade and reduced interior heat buildup in bright sunlight. Both roof versions utilized a magnesium frame, contributing to a weight reduction of around 13 pounds compared to the previous model, lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity, and enhancing agility.
Engineers refined the operating mechanism for both the roof and trunk lid, reducing the opening or closing time to under 20 seconds.
Aerodynamic Excellence
The design of the 2013 SL was not only visually appealing but also aerodynamically optimized, achieving top-tier performance in its segment across three key areas:
- Lowest wind noise: Comparable to a closed sedan, ensuring a quiet and comfortable cabin environment.
- Best open-air driving comfort: Allowing for enjoyable top-down driving even at higher speeds with minimal wind buffeting.
- Minimized dirt accumulation on side windows: Contributing to consistently clear side visibility.
Groundbreaking Innovations: FrontBass and MAGIC VISION CONTROL
The 2013 SL upheld its reputation as a technological innovator with two world premieres:
- MAGIC VISION CONTROL: This intelligent and highly efficient wiper/wash system revolutionized windshield cleaning. The innovative wiper blade dispensed washer fluid precisely in front of the wiper blade via integrated channels, operating in both directions of travel. This eliminated distracting water spray on the windshield and ensured a perfectly clean view, while also preventing overspray into the passenger cabin when the roof was down. A fully heated wiper blade was standard, preventing snow and ice buildup in winter and enabling the use of warm water directly on the windshield even in cold temperatures.
- FrontBass system: This unique audio system ingeniously utilized the cavities within the aluminum structures ahead of the footwell as resonance chambers for the woofers. This marked the first time a sound system was integrated into the body-in-white structure. The result was a clear, rich bass sound that delivered a concert-hall-like audio experience, even with the top down. This innovative layout also freed up valuable space in the doors and interior.
Both MAGIC VISION CONTROL and the FrontBass system were included as part of the extensive standard equipment in the new SL.
HANDS-FREE ACCESS: Effortless Trunk Operation
The HANDS-FREE ACCESS system further enhanced convenience, providing hands-free operation of the trunk lid. A simple foot movement beneath the rear bumper allowed drivers to automatically open and even close the trunk lid – a unique feature offered by Mercedes-Benz.
The Safest Roadster: Advanced Safety Systems
The SL was engineered to be the world’s safest roadster, thanks to its collision-optimized aluminum structure, standard PRE-SAFE® and ATTENTION ASSIST systems, and further assistance systems comparable to the flagship S-Class. The rigid aluminum bodyshell formed a robust passenger cell with precisely defined deformation zones at the front and rear. In case of a rollover, passenger protection was provided by two roll-over bars and A-pillars constructed from a steel and aluminum blend. The restraint systems, including two-stage driver and front passenger airbags, were further refined, and a head airbag covered the side impact area. An additional thorax airbag in the seat backrest offered upper body protection in side impacts. New crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints, developed by Mercedes-Benz, were also standard.
The PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system was a standout safety feature included as standard equipment. If the system detected an imminent accident risk, it proactively activated precautionary protective measures for vehicle occupants, ensuring seat belts and airbags could provide maximum protection during an impact.
Post-impact safety measures complemented the comprehensive safety concept. Regardless of impact severity, doors automatically unlocked, interior lighting activated, and side windows lowered slightly to improve ventilation. The steering wheel also moved upwards for easier egress.
Standard Driver Assistance: ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE
A unique combination of driver assistance systems in the new SL contributed to accident prevention. These included the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE, both standard features. ADAPTIVE BRAKE incorporated ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR), and active yaw control, offering both safety and convenience functions.
PRE-SAFE® Brake and Active Parking Assist
Optional equipment included DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control with PRE-SAFE® Brake. This system used radar sensors to detect the risk of rear-end collisions, warned the driver, and could initiate autonomous partial or emergency braking if the driver failed to react, potentially preventing or mitigating accidents. PRE-SAFE® could also activate occupant protection measures in conjunction with PRE-SAFE® Brake.
Active Parking Assist, a new feature for the SL, used ultrasound sensors to identify suitable parking spaces and automatically steer the vehicle into the selected space, simplifying parking maneuvers.
Infotainment and Connectivity: COMAND System
The COMAND system with internet access and DVD changer was standard in the new SL. It enabled web browsing when the vehicle was stationary and provided access to Mercedes-Benz Apps, including Google Local Search, Yelp, and Facebook, through a paid subscription to Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 connected services after a trial period. Users could also send routes from Google Maps and destinations from iPhone® and Android® phones 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 next to the instrument cluster, designed to minimize driver distraction.
The 2013 SL550 became available in U.S. showrooms in the spring of 2012, marking the arrival of a truly exceptional luxury roadster.
To commemorate the launch, Mercedes-Benz offered a special “Edition 1” model for a limited time. The “Edition 1” featured exclusive equipment, including AMG 19-inch alloy wheels, designo exclusive leather with contrasting topstitching, AIRSCARF, Harman/Kardon® Logic7® surround sound system, designo crystal silver magno special paintwork, and designo classic red/black exclusive interior upholstery with designo black piano lacquer wood trim.
