The Mercedes-Benz “SL” designation, initially short for “super-light,” has represented the pinnacle of automotive excellence for five generations. The latest SL, launched as a 2013 model, is not merely an evolution but a redefinition, charting the course for the future of sports cars. Staying true to its heritage, this SL generation masterfully blends high performance with unparalleled comfort and everyday usability, setting a new benchmark in its class.
Debuting in 2012 as the sixth generation, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL roadster showcases a revolutionary all-aluminum unit body, enhanced technology, and a refined version of its iconic retractable hardtop. While subtly larger than its predecessor, the 2013 SL550 is approximately two inches longer and wider, its innovative aluminum construction results in a significant weight reduction of over 200 pounds compared to the previous model. This weight saving contributes to improved agility, fuel efficiency, and overall driving dynamics.
The Transformation: From Coupe-Like Comfort to Open-Air Thrill
The signature fully-retracting electric hardtop of the 2013 SL Class convertible seamlessly merges the exhilarating open-air experience of a high-performance luxury roadster with the refined comfort and security of a coupe. The standard panorama roof further enhances the sense of spaciousness and light within the cabin, whether the top is up or down. With a simple push of a button, the roof gracefully transforms, opening or closing in under 20 seconds. This swift and elegant operation is facilitated by an intelligent tilting mechanism that allows the roof and rear window to neatly “spoon” together and retract into the upper section of the trunk, cleverly preserving valuable trunk space even with the top down.
Uncompromising Safety: The World’s Safest Convertible
Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with automotive safety, and the 2013 SL Class convertible continues this legacy. Renowned as “the world’s safest convertible,” the SL incorporates a comprehensive suite of safety systems and structural innovations. From preventative measures like Attention Assist, Distronic Plus, PRE-SAFE Brake, and ESP stability control, to robust occupant protection features, every aspect of safety is meticulously engineered. In the event of an accident, the SL is designed to facilitate rapid occupant rescue.
Occupant safety is paramount, achieved through a high-strength aluminum body structure, intelligent front airbags, knee bags, side airbags, and head-thorax airbags. Additional protective measures include seat belt tensioners, belt force limiters, and the sensor-controlled roll bar – a pioneering Mercedes-Benz invention first introduced in the fourth-generation SL. These features work in concert to provide exceptional protection in a variety of collision scenarios.
Standard Exclusivity: Luxury Without Compromise
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class convertible elevates the standard for luxury appointments. The vehicle is exceptionally well-equipped, emphasizing both comfort and exclusivity. Standard features include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, GPS navigation, the aforementioned panorama sunroof, sumptuous leather-covered seats, elegant wood trim, customizable multi-color ambient lighting, and a premium harmon/kardon audio system. These features are not mere add-ons but integral components that enhance the overall ownership experience.
Building upon Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering safety technologies, the 2013 SL includes standard ABS anti-lock brakes, traction control, and ESP stability control. Further enhancing safety are the innovative PRE-SAFE system, ATTENTION ASSIST, pop-up roll bars, bi-xenon headlights, and a comprehensive array of eight airbags.
For those seeking even greater levels of technology and convenience, a range of optional equipment is available. These include cutting-edge features such as DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, ABC active suspension for enhanced handling and ride comfort, and the KEYLESS GO system for effortless entry and start.
A Storied Past: Tracing the SL Lineage
The genesis of the SL can be traced back to the original Mercedes-Benz 300SL race car of 1952. This groundbreaking vehicle was unlike any other sports/racing car of its time. Featuring an innovative tubular space frame, a distinctive teardrop-shaped aluminum body, and iconic gullwing doors, the 300SL immediately captivated the motorsport world. Victories at prestigious events like Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana in its debut season cemented the 300SL race car’s legendary status.
Alt text: Classic 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, an icon of automotive design and performance.
In 1954, to widespread surprise and delight, Mercedes-Benz introduced the road-going SL, equipped with a technologically advanced direct-fuel-injection engine. The production 300SL Gullwing made its debut not in Europe, but in New York, marking the beginning of a lasting legacy of thrilling SL sports cars from Mercedes-Benz.
The convertible 300SL roadster, based on the Gullwing coupe, followed in 1957. These models are often seen as spiritual predecessors to the modern-day SLS AMG gullwing and roadster models. Similarly, the 190SL, a smaller and more accessible convertible introduced in 1955, mirrored the concept of today’s SLK (now SLC), offering a parallel, more compact open-top experience alongside the flagship 300SL.
The “Pagoda Roof” Era
The second-generation SL, internally designated as the W113, arrived in 1963 and quickly earned the nickname “Pagoda SL” due to the distinctive shape of its removable hardtop roof. Replacing both the 300SL and the 190SL, the new SL was offered as a convertible with a folding soft top or as an open car with the signature removable hardtop. While maintaining the same 94.5-inch wheelbase as the original SL, the second-generation model was based on a shortened version of the 220 SE sedan, incorporating pioneering Mercedes-Benz safety features like crumple zones and a rigid passenger cell.
The First V8-Powered SL
The next iteration of the SL, launched in 1971, enjoyed an exceptionally long production run of 18 years, resulting in the highest sales figures of any SL generation to date. This R107 generation marked a significant milestone with the introduction of the first V8-powered SL, the 350SL. Additionally, the SLC coupe (C107), based on the SL platform, was produced until 1981. Throughout its lifespan, the R107 SL received continuous updates, including a padded dashboard, recessed switches, an impact-absorbing steering wheel, ABS anti-lock brakes, and the introduction of airbags and seat belt tensioners, further enhancing its safety and modernity.
Innovation and the Pop-Up Roll Bar
The fourth-generation SL, launched in 1989, brought a wave of technical innovations, most notably the first automatic folding soft top and a pop-up roll bar. The R129 series also featured seats with integrated shoulder belts, a unique design that further improved rollover safety. In 1992, a flagship V12-powered model, the 600SL, was added to the lineup. The R129 underwent two facelifts, in 1995 and 1998, keeping it fresh and competitive throughout its production run.
The Retractable Hardtop Revolution
The fifth-generation SL, debuting in 2001, marked a paradigm shift with the introduction of the SL’s first retractable hardtop and the sophisticated ABC active suspension system. The R230 model range expanded to include high-performance AMG versions of both V8 and V12 models, culminating in the exclusive and ultra-powerful SL65 AMG Black Series.
A Timeline of Automotive Excellence
Over half a million SL sports cars have graced roads worldwide, a testament to its enduring appeal and iconic status.
| 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 2013 SL Body: Aluminum Innovation
Lightweight and Robust Aluminum Unit Body
The 2013 SL roadster distinguishes itself with a unitized aluminum body, a first for mass-produced Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Compared to its steel-bodied predecessor, this aluminum structure achieves a remarkable weight reduction of approximately 275 pounds while simultaneously enhancing crash safety and ride comfort. This innovative approach to body construction is a key factor in the 2013 SL’s improved performance and efficiency.
Alt text: Detailed view of the lightweight aluminum body structure of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class, highlighting its advanced engineering.
Key features of the new aluminum body include:
- High-pressure-formed front longitudinal frame members for enhanced structural integrity.
- Hollow-cast, chilled longitudinal rear frame members optimizing strength and weight.
- Thin-wall, double-plate, hollow-profile main floor contributing to overall rigidity.
- Cast-aluminum firewall, B-pillars, and A-pillar bases providing critical structural support.
Strategic Use of Materials: Steel and Plastic
Aluminum rocker panels, clad in protective body-color plastic, serve as structural frame members beneath the doors. These panels are constructed from seven-chamber extruded sections, maximizing lateral rigidity.
High-strength steel is strategically employed in the front roof pillars and roof frame to ensure optimal occupant safety in rollover situations. Instead of conventional fork-shaped tubular roof pillars, a tube-in-tube, box-section design is utilized, achieving both superior rigidity and reduced weight.
The front hood, fenders, and doors are also crafted from aluminum. The doors, in particular, utilize a sophisticated combination of aluminum sheet, extruded sections, and cast parts, joined using riveting, bonding, and folding techniques. Aluminum and steel are combined in the door hinges, balancing strength and weight.
The trunk lid features a plastic outer panel bonded to a steel structural inner frame. The materials are chosen for their near-identical expansion rates, ensuring long-term durability and preventing distortion. The plastic outer skin also cleverly integrates antennas within the trunk lid, maintaining a clean exterior aesthetic.
Fuel Tank Safety and Noise Reduction
The fuel tank is positioned above the rear suspension within a structural cage constructed from chilled-cast aluminum longitudinal members, aluminum crossmember profiles, and a magnesium partition wall, providing robust protection.
Recognizing that a lighter aluminum body can potentially amplify noise and vibration, Mercedes-Benz engineers implemented extensive measures to ensure the 2013 SL surpasses its predecessor in cabin quietness and vibration damping. These measures include a double-layer floor, one-piece carpeting with thicker foam backing to reduce road noise, heavy firewall insulation to dampen engine sounds, and additional insulation near the rear-wall crossmember, trunk sides, and ventilation ductwork to minimize tire and wind noise. Spray-on insulation is applied to structural elements throughout the car to further mitigate vibration transmission. Even the laminated windshield incorporates a transparent, elastic noise-reducing film to dampen vibrations.
Strength, Stiffness, and Handling
The comprehensive design of the 2013 SL body results in a strong and lightweight structure that achieves an exceptional balance between stiffness and weight. The torsional rigidity of the new aluminum body is 20 percent greater than the previous-generation steel body, contributing significantly to the 2013 SL’s outstanding handling characteristics and refined ride comfort.
For in-depth technical information, please download the Comprehensive_Technical_Guide_2013_SL-Class.pdf file.
