The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster stands as a testament to luxury and open-top driving exhilaration. This iconic roadster combines powerful performance with opulent features, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a refined and dynamic driving experience. Let’s delve into the details that define this remarkable vehicle.
Standard Features of the 2014 SL550 Roadster: A Blend of Comfort and Technology
The SL550 is generously equipped with a plethora of standard features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and driving pleasure.
Exterior and Wheels
Rolling on 18-inch wheels and featuring LED running lights and active bi-xenon headlamps with automatic high beams, the SL550 makes a striking visual statement. The inclusion of a panoramic glass roof panel adds to the open-air feel, even with the top up.
Alt text: Close-up view of the 18-inch standard wheel of a 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster, showcasing the elegant design and tire detail.
Interior Comfort and Convenience
Inside, the SL550 boasts dual-zone automatic climate control and 12-way active “multicontour” power seats. These seats are not just adjustable but also come with heating, ventilation, four-way lumbar adjustment, massage functions, and memory settings, ensuring optimal comfort for both driver and passenger. Sun-reflective leather upholstery keeps the seats cooler in sunny conditions.
Further enhancing convenience are features like keyless ignition/entry, a self-parking system, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors, a rearview camera, and a power trunk lid with a foot-activated sensor. The power wind deflector and AirScarf neck-level heating system extend the top-down driving season, providing comfort even in cooler weather.
Technology and Connectivity
The 2014 SL550 is technologically advanced, featuring Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and the COMAND electronics interface. Navigation is standard, along with voice controls and a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system. This system includes a six-CD changer, satellite radio, HD radio, digital music storage, and an iPod/USB media interface, catering to all your entertainment needs.
Alt text: Interior view of a 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster dashboard, highlighting the COMAND system screen, luxurious trim, and ergonomic layout.
Optional Enhancements for the SL550
For those desiring even more customization and performance, the SL550 offers several optional packages and stand-alone features.
Sport Wheel Package
The Sport Wheel package upgrades the wheels to 19-inch, adds high-performance tires, enhances the brakes, and includes a sport steering wheel for a more dynamic driving experience.
Active Body Control and Napa Leather
The Active Body Control active suspension system further refines handling, while Napa leather upholstery with extended coverage on the doors and console elevates the interior’s luxurious feel.
Premium Audio and Advanced Assistance
Optional on the SL550 is an even more impressive Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker surround-sound audio system. Soft-closing doors and adjustable glass roof transparency (“Magic Sky Control”) add further convenience and innovation. For enhanced safety, the Night View infrared camera system and Driver Assistance package are available. The Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigation system with automatic braking, blind-spot assist, and lane-keeping assist.
Stand-Alone Options
Individual options include a wood and leather steering wheel for a touch of classic elegance and the SplitView display screen (with late availability), which can show different images to the driver and passenger simultaneously.
Stepping Up to AMG: SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG
While the SL550 offers a compelling blend of luxury and performance, the SL lineup also includes the higher-performance SL63 AMG and range-topping SL65 AMG models. The SL63 AMG boasts a more powerful engine, sport-oriented transmission, sport exhaust, and performance-tuned Active Body Control. The SL65 AMG features a twin-turbo V12 engine and comes fully equipped with the most luxurious and performance-oriented features.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster remains an exceptional luxury convertible, offering a sophisticated driving experience with its powerful engine, refined comfort, and advanced technology. Whether enjoying the standard features or opting for personalized enhancements, the SL550 delivers a unique blend of open-air freedom and Mercedes-Benz luxury.
