The Mercedes-Benz SL, a name synonymous with automotive prestige and open-top exhilaration, traces its lineage back to the iconic 300SL race car of 1952. However, it was in 1954 at the New York Auto Show that the first road-going iteration of this legendary automobile was unveiled, marking the true birth of a highly sought-after icon that has captivated enthusiasts for over six decades. The Mercedes-Benz roadster has achieved a level of fame and desirability that few cars can rival. It masterfully blends elegance with athleticism, delivering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550, in particular, embodies this duality perfectly, offering impressive performance while maintaining a level of sophistication and grace that sets it apart in the luxury car market.
Interestingly, the SL550’s versatility extends beyond its driving dynamics. With its innovative retractable folding hardtop, this model seamlessly transitions between a stylish coupe and an open-air convertible. While its two-seat configuration and comfortable road manners might categorize it as a sports car, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 transcends this label. Its advanced technology, opulent interior, and undeniable presence firmly establish it as a leading personal luxury car, commanding respect within the automotive world. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 truly embodies a multifaceted character, offering a compelling blend of sportiness and luxury.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Road Test & Review: Models And Pricing
In 2014, the Mercedes-Benz SL550 entered the market with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $106,700, excluding a $925 destination charge. This price point reflects the extensive list of standard features and premium engineering inherent in this luxury roadster.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 boasts an impressive array of standard features that underscore its luxury and performance pedigree. Key highlights include a lightweight yet robust aluminum body structure, a driver-adjustable adaptive suspension system for optimal ride comfort and handling, and stylish eighteen-inch alloy wheels. For enhanced visibility and modern aesthetics, LED daytime running lights are standard, along with a self-parking assist feature for effortless maneuvering in tight spaces. Convenience is further enhanced by keyless entry and start, while the panoramic transparent roof, optionally available with an innovative optical tinting feature, adds to the open and airy feel of the cabin. Occupants are treated to power-adjustable seats upholstered in luxurious sun-reflecting leather, complete with heating, ventilation, and massage functions for unparalleled comfort.
The 2014 SL550 is also equipped with auto-dimming mirrors for both the interior and exterior, ensuring optimal visibility in all lighting conditions. Active headlamps with an automatic high beam assist system further enhance safety during nighttime driving, while a rearview camera system aids in parking and maneuvering. The automatic trunk lid with a convenient foot-activated opening feature adds a touch of modern convenience. For open-top driving enjoyment, an integrated wind-blocking screen rises at the touch of a button, effectively minimizing buffeting in the passenger compartment when the roof is retracted.
In terms of infotainment and connectivity, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is well-appointed with Bluetooth® functionality for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The Mercedes-Benz COMAND® interface serves as the central hub for controlling most secondary vehicle functions, complemented by voice activation for ease of use. A navigation system is integrated for seamless route guidance, and audiophiles will appreciate the fourteen-speaker Harman Kardon® surround sound audio system. This premium system supports a six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, HD Radio™, a hard-drive-based digital music storage system, and an iPod®/USB digital media input port, ensuring a wealth of entertainment options.
For those seeking further personalization and enhanced features, the 2014 SL550 offers a range of optional upgrades. These include larger nineteen-inch alloy wheels for a sportier stance, soft-closing doors for added refinement, and the innovative Magic Sky Control® adjustable transparency glass roof, allowing occupants to alter the roof’s tint at the touch of a button. Performance enthusiasts can opt for Mercedes-Benz’s Active Body Control suspension system, which minimizes body roll during cornering, dive under braking, and squat during acceleration, further enhancing the SL550’s dynamic capabilities.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Road Test & Review: Design
The current generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL, known internally as the R231, represents the latest chapter in the model’s storied design evolution. Historically, the Mercedes-Benz SL has experienced fluctuations in its aesthetic appeal across different generations. While some iterations have been universally lauded for their beauty, others have faced more mixed opinions.
Among the most celebrated designs are the first-generation W198 SLs (1954-1963), including the iconic Gullwing coupe, renowned for their timeless elegance. The R107 SL models (1972-1989) are also widely considered exceptionally attractive and are arguably the most commercially successful SL generation to date. The gracefully styled R230 SL (2001-2008) further cemented the SL’s reputation for striking design. Conversely, certain models have encountered more critical reception regarding their aesthetics. The W113 “Pagoda” SL (1963-1971), while distinctive, was sometimes perceived as having awkward proportions due to its removable hardtop. The R129 SLs (1989-2002), while technologically advanced, were considered by some to be somewhat bulky in appearance. The current R231 generation has also faced similar criticisms from some design purists.
Observing the SL’s design history reveals a recurring pattern: periods of universally admired styling are often followed by generations with more debated aesthetics. It’s not that any SL has been outright unattractive, but rather that truly stunning designs seem to alternate with models considered less visually striking.
The design trajectory of the sleek R230 SL took a turn with its 2008 facelift, and this evolution ultimately culminated in the somewhat polarizing design of the contemporary R231. The R231 inherited a bulbous front end from the R230 update, coupled with a less refined reshaping of its rear deck. This design direction has led some to perceive the R231 as visually “heavy” and less balanced compared to its predecessors. However, if historical trends are any indication, the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL is poised to be an exceptionally beautiful automobile, potentially returning to the more universally acclaimed design language of past generations.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Road Test & Review: Features And Controls
Stepping inside the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 reveals an interior environment that is undeniably impressive. The cabin is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to luxury and craftsmanship, offering one of the most refined and beautifully executed automotive interiors available. The use of rich, supple leather upholstery is complemented by meticulously crafted wood veneers, creating an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance. Brushed aluminum air vents add a touch of modern flair and further enhance the overall premium feel. The interior design of the 2014 SL550 is a cohesive statement of refined luxury and attention to detail.
While undeniably luxurious, the SL550’s interior does feature a comprehensive array of controls, reflecting its extensive feature set. Given the advanced technology and numerous functionalities of the car, a multitude of switches and buttons are present. However, the layout is thoughtfully designed and ergonomically sound, avoiding a sense of overwhelming complexity. While some of the less frequently used controls may require a brief moment of familiarization, the primary functions for operating the vehicle are intuitively placed and easily accessible.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel, elegantly trimmed with wood and leather, integrates controls for the telephone, audio system, and trip computer. Paddle shifters are also incorporated for those who desire manual gear selection. The silver-faced gauges in the instrument cluster strike a balance between classic and contemporary aesthetics, offering a visually appealing and informative display.
Redundant controls for the audio, navigation, and communication systems are located on the center stack, positioned just below the COMAND® system’s video monitor. Notably, the monitor features SplitView technology, allowing the driver and passenger to view distinct screen displays simultaneously on the same monitor. In addition to voice commands and the physical buttons on the center stack and steering wheel, the COMAND® system provides an alternative interface for accessing audio, navigation, and communication functions, offering multiple control methods to suit driver preferences.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Road Test & Review: Comfort And Cargo
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 excels in providing exceptional all-day comfort, a characteristic shared by few other automobiles, particularly those outside the Mercedes-Benz family. It’s worth noting that in Germany, affluent owners of cars in this class often prefer them for long-distance travel over air travel, taking advantage of the unrestricted speed limits on the Autobahns.
Consequently, a vehicle in this segment must be engineered to comfortably transport occupants over extended distances at high speeds. This emphasis on long-distance comfort explains the logical and ergonomic layout of the SL550’s cabin. At 135 mph in inclement weather, fumbling for the climate control temperature dial is simply not an option.
The transparent polycarbonate hardtop of the SL550 can be retracted or deployed in under 20 seconds, seamlessly transforming the car between coupe and convertible configurations. Despite its transparent nature, the roof effectively blocks both UV and infrared radiation. Opting for the Magic Sky Control® glass roof further enhances versatility, allowing the roof to be darkened almost completely at the touch of a button, providing adjustable levels of light and privacy.
The two-seat configuration of the SL550 ensures generous legroom for both occupants, and the overall space within the cabin is exceptionally ample. Headroom and shoulder room are also abundant, contributing to a spacious and comfortable environment for both driver and passenger.
However, trunk space is a consideration in the SL550, particularly due to the presence of the retractable hardtop. When the top is raised, the trunk offers a respectable 10.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Lowering the roof, however, reduces this volume to 7.2 cubic feet as the top stows in the trunk area. To mitigate this, Mercedes-Benz incorporates a feature that slightly raises the stowed roof within the trunk, making it easier to place items beneath it. For extended trips requiring maximum luggage capacity, traveling with the top raised is advisable.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Road Test & Review: Safety Features And Ratings
As one of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship models, the 2014 SL550 is expected to showcase the brand’s most advanced safety technologies, and it certainly delivers in this regard. Standard safety features are comprehensive and include antilock brakes (ABS) with automatic brake drying, traction control, stability control, and a full complement of airbags.
Beyond these fundamental systems, the SL550 offers a suite of advanced driver-assistance and safety technologies. These include infrared night vision for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, automatically deploying roll bars for rollover protection, and drowsiness detection to alert fatigued drivers. Automatic collision notification and collision mitigation with automatic braking are also included, along with stolen vehicle notification and tracking for added security. Smart cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, while pre-collision braking can help mitigate or avoid frontal collisions. Lane keep assist helps prevent unintentional lane departures, and blind spot assist warns the driver of vehicles in adjacent blind spots. The Mercedes-Benz Pre-Safe® system is also standard, proactively tightening seat belts, adjusting seats to an upright position, and closing windows if a collision is deemed imminent.
The SL550’s innovative Magic Vision Control® feature integrates laser-cut channels along the windshield wiper blades to distribute washer fluid directly in front of the wipers, rather than spraying it broadly onto the windshield. This system optimizes cleaning efficiency and prevents washer fluid from spraying into the cabin when the top is retracted, enhancing both visibility and occupant comfort.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Road Test & Review: Engine And Fuel Economy
Powering the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is a potent 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 429 horsepower and a substantial 516 lb-ft of torque. The engine incorporates direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, contributing to both performance and efficiency.
The powertrain also includes a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode and rear-wheel drive. An automatic start/stop function is incorporated to optimize fuel economy, particularly in urban driving conditions.
With this powerful engine, the 2014 SL550 delivers impressive acceleration, achieving a zero-to-60 mph sprint in just under four and a half seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Fuel economy figures from the EPA are estimated at 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 20 mpg.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Road Test & Review: Driving Impressions
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 delivers a driving experience characterized by solidity, smoothness, confidence, speed, and agility. These dynamic attributes have been hallmarks of the SL lineage since its inception in 1954. Having experienced every generation of the SL, including the iconic 1950s Gullwing, it is remarkable how consistently these qualities have been maintained across the model’s history.
Even with its extensive array of luxury features, the current SL550 retains the engaging driving dynamics of a high-performance sports car, which it unequivocally is. On winding roads, the SL550 can feel almost surreal. When focused on the driving experience, the luxury appointments fade into the background, replaced by an appreciation for the visceral response of the powerful engine, the exceptionally capable suspension, and the precise steering and braking systems.
The 2014 SL550 readily accommodates both spirited driving and relaxed cruising. When the mood strikes for engaging in the art of driving, the SL550 is a willing and capable partner. Conversely, in a more relaxed state or when navigating heavy traffic, the SL’s automated systems and luxurious environment make it exceptionally comfortable and effortless to drive.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Road Test & Review: Final Thoughts
Numerous automobiles attempt to emulate the multifaceted character that the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 so successfully embodies.
For those fortunate enough to afford a vehicle of this caliber and limited to a single car, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 presents a compelling proposition. It seamlessly blends the excitement of a potent sports car with cutting-edge automotive technology and the luxurious comfort and convenience features expected in a high-end personal luxury automobile.
However, the price point of the SL550 is undeniably significant. For the investment required, potential buyers might also consider compelling alternatives within the luxury convertible market. These include the Audi R8 Convertible, offering exotic appeal and performance; the Jaguar F-Type Convertible V8 S, known for its visceral driving experience; and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, a pedigreed convertible with a strong sporting heritage.
Despite these worthy competitors, the Mercedes-Benz SL550 distinguishes itself by delivering a uniquely well-rounded motoring experience. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 stands out as a comprehensive and compelling choice in the luxury roadster segment.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Road Test & Review: Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Outstanding handling dynamics
- Abundant technology and luxury features
- Handsome and refined interior
- Versatile hardtop coupe and convertible configuration
Cons:
- Styling may be considered somewhat uninspired by some.
