The Mercedes-Benz SL has long been synonymous with automotive excellence, and the sixth generation SL550 convertible, debuting as a 2013 model, marked a significant milestone in this iconic lineage. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the SL class, this model not only paid homage to its heritage but also pushed the boundaries of engineering and technology. This article delves into the features that make the Mercedes-Benz SL550 convertible a standout vehicle, blending historical significance with modern innovation.
Sixty Years of the SL Legend
The “SL” designation, short for “Super-Leicht” (Super Light), was initially conceived for racing. In 1952, the first SL emerged as a purebred race car, a stark contrast to other sports cars of its time. Its groundbreaking tubular space frame, aerodynamic aluminum body, distinctive gullwing doors, and direct-fuel-injection engine revolutionized motorsport. The 300SL race car’s victories at Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana in its debut year cemented its legendary status.
To the delight of enthusiasts, Mercedes-Benz introduced the road-going SL in 1954 with the 300SL Gullwing coupe, remarkably debuting in New York rather than Europe, signaling its global appeal. The convertible 300SL roadster followed in 1957, further establishing the SL as a symbol of open-top luxury and performance. These classic models are often seen as predecessors to modern marvels like the SLS AMG gullwing and roadster. Similarly, the 190SL, a smaller, more accessible convertible launched in 1955, mirrored the current SLK (now SLC) in offering a parallel, yet distinct, SL experience.
Revolutionary Lightweight Construction
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 convertible ushered in the sixth generation with a focus on shedding weight and enhancing performance. Despite being slightly larger than its predecessor – approximately two inches longer and wider – the new SL550 boasted an all-new aluminum unit body. This innovative construction resulted in a weight reduction of over 200 pounds compared to the previous generation. Aluminum was extensively used for most body panels, while high-strength steel was strategically employed in the roof pillars for enhanced safety. Overall, this meticulous engineering made the SL body approximately 20 percent stiffer, improving handling and responsiveness.
Powerful and Efficient Direct Injection V8 Engine
Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz SL550 convertible featured a newly developed V8 engine that achieved a remarkable feat: increased power with improved fuel economy. This was accomplished through advanced technologies including direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers, and multi-spark ignition.
While based on the successful 5.5-liter V8 of its predecessor, the new 4.6-liter V8 engine had a 20 percent smaller displacement. However, thanks to the power-boosting twin turbochargers and an air-water intercooler, it generated even more impressive figures: 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. This sophisticated engine delivered exhilarating performance while optimizing fuel efficiency.
ECO Stop-Start System for Enhanced Efficiency
Further enhancing fuel economy, the SL550 convertible incorporated an innovative ECO stop-start system. This system automatically shut off the engine when the car came to a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed, conserving fuel during idling. Upon releasing the brake pedal and touching the accelerator, the engine computer intelligently determined the optimal piston position for ignition. The direct fuel injection and multi-spark systems, working in concert with a robust starter motor, ensured a near-instantaneous and seamless engine restart.
Immersive Audio with Innovative FrontBass®
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz SL550 convertible was designed to be as technologically advanced and luxurious as its performance. A standard harman/kardon Logic 7 digital surround-sound system provided an exceptional audio experience, featuring the award-winning FrontBass® system. In this ingenious design, the bass speakers were integrated into the front firewall, utilizing the front frame members as large bass enclosures.
This natural amplification not only delivered class-leading bass performance but also contributed to weight savings by eliminating the need for separate bass boxes. The harman/kardon system included Dolby Surround 5.1, employing two amplifiers with a combined output of 600 watts to drive 10 strategically placed speakers. Each amplifier channel featured individually tuned frequency response, and the system incorporated speed-dependent volume control for optimal listening enjoyment at any speed.
MAGIC VISION CONTROL for Unobstructed Visibility
The Mercedes-Benz SL550 convertible also introduced innovative features to enhance driver convenience and safety, such as MAGIC VISION CONTROL. This advanced wiper system integrated laser-cut passages along the entire length of each wiper blade. Washer fluid was precisely distributed directly in front of the moving blades, ensuring efficient cleaning without momentarily obstructing the driver’s view. An electronic control unit dynamically adjusted fluid flow based on wiper direction, vehicle speed, and outside temperature. Moreover, the system intelligently reduced fluid volume when the top was down, preventing occupants from being sprayed while cleaning the windshield.
MAGIC SKY CONTROL for Adjustable Roof Transparency
The standard Panorama sunroof offered a see-through polycarbonate roof panel with a manual roller blind. For those seeking even greater technological sophistication, the optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL provided a glass roof panel with electronically controlled tinting. With the touch of a button, the roof panel could instantly transition from transparent to heavily tinted, offering customizable levels of light and privacy, similar to automatic dimming mirrors.
mbrace2™: Advanced Telematics and Connectivity
Mercedes-Benz has consistently been at the forefront of vehicle safety and technology. The SL550 convertible marked the debut of mbrace2™, the next generation of telematics, building upon Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering role in making emergency calling a standard feature. mbrace2™ offered a comprehensive suite of features encompassing safety, infotainment, personal assistance, and vehicle care. A key advancement was the capability for remote software updates via cloud networks, ensuring Mercedes-Benz SL550 convertible owners always had access to the latest technology. The mbrace2™ Mobile Application, compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones, added further convenience and connectivity, provided in partnership with Verizon Telematics.
The World’s Safest Convertible
The Mercedes-Benz SL550 convertible earned the reputation as “the world’s safest convertible” thanks to its robust safety features. Beyond mbrace2™, it included pop-up roll bars and a host of electronic safety systems. Standard crash avoidance systems comprised ATTENTION ASSIST and ESP stability control. Optional advanced systems such as DISTRONIC PLUS, PRE-SAFE Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist further enhanced safety. In the event of a collision, occupants were protected by the high-strength aluminum body, intelligent front airbags, knee bags, side airbags, head-thorax bags, seat belt tensioners, and belt force limiters.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz SL550 convertible represented a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation. Celebrating 60 years of the SL legacy, it delivered exhilarating performance, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled safety in a luxurious open-top package, solidifying its position as a leader in the grand touring convertible segment.
