The iconic Mercedes-Benz SL entered its sixth generation with the introduction of the 2013 SL550 convertible, showcasing a blend of groundbreaking engineering and timeless design. This model year marked a significant step forward, featuring an all-new aluminum unit body, enhanced technology, and an evolution of its signature retractable hardtop. While subtly larger, being approximately two inches longer and wider than its predecessor, the 2013 SL550 achieved a remarkable weight reduction of over 200 pounds thanks to its innovative aluminum construction. This commitment to lightweight materials extended to the body panels, predominantly crafted from aluminum, with high-strength steel strategically employed in the roof pillars to ensure structural integrity. The result was not only a lighter car but also a notably stiffer chassis, boasting around 20 percent greater rigidity compared to the previous generation, enhancing both handling and safety.
Celebrating 60 Years of the Mercedes-Benz SL Heritage
The arrival of the sixth-generation SL in 2012 was particularly momentous, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the legendary Mercedes-Benz SL moniker. Originally conceived as an abbreviation for “Super-Light,” the “SL” designation has become synonymous with Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated and enduring model line for six decades.
The very first SL was a race car, a radical departure from the sports and racing cars of 1952. The 300SL race car was a sensation, featuring a revolutionary tubular space frame, an aerodynamic teardrop-shaped aluminum body, distinctive gullwing doors, and a pioneering direct-fuel-injection engine. Its debut season in motorsports was nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by victories at both the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans and the grueling Carrera Panamericana race.
In a move that surprised many, Mercedes-Benz transitioned the racing success into a production sports car. In 1954, the 300SL Gullwing coupe was unveiled in New York, rather than a European motor show, signaling the start of a long and illustrious lineage of thrilling SL sports cars. Building upon the Gullwing coupe, the open-top 300SL roadster followed in 1957. These classic models draw parallels with the contemporary SLS AMG gullwing and roadster iterations, demonstrating a continuous thread of high-performance, iconic design within the SL family. Similarly, the 190SL, a smaller and more accessible convertible introduced in 1955, mirrored the role of today’s SLK (now SLC), offering a parallel, yet distinct, entry point into the world of Mercedes-Benz convertibles.
Powerful and Efficient Direct Injection V8 Engine
At the heart of the SL550 convertible is a newly engineered V8 engine that achieves a seemingly paradoxical feat: enhanced fuel efficiency coupled with increased power output. This is a notable achievement, as typically gains in one area often come at the expense of the other. The advanced V8 incorporates direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers, and multi-spark ignition technology.
Evolving from its acclaimed 5.5-liter predecessor, this new 4.6-liter V8 engine showcases a 20 percent reduction in displacement, yet remarkably generates even greater horsepower and torque figures – delivering 429 horsepower and a substantial 516 lb.-ft. of torque. The seemingly smaller displacement is effectively compensated for by the forced induction of twin turbochargers and an efficient air-to-water intercooler system, ensuring robust performance and responsiveness across the rev range.
ECO Stop-Start for Enhanced Fuel Economy
Further contributing to the SL550 convertible’s efficiency is the inclusion of an innovative ECO stop-start system. This system is designed to automatically shut off the engine during brief stops, such as at traffic lights, when the brake pedal is depressed, thus minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. When the driver is ready to move and touches the accelerator pedal, the engine computer instantaneously identifies the optimal piston position for ignition. The direct fuel injection and multi-spark systems, working in concert with a refined starter motor, ensure a near-instantaneous and seamless engine restart, maintaining a smooth driving experience.
Revolutionary FrontBass® Audio System
Stepping inside the SL550 convertible reveals an interior replete with luxury and cutting-edge technology, including a standard harman/kardon Logic 7 digital surround-sound system. This system features the award-winning FrontBass® technology, a truly innovative approach to in-car audio. In this design, the bass speakers are ingeniously integrated into the front firewall of the vehicle. The two front frame members are then utilized as substantial bass enclosures, leveraging the car’s structure to enhance sound reproduction.
This natural amplification method contributes to an audio experience that is considered among the best in its class, delivering deep, rich bass without the need for bulky, separate bass boxes. This integration also contributes to weight savings, aligning with the overall lightweight design philosophy of the SL550. The harman/kardon audio system is equipped with Dolby Surround 5.1 processing and utilizes two amplifiers delivering a total output of 600 watts to power a system of 10 strategically placed speakers. Each amplifier channel features individually tuned frequency response, and the system includes speed-sensitive volume control, automatically adjusting audio levels to compensate for changes in vehicle speed and ambient noise.
MAGIC VISION CONTROL: Advanced Windshield Wiping
The SL550 convertible is equipped with MAGIC VISION CONTROL, an ingenious windshield wiper system that enhances visibility and minimizes distractions during cleaning. The wiper arms and blades are specially designed with laser-cut channels running along their entire length. These channels precisely distribute washer fluid directly in front of the moving wiper blades, ensuring targeted cleaning action. A dedicated electronic control unit manages the washer fluid distribution, dynamically adjusting the flow each time the wipers change direction. This targeted application improves cleaning effectiveness without momentarily obscuring the driver’s vision with excessive spray. The control unit also intelligently varies the amount of washer fluid dispensed based on vehicle speed and ambient temperature, optimizing fluid usage and cleaning performance. Furthermore, when the convertible top is lowered, the system automatically reduces the fluid volume to prevent overspray and ensure occupant comfort.
MAGIC SKY CONTROL: Variable Transparency Roof
The standard Panorama sunroof on the SL550 convertible features a transparent polycarbonate roof panel with a manually operated roller blind. For an even more advanced experience, the optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL offers a glass roof panel with electronically controlled tinting. With the touch of a button located conveniently above the rearview mirror, drivers and passengers can instantly adjust the roof panel’s transparency, transitioning from fully transparent to heavily tinted. This technology, similar to that used in automatic dimming mirrors, allows for on-demand control of cabin light and temperature, enhancing comfort and personalization.
mbrace2™: Next-Generation Telematics
Mercedes-Benz has long been a pioneer in vehicle safety and connectivity, and the SL550 convertible debuts mbrace2™, the next evolution of their telematics system. Building upon Mercedes-Benz’s legacy as the first manufacturer to offer standard emergency calling, mbrace2™ delivers a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge features encompassing safety, infotainment, personal assistance, and vehicle care. A key advancement of mbrace2™ is its capability for remote software updates via cloud networks. This ensures that mbrace2™ users always have access to the latest technology and features, seamlessly updating software modules without requiring a dealership visit. The mbrace2™ Mobile Application, compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones, further expands functionality with new services and remote vehicle access features. This advanced telematics service is provided in collaboration with Verizon Telematics, ensuring reliable connectivity and performance.
The Claim to “World’s Safest Convertible”
The Mercedes-Benz SL550 convertible is not only luxurious and technologically advanced, but also prioritizes safety. Beyond mbrace2™, a suite of active and passive safety systems contribute to its reputation as an exceptionally safe open-top vehicle. These features include pop-up roll bars that automatically deploy in the event of a rollover, and a host of electronic driver aids. Standard systems include ATTENTION ASSIST, which monitors driver behavior for signs of fatigue, and ESP stability control, helping to maintain vehicle control in challenging driving situations. Optional advanced driver assistance systems further enhance safety, including DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control, PRE-SAFE Brake autonomous emergency braking, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. In the event of a collision, occupants are protected by the robust high-strength aluminum body structure, intelligent front airbags, knee airbags, side airbags, head-thorax airbags, seat belt tensioners, and belt force limiters, providing comprehensive occupant protection.
The Mercedes-Benz SL550 convertible seamlessly blends its rich heritage with groundbreaking innovation, delivering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. From its lightweight aluminum construction and powerful, efficient engine to its suite of advanced technology and comprehensive safety systems, the SL550 continues the SL legacy of setting benchmarks in the world of luxury roadsters.
