Used 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

With appearances in over 150 movies and a reputation synonymous with celebrity glamour, the Mercedes-Benz SL is as much an international pop-culture icon as it is a classic roadster. All-new from the tires up, the 2013 SL-Class is underpinned by a highly rigid yet lightweight aluminum bodyshell that weighs some 300 pounds less than its steel predecessor. The result is a sharp-handling hardtop convertible that holds true to its "Sport Lightweight" moniker. While few vehicles can match the SL’s stratospheric level of prestige, would-be rivals like the Porsche 911, Jaguar XK and the BMW 6 Series Convertible each offer varying degrees of performance, panache and luxury. But thanks to a new twin-turbocharged V8, industry-leading technologies and improved fuel efficiency, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is poised to once again redefine the meaning of grand touring.

Although the new electromechanical Direct-Steer system filters out more road feedback than necessary, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL still delivers a reasonably engaging driving experience. Grip is tenacious with the available Active Body Control system, which works to virtually eliminate body roll during enthusiastic cornering. Braking power is more than adequate, particularly so when outfitted with the race-inspired carbon ceramic setup (a $12,600 option). The adaptive suspension system provides exceptional traction and bump absorption without completely diluting the lines of communication between car and driver. The linear power delivery and seemingly endless torque of SL550’s new twin turbocharged V8 make the high-performance AMG models a tougher sell than ever. Not surprisingly, the updated 7-speed automatic transmission is equally impressive on account of its well-timed shifts and smooth operation.

In the realm of 2-seat roadsters, the 2013 SL-Class simply has no equal when it comes to sheer opulence and spaciousness. With the hardtop in place, even six-footers will find ample headroom and legroom. The cabin is laden with the type of top-notch materials and exacting construction for which the Mercedes-Benz brand has earned its reputation. Perhaps the most appealing feature inside the SL-Class is what Mercedes-Benz calls Magic Sky Control, which allows the driver to alter the transparency of the glass roof with the touch of a button. In terms of storage, the SL offers roughly 10.2 cubic feet of trunkspace, enough to accommodate a large carry-on suitcase.

The SL’s innovative design takes an evolutionary step forward without compromising its heritage. Finely contoured sheet metal, prominent bi-xenon headlights with LED lighting accents, and fender-filling 19-inch wheels represent a modern take on the classic sports car aesthetic. As a purpose-built hardtop convertible, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class looks as stunning with its top up as down. The SL grants buyers significant room when it comes to personalizing the vehicle to suit individual tastes by offering bespoke options such as matte-finished paint colors and a wide variety of wheel choices.

MBRACE2
The 2013 SL is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to feature mbrace2, a 2nd-generation infotainment system that offers embedded emergency services, 24-hour concierge assistance and access to popular mobile applications such as Facebook and Yelp.

MAGIC VISION CONTROL
Designed to eliminate that split second of zero visibility created by the wide spray of traditional washer nozzles, Magic Vision Control sprays an even stream of washer fluid through – and just ahead of – the wiper blade.

As one might expect of a vehicle carrying a 6-figure price tag, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class comes generously appointed in "base" form. Standard creature comforts consist of the aforementioned Magic Vision Control, driver-selectable adaptive suspension, solar-reflective leather seating, a power wind diffuser, and a 10-speaker harman/kardon surround sound audio system with navigation, real-time traffic and digital music storage via an integrated hard drive. Besides their more powerful engines, the SL63 and SL65 AMG models feature exclusive AMG styling adornments along with a performance-tuned suspension, exhaust system, brakes and transmission. Safety features include a full complement of airbags and electronic stability aids, roll hoops that automatically deploy in the event of a rollover, and a new Attention Assist feature designed to audibly and visibly warn the driver when the system detects irregular driving behavior.

Highlights from the SL’s lengthy option sheet include front seat massagers, a power trunk that opens by waving your foot under the rear bumper, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, soft-close doors that essentially suck themselves shut, and the famed AirScarf system that gently blows warm air on your head and neck. Performance upgrades include the extreme handling poise of Active Body Control, a sport steering wheel and 19-inch wheels wrapped with high-performance rubber. We are, however, amazed to find such a mainstream features as keyless ignition/entry and a backup camera also relegated to the options list.

The 2013 SL550 packs a new twin-turbocharged V8 that stirs up 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the SL63 AMG gets you a larger and more powerful 530 horsepower twin-turbo V8, while the mighty SL65 AMG boasts a 621 horsepower twin-turbo V12 that churns out a whopping 738 lb-ft of torque. All SL models direct power to the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission, with AMG variants sporting a quick-witted automated manual version. In an effort to improve city fuel economy, every SL-Class includes a start/stop function that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop.

4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8
429 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg

5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8
530 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
590 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg

6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12
621 horsepower @ 4,800 rpm
738 lb-ft of torque @ 2,300-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/21 mpg