Used 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Beloved by Hollywood and Silicon Valley alike, the Mercedes-Benz SL is iconic as both a classic roadster and as a symbol of success. The latest SL-Class was revamped just last year with fresh design, lighter materials and gee-whiz technology to create a hardtop convertible that remains true to its "Sport Lightweight" nomenclature. Convertible editions of the Jaguar XK, Porsche 911 and BMW 6 Series offer varying degrees of performance, panache and luxury in the SL’s 6-figure territory, but few can match this Mercedes’ level of prestige. And thanks to its well-insulated retracting hardtop, twin-turbocharged V8 and abundance of innovative features, the 2014 SL-Class remains a sublime grand touring car.

Because the 2014 Mercedes SL’s electromechanical Direct-Steer system filters out more road feedback than necessary, you won’t experience the razor-sharp handling of, say, a Porsche Boxster. Then again, Mercedes’ hardtop convertible doesn’t aspire to be a Porsche Boxster, and even with the SL’s eyes on comfort, you’ll still find an engaging driving experience when a twisty road calls. Should you decide to answer with your right foot, you’ll enjoy tenacious grip with the Active Body Control system that virtually eliminates body roll. The system is available on SL550 models and standard on the AMG versions. Braking power is also more than adequate, especially with the carbon-ceramic setup on AMG models. At $12,625, they cost nearly as much as an economy car. Also not surprising should be the 2014 SL-Class’s monstrous power, sent to the rear wheels via a slick 7-speed automatic transmission. Ranging from 429 horsepower to 621, rest assured that merging isn’t a problem.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class remains without equal in opulence and spaciousness among 2-seat roadsters. With the hardtop roof in place, even 6-footers will enjoy ample headroom and legroom. Intrinsic to the cabin’s appeal are the top-notch materials and exacting construction long appreciated in any car wearing Mercedes’ 3-pointed star. Among impressive features is the aforementioned Magic Sky Control. Storage space is laudable for a roadster. With the top up, the 2014 Mercedes SL has 13.5 cubic feet, and with it down offers 8.5 cubic feet. You can pick up your friend at the airport, and she won’t have to cradle luggage in her lap.

The SL’s recent design revamp is at once evolutionary yet highly respectful of a heritage that dates to the 1950s. At roughly 182 inches in length, the Mercedes-Benz roadster is over 10 inches shorter than the 4-seat BMW 6 Series convertible, yet the SL has considerable presence. Its finely contoured sheetmetal, bright bi-xenon headlights with LED accents and fender-filling 18-inch wheels (19 inches on AMG models) add up to a modern take on a classic sports-car aesthetic. As a purpose-built hardtop convertible, the SL looks as elegant with its top up as it does with it down.

MBRACE2
The 2014 SL-Class touts Mercedes-Benz’s newest-generation information and entertainment system, dubbed mbrace2. Even if you can’t embrace its spelling, you’ll find much usefulness and enjoyment from the system’s 24-hour concierge assistance, embedded emergency services and access to mobile apps such as Facebook and Yelp.

MAGIC SKY CONTROL
Dilemma: It’s sunny and you have a beautiful convertible, but you also have a business meeting and mustn’t ruffle your hair. The solution for catching rays while maintaining your perfectly coiffed hair is Magic Sky Control, which magically changes the SL’s panorama roof from dark to clear and – should it get too sunny – vice versa.

As should be expected in a car costing six figures, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is generously equipped even in its SL550 "base" form. Standard on that model are heated and ventilated 16-way power seats with massage function, Mercedes’ Airscarf neck-level heating system, driver-selectable adaptive suspension, rearview camera and a 10-speaker harman/kardon surround-sound audio system with navigation, real-time traffic and digital music storage via an integrated hard drive. A hands-free system lets you open the trunk by waving your foot underneath. Besides their more powerful engines, the SL63 and SL65 AMG models feature AMG styling adornments along with a performance-tuned suspension, exhaust system, brakes and transmission.

Mercedes offers plenty of features for the SL-Class to make it more opulent, more potent and safer. Highlights include a Bang & Olufsen audiophile system, the Magic Sky Control roof tinter (both standard on the top-line SL65 AMG), and wood-and-leather steering wheel. The Driver Assist Package (also standard on the SL65) bundles a slew of safety features that include blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and radar-based cruise control. The mid-level SL63 AMG model offers a performance package that increases engine power, raises the top speed and adds a limited-slip differential. For those seeking the most customization, Mercedes offers the designo commission process.

To say all 2014 Mercedes SL roadsters are potent would be an understatement. With 429 horsepower and a 0-60-mph time of 4.5 seconds, the SL550’s twin-turbo V8 will get you wherever you need in a hurry. Step up to the SL63 AMG, and its larger twin-turbo V8 will deliver that performance benchmark in 4.2 seconds. At the top of the SL food chain is the SL65 AMG with its twin-turbo V12. Its 621 horsepower can rocket the roadster to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. All SL models direct power to the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission, with AMG models sporting a quick-witted Speedshift version. To improve city fuel economy, every SL-Class includes a start/stop function. The SL65 is still not immune to a gas-guzzler tax, though.

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: 18/25 mpg

5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8
530 horsepower @ 5,250-5,750 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 @ 4,800-5,400 rpm
738 lb-ft of torque @ 2,300-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/21 mpg