2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 550 RWD Automatic

Model Highlights

The biggest change for the 2013 SL-Class is its redesigned chassis. "SL" originally stood for "sporty lightweight" and Mercedes-Benz has taken that designation to heart redesigning the model. The biggest factor in this change has been the extensive use of aluminum in the chassis. The end result is a body shell that weighs 242 lbs. less than that of its predecessor, all while improving chassis rigidity and stiffness. This reduction of weight is highly unusual among car manufacturers and pays large dividends in vehicle performance. Though it mainly has a reputation for luxury, the 2013 SL-Class is a seriously fast car. The engine is a V8 that displaces 4.7 liters and makes 429 horsepower. This engine is both smaller and more powerful than the one it replaces and combines with the new lightweight body to give the SL550 some pretty good performance numbers. 0-60 mph takes just 4.5 seconds, an improvement of nearly a second over the outgoing model. The only transmission available is an advanced 7-speed automatic. Of course this wouldn't be a Mercedes-Benz without plenty of luxury and technology, and the 2013 SL-Class does not disappoint. For the last couple of generations the SL-Class has featured a folding hard top that looks great up or down. For this new generation Mercedes-Benz has provided two versions of this hard top, a glass version and an optional "MAGIC SKY CONTROL" version. The MAGIC SKY CONTROL roof is able to change its transparency at the push of a button; going from transparent to opaque at the whim of the driver. The whole roof is able to lower itself in less than twenty seconds. The roof of the car is really just the tip of the impressive technology in the 2013 SL-Class. Adaptive headlights swivel to see around corners. An automatic trunk requires no hands to open or close; a simple wave of a foot under the rear bumper suffices. Washer fluid is distributed through small channels in the windshield wiper blade itself, preventing any splashing and ensuring occupants stay dry even with the top down. The sound system utilizes empty spaces in the car's chassis to enhance bass. The emphasis on technology pays particularly large dividends when it comes to the safety of the car. All manner of traction control, stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard. The 2013 SL-Class also comes available with Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE braking system, which will automatically apply the brakes if the car senses an incoming collision. Two stage airbags including head and thorax are also standards along with a couple of rollover bars. Active head restraints also help prevent whiplash, and in fact Mercedes-Benz claims that the new SL-Class is the world's safest roadster.