The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has always been synonymous with open-top grand touring, and the 2013 SL550 model year continues this legacy with a compelling mix of power, comfort, and head-turning style. This roadster isn’t just a car; it’s a statement, capable of eliciting strong reactions and admiration wherever it goes. From casual onlookers to seasoned car enthusiasts, the SL550’s allure is undeniable.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Convertible: Pros & Cons
Before diving deeper into the details, here’s a quick overview of the highlights and drawbacks of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550:
The Good
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 boasts a potent and refined V-8 Biturbo engine. Driving with the top down is exceptionally serene and pleasant. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of media options and a high-quality audio system.
The Bad
The Comand Online infotainment system is frustratingly slow and clunky to operate. The physical controller-based system has a steep learning curve. Fuel economy is, as expected, on the lower side.
The Bottom Line
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster stands out as a superb luxury convertible that prioritizes driving experience and classic elegance over technological gimmicks. However, its Comand Online system lags behind competitors like Audi and BMW in terms of user-friendliness and speed.
Raunchy comments aside, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster immediately captivates with its classic sports car aesthetics. Its elongated hood flows gracefully from a prominent Mercedes-Benz tristar emblem, flanked by striking HID headlamps enhanced with LED accents, extending over the optional 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels. The imposing hood vents, positioned just ahead of the sharply angled windshield, often led onlookers to inquire if this was the high-performance SL63 AMG. The two-seater cabin is nestled beneath a sleek, low-profile roofline, culminating in a subtly rounded rear deck.
The Epitome of Convertible Comfort
As a Roadster, the 2013 SL550 naturally features a convertible top, and in true Mercedes-Benz fashion, it’s a sophisticated power-retractable hardtop. This roof elegantly folds away in a mesmerizing display of engineering, disappearing in approximately 6 seconds. With the top down, trunk space is somewhat restricted due to a cover designed to protect cargo from interfering with the roof mechanism. However, it still provides enough room for a couple of carry-on bags and smaller items beneath the power-operated trunk lid. When the top is raised, this cover can be conveniently moved to maximize cargo capacity.
Accessing the trunk with the top down is a theatrical process in itself. It requires the trunk lid to lift, followed by the automatic elevation of the folded roof and rear glass panels. Finally, the storage compartment cover needs to be manually lifted to grant full access. While this might seem like a series of steps just to load a gym bag, these mechanisms are essential to optimize storage when the top is up.
Despite its roadster classification, the SL550’s cabin is surprisingly spacious, offering ample room even for taller occupants. Both seats and the steering wheel offer motorized adjustments with three memory positions, along with an Easy Exit function. This thoughtful feature automatically slides the seat back and retracts the steering wheel when the door is opened after parking, facilitating effortless entry and exit.
For stowing smaller personal items, the SL550 includes a small parcel shelf and a pair of storage compartments. A minor design quirk is the placement of the cupholders, positioned quite far back on the center console, almost rendering them impractical. Perhaps a “No drinks in the Benz” policy is subtly encouraged, though this might be over-cautiousness for a vehicle with a price tag exceeding $100,000.
The 2013 SL Roadster is equipped with features designed to enhance the open-air driving experience, even in cooler climates. A motorized windscreen effectively minimizes wind buffeting at higher speeds. Mercedes-Benz’s Air Scarf system gently blows warm air onto the occupants’ necks from the headrests, combating chills. The automatic climate control intelligently adjusts settings for top-down motoring, and heated and ventilated seats provide personalized temperature comfort. With the side windows and windscreen raised, and the Air Scarf and heated seats activated, only severe weather conditions like snow or heavy rain would deter from enjoying top-down driving. The remarkably low wind noise allows for easy conversations with passengers or clear hands-free calls even at highway speeds. Factor in the four-level seat massage function, and cruising in the SL550 with adaptive cruise control set becomes an exceptionally relaxing experience. However, drivers should remain attentive, as the Attention Assist drowsiness detection system is there to alert inattentive driving.
For times when a closed cabin is preferred, the SL550 transforms into a remarkably quiet coupe. With the top up, the cabin becomes exceptionally serene. Adding to the experience is the optional Magic Sky Control, a $2,500 feature. This transparent glass roof panel blocks UV and IR light while allowing visible light to filter through. At the touch of a button, the glass can become almost completely opaque, providing shade from intense sunlight. This innovative feature is sure to impress passengers, functioning similarly to an automatically dimming rearview mirror, but on a larger scale.
Performance and Handling Prowess
Beneath the hood of the 2013 SL550 lies a potent 4.6-liter V-8 biturbo engine, a masterpiece of engineering. Direct-injection technology, a defeatable autostop function, and an Econ shift program within the seven-speed automatic transmission contribute to respectable fuel economy figures for its class: EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. While not class-leading compared to standard passenger cars, these numbers are commendable for a machine generating 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
While the standard SL550 suspension is likely capable, the test vehicle was equipped with the optional $4,090 Active Body Control (ABC) adaptive-suspension package. This system offers both Sport and Comfort modes and includes additional functionalities. At lower speeds, ABC can raise the vehicle by approximately 2 inches to navigate obstacles like speed bumps. As speed increases, it automatically lowers the car, maximizing at about 0.5 inch at 80 mph, to improve aerodynamics, reduce noise, and enhance high-speed stability by lowering the center of gravity. Throughout this process, the dampers at each wheel continuously adjust to optimize either responsiveness or ride comfort. Real-time adjustments can be monitored on the Comand system’s display, which also includes a G-force meter, though keeping attention on the road is advisable.
In Comfort mode with relaxed transmission settings and ABC engaged, the SL550 delivers an “effortless” driving experience. Its abundant power allows for relaxed cruising at city speeds, maintaining low revs and higher gears while ensuring responsive acceleration. With minimal throttle input required to maintain city speeds, the SL550 is remarkably quiet and smooth. While ABC doesn’t eliminate road imperfections entirely, it significantly mitigates harshness, especially beneficial on rough urban roads.
The autostop system, which shuts off the engine at complete stops, operates smoothly once the engine is warmed up. It’s generally unobtrusive during brief stops at intersections. However, in stop-and-go traffic, the readily accessible defeat button on the center console becomes a welcome feature.
On the highway, the SL550 maintains its smooth and quiet demeanor. However, the Econ shift program can be hesitant to downshift for passing maneuvers. Often, a slight delay occurs before the transmission responds to a request for more power, sometimes leading to over-acceleration when the downshift finally engages.
Switching to Sport mode for both transmission and ABC transforms the SL550’s character. Gears are held longer, and downshifts become more immediate and predictable, providing quicker access to the engine’s 429 horsepower at the cost of some fuel efficiency. The chassis also feels more responsive to steering inputs, while still effectively absorbing road imperfections. Unless pushing the car aggressively through corners, the difference between Sport and Comfort modes might be subtle, leading many to favor Sport mode for its enhanced responsiveness in everyday driving.
The SL550 also includes a manual shift mode controlled via steering-wheel paddles. However, the responsiveness of the conventional automatic transmission in Sport mode often makes manual shifting less engaging.
Active bolsters in the seats, designed to provide lateral support during cornering, can be adjusted. However, at less than spirited driving, this feature can become intrusive, leading to a preference for either deactivating it or setting it to its lowest level.
The ideal environment for the 2013 SL550 is a winding road through scenic landscapes, perfectly suited to its suspension tuning, potent powertrain, and striking aesthetics. It effortlessly handles sweeping curves, offering a balanced and engaging driving experience.
The stability control system remains unobtrusive under normal driving conditions, intervening only when truly necessary. It can be deactivated for more spirited maneuvers, allowing for playful moments like controlled drifts in safe environments.
Dashboard Technology and Comand Online: A Mixed Bag
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 excels in many areas, but its in-cabin technology, particularly the Comand Online infotainment system, is a notable weak point. While some buyers in this price range might prioritize driving experience over cutting-edge tech, the Comand Online system falls short of expectations set by competitors.
The infotainment system is based on Mercedes-Benz’s Comand interface, utilizing a console-mounted control dial and a multi-level onscreen interface. Despite its long-standing presence, Comand can still feel cumbersome to navigate. Accessing basic functions like changing audio sources or map modes requires excessive dial-twisting, scrolling, and button presses. The system’s complexity arises from the continuous addition of features without a fundamental redesign of its organizational structure, resulting in a bloated and poorly organized system.
Fortunately, voice command functionality with good accuracy is available for tasks like address input, offering a reprieve from the Comand controller’s complexities. Expanding voice control to more advanced features would further enhance usability.
Comand navigation provides traffic data and clear map rendering but lacks topographic or satellite imagery, despite having a data connection.
Media sources are plentiful, including a six-disc DVD changer with MP3 and DVD-Audio support, iPod/MP3 interface with both 30-pin and USB connections, SD card slot, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, hard drive storage for ripped audio, and AM/FM radio with HD Radio. Bluetooth hands-free calling and A2DP audio streaming are also standard. These audio sources feed a standard Harman Kardon Logic7 5.1 surround-sound system featuring FrontBass technology, which utilizes two 8.5-inch speakers in the front footwells to create a more immersive sound experience. While described as creating a “concert hall ambiance,” the system is undeniably high-quality.
For audiophiles, an optional 900-watt, 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen system is available, offering even greater fidelity and power for a significant additional cost.
The 2013 SL550 is among the first Mercedes-Benz models to feature the new Comand Online connectivity suite, which includes an always-on data connection and web-based services like Google Local Search, News, Yelp, and Facebook. However, this is where the system’s shortcomings become most apparent.
The primary issue with Comand Online is its agonizingly slow performance. Simply loading the Comand Online home screen from the main Comand interface takes around 30 seconds. Navigating submenus can add another 5 to 10 seconds of loading time, meaning initiating a Google search from the map screen can take over a minute – an eternity in modern tech standards. Furthermore, the system rightly restricts access to many Comand Online functions while the vehicle is in motion, making a smartphone a much faster alternative for tasks like social media updates.
Despite the sluggishness, Comand Online offers features like Google Search for points of interest, Yelp integration for business searches (though with questionable search algorithm accuracy at times), and a news app for headlines (without text-to-speech functionality).
Facebook integration is the most ambitious but also the most frustratingly slow aspect of Comand Online. Features include viewing nearby locations, check-ins, news feeds, events, status updates, and the Mercedes-Benz Facebook page. However, even simple tasks like updating status are painfully slow, with significant input delays and character limits.
Another usability issue is the inconsistent behavior of the Comand controller’s back button within Comand Online. Unlike other Comand menus where the back button navigates one step back, within Comand Online, it often jumps directly to the main Comand Online home screen, requiring lengthy re-navigation and loading times. This inconsistent behavior further diminishes the user experience. Compared to similar connected services from Audi and BMW, Comand Online feels noticeably slower and less intuitive. The separation of connected services from core functionalities like navigation also reduces its overall utility.
In Sum: A Brilliant Car Despite Tech Shortcomings
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 remains a remarkable vehicle. While the Comand Online system is a significant drawback, it doesn’t overshadow the exceptional driving experience crafted by Mercedes-Benz’s engineers and designers. The sheer enjoyment of driving this grand tourer is immense. This review, already exceeding 3,000 words, hasn’t even delved into the comprehensive safety features, including the Mbrace telematics system, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rearview camera with parking assistance. For owners who primarily focus on the driving experience and less on the infotainment system, the SL550 Roadster is likely to be a satisfying purchase – at least until the envy of an SL63 AMG arises.
The 2013 SL550 had a starting price of $105,500, with options like premium leather interior ($900), illuminated door sills and analog clock (take-it-or-leave-it options), Magic Sky Control glass roof ($2,500), ABC adaptive suspension ($4,090), Premium package (Air Scarf, cooled seats, massage seats, keyless entry, rearview camera – $4,900), Driver Assistance package (blind-spot monitoring, pre-collision detection – $2,950), and AMG wheels with performance upgrades ($2,000). Adding a $905 destination charge brought the as-tested price to $124,345.
While a considerable investment, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster delivers an emotional experience that transcends mere monetary value, making it feel truly worthwhile for those seeking open-top luxury and performance.
| Tech Specs |
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| Model |
| Trim |
| Power train |
| EPA fuel economy |
| Observed fuel economy |
| Navigation |
| Bluetooth phone support |
| Disc player |
| MP3 player support |
| Other digital audio |
| Audio system |
| Driver aids |
| Base price |
| Price as tested |
