The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 marked a significant year for the iconic roadster, blending luxurious comfort with exhilarating performance. This model year introduced a range of standard and optional features designed to enhance the driving experience and cater to discerning tastes. Let’s delve into the details of what made the 2013 SL550 a standout in its class.
Unveiling the Comfort and Convenience Features
The 2013 SL550 prioritized occupant comfort and convenience with a suite of standard features. Imagine sinking into 12-way adjustable heated seats with pneumatic lumbar support, perfectly tailored to your body and offering personalized warmth. The panorama sunroof brought the outside in, flooding the cabin with natural light, while the power wind screen ensured a serene, draft-free open-top driving experience even at higher speeds.
Navigating and staying connected was seamless with the COMAND System, featuring a 40GB hard-drive GPS navigation system and SiriusXM real-time traffic updates. Music lovers could appreciate the 10-speaker harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1, delivering an immersive audio experience. Connectivity was further enhanced by the iPod/MP3 media interface, HD Radio®, in-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer and SD memory card reader, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling. Enhanced voice control allowed for easy operation of audio, telephone, and navigation functions.
Further enhancing the luxurious ambiance, the SL550 included a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, multi-color ambient lighting, and elegant hand-polished wood trim. Practicality was also considered with features like auto-dimming rear view and driver side mirrors, heated windshield, retractable hard-top with easy pack feature, leather upholstery, power adjustable tilt/telescoping steering column with easy-exit feature, electronic cruise control, electronic parking brake, SmartKey with panic button and infrared remote roof automation, integrated garage door opener, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Even simple needs were met with thoughtfully placed front cupholders.
Performance and Handling Prowess
Under the hood, the 2013 SL550 boasted a potent 4.6-liter biturbo direct-injection V8 engine, delivering 429 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and a robust 516 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 3,500 rpm. The turbo boost reached 13.0 psi, contributing to its impressive performance capabilities. The car was electronically limited to a top speed of 130 mph.
Power was delivered through a smooth and responsive 7-Speed Driver-Adaptive Transmission with Sport, Economy, and Manual Shift Modes, further enhanced by Steering Wheel Shift Paddles for driver engagement. The SL550 rode on 18″ Twin 5-spoke wheels with run flat tires, balancing style and practicality. The inclusion of ECO Stop/Start technology also subtly nodded towards efficiency.
Safety and Security Innovations
Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety was evident in the 2013 SL550. Innovative systems like MAGIC VISION CONTROL for optimized wiper performance and ATTENTION ASSIST to monitor driver fatigue were standard. The PRE-SAFE® system anticipated potential collisions, preparing the car and occupants for impact. NECK-PRO Active Head Restraints added another layer of protection in rear-end collisions.
Visibility and safety were enhanced with a headlamp cleaning system, LED Daytime Running Lights, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination & corner illuminating lamps. The Mercedes-Benz mbrace2™ system provided connectivity and safety services. An advanced tire pressure monitoring system kept drivers informed, while the high strength steel-reinforced cabin with front and rear crumple zones provided a robust safety structure.
Inside, a supplemental restraint system with occupant sensor worked in conjunction with two-stage dual front airbags, head-thorax side impact airbags, and driver and passenger knee airbags. 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and dual-stage belt force limiter further secured occupants. The Electrohydraulic braking system included Anti-Lock (ABS) and Brake Assist (BAS), while Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Automatic Slip Reduction (ASR) helped maintain control. Automatic pop-up rollover protection and an anti-theft alarm system completed the safety and security features.
Optional Packages and Standalone Enhancements
For buyers seeking even more, the 2013 SL550 offered several optional packages. The Driver Assistance Package included DISTRONIC PLUS with Pre-Safe Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist, adding advanced driver aids. The Premium 1 Package brought KEYLESS-GO, Rearview Camera, PARKTRONIC w/Active Parking Assist, Heated & Active Ventilated Front Seats, AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, Active Multicontour Seats, and a Power Trunk Closer with hands-free access, significantly boosting convenience and luxury. The Sport Wheel Package upgraded the wheels to 19″ AMG 5-Spoke Wheels and included a Sport Brake System for enhanced aesthetics and performance.
Standalone options allowed for further personalization. An Analog Clock on Dashboard added a touch of classic elegance, while a Wood/Leather Steering Wheel enhanced the interior tactile experience. Active Body Control (ABC) suspension offered superior handling, and the MAGIC SKY CONTROL Electrochromic Roof allowed for adjustable roof transparency. Audiophiles could opt for the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Surround Sound System, and further wheel upgrades were available with 19″ Twin 5-Spoke Wheels.
Expressing Individuality Through Paint, Upholstery, and Trim
The 2013 SL550 offered a range of paint finishes, including classic Black, sophisticated Magnetite Black, modern Shadow Grey (Matte Finish), vibrant Mars Red, and elegant metallic options like Steel Grey, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Pearl Beige, Diamond White, and Lunar Blue.
Interior upholstery choices included Black Leather, Beige/Brown Leather, sporty Red/Black Leather, and refined Ash/Grey Leather. Premium Leather options further expanded choices with Black Premium Leather, Beige/Brown Premium Leather, Red/Black Premium Leather, luxurious Porcelain/Black Premium Leather, and rich Brown/Black Premium Leather. Trim options included classic Burl Walnut and contemporary Black Ash, allowing owners to tailor the SL550 to their personal style.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 was a testament to luxury and performance, offering a comprehensive suite of standard features and a wide array of optional enhancements to create a truly personalized and exceptional roadster.
