Review: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 roadster is faster, more fuel efficient, bigger and yet significantly lighter than its predecessor and aggressively styled on the outside to evoke SLs of the 1950s.

But the high-tech and luxury features of this new, sixth-generation SL could bring buyers to showrooms, too.

After all, who wouldn't want to impress a friend or neighbor with a 0-to-60 sprint that takes just 4.5 seconds? And how about the active side seat bolsters that automatically hug passengers more tightly as the car takes turns?

 

The faster acceleration comes from a 429-horsepower, twin-turbo, direct-injection, gasoline V-8 that replaced last year's 382-horsepower, naturally aspirated V-8.

The active seat bolsters aren't dependent on speed. They instantly inflate and press forcefully - and unnervingly for a first-time passenger - to keep a person in place any time the steering wheel is moved appreciably.

Best of all, the SL550 has improved fuel mileage. The U.S. government gives the 2013 model a city rating of 16 miles per gallon, with highway travel rated at 24 mpg. The test SL was spot on with the government's combined city/highway rating of 19 mpg, affording a range of 375 miles.

Note the 2013 mileage is up from the 2012 SL550's 14/22-mpg rating and is better than the 15/22-mpg rating for Jaguar's two-seat XKR convertible.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, for a base, rear-wheel drive, 2013 SL550 is $106,405, an increase of $1,890 from the 2012 price.

Standard on every 2013 SL are seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for shift-it-yourself mode; a fuel-saving, engine stop/start system; seats trimmed with leather that's specially treated to reflect the sun's heat and, over time, reduce sun damage; a retractable, hard sunroof that's a heat-reflecting panel; dual-zone, automatic climate control; bi-xenon headlamps that swivel in turns and curves to illuminate the road ahead, and 12-way, power-adjustable and heated seats.

A long list of safety features go beyond the usual air bags - there are eight in the SL - and antilock brakes.

For example, the SL550's brakes include automatic drying that activates whenever windshield wipers are turned on. This feature keeps brakes ready for maximum work when roads are wet.

There also are high-beam headlights that use a camera to automatically adjust the range of the lights depending on the proximity of other cars.