The Mercedes-Benz SL, especially in a striking red, is the kind of car that commands attention. It’s a head-turner, sparking conversations and envious glances wherever it goes. Even those not typically interested in cars can’t help but be drawn to its allure. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster, draped in Mars Red, evokes a powerful reaction, even described by some as the epitome of automotive desire. This isn’t just a car; it’s a statement.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Convertible: The Good, The Bad, and The Bottom Line
This 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 convertible review dives into what makes this luxury roadster so captivating. We’ll explore the powerful and refined V-8 Biturbo engine that delivers effortless performance. The experience of open-top motoring in the SL550 is remarkably serene and comfortable, a true testament to Mercedes-Benz engineering. Standard premium features, including a comprehensive suite of media options and a high-fidelity audio system, further enhance the ownership experience.
However, it’s not all perfect. The Comand Online infotainment system in the 2013 SL550 unfortunately lags behind, proving to be frustratingly slow in operation. The physical controller-based infotainment interface also presents a learning curve. And, as expected from a high-performance V8, fuel economy is not a strong suit.
The Bottom Line: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster excels as a luxury convertible, focusing on driving pleasure and refined comfort rather than relying solely on technological gimmicks. Yet, the Comand Online system falls short of the standards set by competitors like Audi and BMW, creating a notable weak point in an otherwise exceptional vehicle.
Classic Roadster Appeal: Exterior and Design
Beyond the initial enthusiastic reactions, the SL550 Roadster embodies classic sports car aesthetics. Its elongated hood stretches forward from the cabin, dominated by a prominent Mercedes-Benz tristar emblem. This is flanked by large, assertive HID headlamps accented with LED daytime running lights. The lines flow gracefully towards the optional 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels, enhancing the car’s athletic stance. Hood vents, strategically placed before the steeply angled windshield, often led onlookers to mistake it for the higher-performance SL63 AMG. Correcting them with “No, it’s only the SL550″ carried a hint of playful automotive snobbery, highlighting the SL550’s already impressive status. The cabin comfortably accommodates two beneath its low-slung roofline, culminating in a short, rounded rear deck that completes the roadster silhouette.
Top-Down Luxury: The Convertible Experience
Being a Roadster, the 2013 SL550 naturally features a convertible top, and in true Mercedes-Benz fashion, it’s a sophisticated power-retractable hardtop. Witnessing its operation is like watching a piece of robotic choreography, seamlessly folding and stowing in approximately six seconds. When the top is down, trunk space is somewhat restricted by a partition designed to protect cargo from interfering with the roof mechanism. However, there’s still enough room for a couple of carry-on suitcases and smaller items beneath the power-operated trunk lid. With the top raised, this partition can be moved to expand cargo capacity, although this must be done manually, and the top cannot be lowered again until it’s repositioned. Even accessing the trunk with the top down is a multi-step process, involving the trunk lid lifting, followed by the automatic raising of the folded roof and rear window panels. Finally, the storage compartment cover needs to be manually lifted to gain full access. While it seems like a lot of steps just to put a gym bag in the trunk, these intricate mechanisms contribute to the increased cargo space when the top is up.
Cabin Comfort and Practicality
Inside, the 2013 SL550’s cabin is surprisingly spacious, easily accommodating even taller occupants. Both seats and the steering wheel offer motorized adjustments, complete with three memory settings and an Easy Exit function. This feature automatically enhances egress by sliding the seat backward and retracting and raising the steering wheel when the door is opened after parking.
A small parcel shelf and a pair of storage compartments provide convenient spaces for smaller personal items, preventing them from being blown away when driving with the top down. One minor design quirk is the placement of the cupholders, positioned so far back on the center console that they almost seem like an afterthought. Perhaps Mercedes-Benz subtly encourages a “No drinks in the Benz” policy, or maybe it’s just a minor ergonomic oversight in an otherwise meticulously designed interior.
Open-Air Motoring Refinement
The SL Roadster is equipped with features designed to maximize comfort during open-air drives, even in less-than-ideal weather. A motorized windscreen can be raised to significantly reduce wind buffeting at higher speeds. Mercedes-Benz’s Air Scarf system, a notable comfort feature, blows warm air from the headrests onto the necks of occupants, effectively combating chills. The automatic climate control intelligently adjusts settings for top-down driving, and both heated and ventilated seats offer personalized temperature regulation. With the side windows up, the windscreen raised, and the Air Scarf and heated seats engaged, almost any weather short of heavy rain or snow becomes perfect convertible weather. Remarkably low wind noise levels allow for easy conversation with a passenger or clear hands-free phone calls even at speed. Adding to the relaxed driving experience are the four-level seat massage functions, making cruising in the SL550 with adaptive cruise control set at 85 mph genuinely soothing. To prevent any unintended drowsiness, the Attention Assist system is on hand to monitor driver alertness.
Coupe-Like Serenity and Magic Sky Control
For times when the weather or preference dictates, raising the top transforms the SL550 into a remarkably quiet coupe. With the hardtop in place, the cabin becomes impressively isolated from external noise. However, even with the roof up, the connection to the sky isn’t entirely lost, thanks to the optional (and somewhat whimsically named) Mercedes-Benz Magic Sky Control. This $2,500 option replaces the standard roof panel with a transparent glass panel that effectively blocks UV and IR light while still allowing visible light to filter through. At the touch of a button, the glass can transition to near-opaque, providing shade from direct sunlight. This feature, reminiscent of automatically dimming rearview mirrors but on a much larger scale, is a captivating novelty that often elicits positive reactions from passengers.
Performance and Handling Dynamics
Beneath the sculpted hood of the SL550 resides a 4.6-liter V-8 biturbo engine, an engineering marvel that complements the car’s sophisticated chassis. Featuring direct-injection technology, a defeatable autostop function, and an efficiency-focused “Econ” shift program for the seven-speed automatic transmission, this engine aims to balance power with relative fuel efficiency. EPA estimates rate the SL550 at 16 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. While not exceptional compared to standard passenger cars, these figures are respectable for a vehicle producing 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
While the standard SL550 suspension is likely well-engineered, this test vehicle was equipped with the optional $4,090 Active Body Control (ABC) adaptive suspension system. ABC offers both “Sport” and “Comfort” modes, typical of such systems, but it goes further. With the push of a button, the SL550 can raise its ride height by about 2 inches to navigate speed bumps and other low-speed obstacles. As speed increases, ABC automatically lowers the car below its standard ride height (up to 0.5 inch reduction around 80 mph) to minimize aerodynamic drag, improve fuel economy, reduce noise, and lower the center of gravity for enhanced stability at higher speeds. Simultaneously, the four dampers continuously adjust to optimize either responsiveness or comfort. These real-time adjustments in ride height and damping can be monitored on the Comand system’s color display, along with a two-axis G-force meter, although keeping attention focused on the road is generally advisable.
In urban and highway driving, with the transmission and ABC set to their most comfortable settings, the SL550 delivers an “effortless” driving experience. The abundant power allows for relaxed cruising at low revs and taller gear ratios, while still providing instant responsiveness. Minimal throttle input is needed to maintain city speeds, resulting in a quiet and smooth ride. While ABC cannot completely eliminate the imperfections of urban road surfaces, it effectively softens most harsh impacts.
The autostop system, designed to enhance fuel efficiency, engages at traffic lights and stop signs once the engine has reached operating temperature. While generally unobtrusive during complete stops at intersections, its activation in stop-and-go traffic could become slightly bothersome, making the readily accessible defeat button on the center console a welcome feature.
On the highway, the SL550 maintains its smooth and quiet demeanor. However, the “Econ” shift program can be somewhat reluctant to downshift for passing maneuvers. A noticeable delay could occur before the transmission responded with a downshift, sometimes leading to inadvertently applying more throttle than intended, resulting in a sudden surge of acceleration.
Switching to the “Sport” shift program and “Sport” ABC mode transforms the SL550’s character. Gears are held longer, and downshifts become more immediate and predictable in response to throttle input. While this comes at the cost of some fuel economy, it ensures that the full potential of the 429 horsepower is readily available. The chassis also feels more responsive to steering inputs, although the adaptive suspension still effectively absorbs road harshness. Unless pushing the car hard through corners, the difference between “Sport” and “Comfort” modes might be subtle, leading to a preference for leaving it in “Sport” for a more engaging drive.
The SL550 also includes a manual shift mode, accessible via steering-wheel mounted paddles. However, the timing of shifts in this mode felt somewhat imprecise, making it less intuitive than letting the Sport program manage gear changes.
Active side bolsters in the seats can be adjusted to provide increased lateral support during cornering. However, at anything less than spirited driving, this feature could become somewhat intrusive, leading to a preference for turning it off or setting it to its lowest level for most driving situations.
The ideal environment for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is undoubtedly an open, winding road, perhaps through California’s wine country, rather than the Autobahn or the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The climate and road conditions of such locales seem perfectly matched to the SL550 Roadster’s suspension tuning, confident powertrain, and bold aesthetics. Finding a rhythm while driving through S-curves, transitioning from countryside to coast, becomes effortless and thoroughly enjoyable.
The stability control system remains largely unobtrusive, intervening only when genuinely needed. It can be fully deactivated for more spirited maneuvers, such as executing tire-smoking doughnuts in a safe, empty space – a reminder that even in a sophisticated machine like the SL550, the temptation to indulge in some youthful driving antics remains.
Dashboard Technology and the Comand Online Conundrum
Up to this point, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 earns high praise across the board. However, the in-cabin technology, particularly the Comand Online infotainment system, presents a notable drawback. While buyers in this price range ($100K+) might prioritize other aspects, the infotainment experience is undeniably a weaker point. Comand, Mercedes-Benz’s infotainment interface, centers around a console-mounted control dial and a layered on-screen menu system. Despite its years of evolution, Comand still feels somewhat cumbersome to navigate. Simple tasks like changing audio sources or adjusting map settings often require excessive dial rotations, menu scrolling, and button presses. The issue stems from Mercedes-Benz’s continuous addition of features to Comand without a fundamental rethinking of its organizational structure, resulting in a system that feels bloated and poorly organized.
Fortunately, a voice command system with commendable accuracy offers some respite from the complexities of the Comand controller, especially for tasks like entering navigation addresses. Utilizing voice input whenever possible is highly recommended. However, expanding voice control to more advanced system functions would be a significant improvement.
Comand navigation includes traffic data, and the maps are rendered sharply. However, despite the system’s data connection, it lacks features like topographic views or Google satellite imagery, which are increasingly common in modern navigation systems.
Audio source options are plentiful, including a six-disc DVD changer with MP3 and DVD-Audio support, an iPod/MP3 media interface with both 30-pin and USB connections in the center console, an SD card slot on the dashboard for audio playback, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a portion of the navigation system’s hard drive for audio storage, and terrestrial AM/FM radio with HD Radio. Bluetooth hands-free calling with contact synchronization and Bluetooth A2DP audio streaming are also standard. These feed into a standard Harman Kardon Logic7 5.1 surround-sound system, featuring “FrontBass” technology that incorporates two 8.5-inch speakers positioned ahead of the occupants to create a more immersive soundstage. While “concert hall ambiance” might be an exaggeration, the system’s sound quality is undeniably impressive.
For audiophiles seeking an even more elevated auditory experience, an optional 900-watt, 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen uber-premium audio system is available. This upgrade surpasses the Harman Kardon system with more power, additional speakers, and higher-grade components, but comes at a significant additional cost of $6,400.
The 2013 SL550 is among the first Mercedes-Benz models to feature the new Comand Online connectivity suite, which brings an always-on data connection and web-based services like Google Local Search, News, Yelp, and Facebook. Unfortunately, this is where the infotainment experience truly falters.
The primary issue with Comand Online is its agonizingly slow performance. Simply loading the Comand Online home screen from the main Comand interface can take up to 30 seconds. Navigating into submenus adds another 5 to 10 seconds of waiting, meaning initiating a Google search from the main map screen can stretch to over a minute – an eternity in both automotive and consumer tech contexts. The system also understandably restricts access to many Comand Online functions while the vehicle is in motion, further diminishing its practicality. In many cases, using a smartphone for tasks like social media updates becomes significantly faster and more convenient.
For those with patience (or without smartphones), Comand Online offers Google Search for points of interest. Users can input search terms or select from recent or popular searches. Once a location is chosen from the search results, options include making a hands-free call, setting it as a navigation destination, adding it to the address book, or viewing Google Street View or Panoramio photos. While functional, the slow response times significantly detract from its usability.
Yelp integration provides another avenue for local business searches. However, search results can be somewhat inconsistent. For example, a search for a well-known pizza restaurant in Oakland, California, yielded no relevant results, with the algorithm seemingly prioritizing proximity to the city center over search term relevance. Despite displaying numerous pizza places, it even listed a bakery among the results. For each Yelp listing, users can view ratings, review counts, recent reviews, photos, Google Street View, initiate a hands-free call, or save the location to the car’s address book.
The news app within Comand Online feels like the least useful component. It provides access to news headlines and top stories across various categories, displayed on the SL’s screen. However, there’s no text-to-speech functionality for audio playback while driving, only an option to email articles for later reading.
Facebook integration is the most ambitious, yet also the most sluggish, aspect of Comand Online. Through the Facebook menu, users can check into nearby locations, see friend check-ins, view and “Like” friends’ status updates, find and navigate to nearby events, update their own status, and access the Mercedes-Benz Facebook fan page. Status updates are limited to pre-written canned messages (e.g., “I’m stuck in traffic near [location]”), with a custom message option available only when stationary via the cumbersome Comand controller. Attempting to type even a short status update is an exercise in patience, taking an inordinate amount of time.
A particularly frustrating design flaw within Comand Online is the inconsistent behavior of the Comand controller’s “back” button. Throughout the rest of the Comand interface, the back button navigates one step back in the current menu. However, within Comand Online, it abruptly jumps all the way back to the Comand Online home screen. This inconsistency, especially after accidentally pressing the back button, forces users to re-navigate through slow-loading menus, significantly hindering the overall user experience. This frustrating quirk often leads to resorting to a smartphone for connected services while parked.
Compared to similar connected services and app integrations from Audi and BMW, Comand Online feels noticeably slower and less user-friendly. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz’s connected services seem isolated from the core infotainment functions. There’s no evident integration with navigation, such as enhanced traffic data or satellite imagery. Accessing connected services requires explicitly exiting the navigation system and entering the separate Comand Online menu. This lack of seamless integration and the frustratingly slow performance likely mean that most users will largely ignore Comand Online after the initial novelty wears off.
Final Verdict: A Superb Car Despite Tech Stumbles
In conclusion, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is an exceptional automobile. While the Comand Online system is undeniably a weak point, it doesn’t overshadow the fundamental excellence of the vehicle built by Mercedes-Benz’s engineering and design teams. The sheer enjoyment of driving this striking convertible is immense, making minor tech frustrations seem less significant. Even after an extensive review, key safety features like the Mbrace telematics system, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rearview camera with proximity detection, and Parktronic parking assistance remain largely undiscussed due to the focus on other aspects. For most owners, particularly those less reliant on in-car connected services, the 2013 SL550 Roadster will likely be a source of immense satisfaction – at least until they encounter the allure of an SL63 AMG.
The 2013 SL550 started at a base price of $105,500, with our test model adding options like premium leather interior ($900), illuminated door sills and an analog dashboard clock (take-it-or-leave-it options at $350 and $250 respectively), the Magic Sky Control glass roof ($2,500), Active Body Control adaptive suspension ($4,090), and a Premium package ($4,900) that included Air Scarf, cooled seats, massage seats, keyless entry, and rearview camera/proximity detection. Driver Assistance package with blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision detection added $2,950, and 19-inch AMG wheels with performance tires and cosmetic enhancements cost $2,000. With a $905 destination charge, the as-tested price reached $124,345.
While a significant investment, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster transcends mere value. It’s about the experience, the feeling, and in that regard, this roadster convincingly justifies its price tag.
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| 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 |
