The Mercedes-Benz SL has long been synonymous with luxury, performance, and timeless design. While its lineage can be traced back to the iconic 300SL racing car of 1952, it was the 1954 New York Auto Show that marked the birth of the first road-going Mercedes-Benz SL. Over the ensuing decades, this model has not only endured but has become an aspiration for automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
The allure of the Mercedes-Benz roadster lies in its inherent duality. It effortlessly blends elegance with athleticism, offering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. The SL550, in particular, embodies this spirit perfectly. It possesses the power to deliver thrilling performance, yet it tempers this with a level of sophistication and grace that sets it apart in the realm of luxury automobiles.
Adding to its multifaceted nature, the contemporary SL, equipped with a retractable folding hardtop, seamlessly transitions between a stylish coupe and an open-air convertible. Although its two-seat configuration and poised road manners might initially categorize it as a sports car, the Mercedes-Benz SL550 transcends this label. Its technological sophistication, opulent interior, and undeniable presence firmly establish it as a leading personal luxury car, commanding respect and admiration across the automotive landscape.
One could even argue that the Mercedes-Benz SL550, with its diverse capabilities and personas, encapsulates a fascinating duality, making it a truly exceptional vehicle in the luxury car market.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550: Unveiling the Models, Features, and Pricing
In the 2014 model year, the Mercedes-Benz SL550 entered the market with a starting price of $106,700, excluding a $925 destination charge. This price point reflects the extensive list of standard features and the high level of engineering and luxury inherent in this vehicle.
The SL550 boasts an aluminum body structure, contributing to its agility and performance. The driver-controlled adaptive suspension system ensures a comfortable yet dynamic ride, adapting to varying road conditions. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels complement the car’s stance, while LED running lights enhance visibility and add a modern touch. For ease of maneuvering, the SL550 includes a self-parking feature and keyless entry and start for added convenience.
The signature transparent roof, with an optional optical tinting feature, allows occupants to enjoy natural light while maintaining privacy and temperature control. Inside, power-adjustable seats upholstered in sun-reflecting leather offer heat, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring optimal comfort in any climate.
Further enhancing the driving experience, the Mercedes-Benz SL550 incorporates auto-dimming mirrors (both interior and exterior), active headlamps with automatic high beam assist, and a rearview camera system for enhanced safety and awareness. The automatic trunk lid with a foot-activated opening feature adds a touch of modern convenience, while the integrated wind blocking screen rises at the touch of a button to minimize turbulence when the roof is retracted, allowing for enjoyable open-top cruising.
Connectivity and entertainment are seamlessly integrated with Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, the Mercedes-Benz Comand interface for intuitive control of secondary functions, and voice activation for many features. Navigation is standard, guiding drivers effortlessly, while a fourteen-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound audio system, complete with a six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, HD Radio, a hard-drive based digital music storage system, and an iPod/USB digital media input port, provides an immersive audio experience.
Optional upgrades for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 included nineteen-inch alloy wheels for a sportier aesthetic, soft-closing doors for added refinement, adjustable transparency for the glass roof known as “Magic Sky Control” to customize the cabin ambiance, and Mercedes’ Active Body Control suspension system. This advanced suspension technology minimizes body roll during cornering, dive under braking, and squat during acceleration, further enhancing the SL550’s handling prowess and ride comfort.
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Design: A Subject of Generational Debate
The current generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL, internally designated as the R231, sparks ongoing discussions about its design aesthetics when viewed within the historical context of the SL lineage. Looking back at the Mercedes-Benz SL history, it becomes apparent that styling appreciation has been somewhat cyclical. Certain generations have been widely lauded for their beauty, while others have faced more critical reception.
Universally acclaimed for their visual appeal are the first-generation W198 and W189 SLs, produced from 1954 to 1963, encompassing the iconic Gullwing coupe. The R107 SL models, offered from 1972 to 1989, are often considered the most commercially successful and aesthetically pleasing SL generation. The R230 SL, produced from 2001 to 2008, with its fluid and graceful lines, also garners significant praise for its design. However, some generations have been viewed as less visually harmonious. The W113 “Pagoda” SL (1963-1971), while distinctive, was sometimes criticized for its “pavilion” hardtop. The R129 SLs (1989-2002), though robust and technologically advanced, were perceived by some as bulky. This brings us to the current R231 Mercedes-Benz SL550.
Observing this pattern, an interesting trend emerges: it appears that every other generation of the Mercedes SL has encountered styling debates. It’s not to say any SL has ever been deemed outright unattractive, but rather, periods of truly striking design seem to be followed by models whose aesthetics are perceived as somewhat heavier or less fluid.
The “facelift” of the sleek R230 SL in 2008 marked a turning point in the car’s visual trajectory, leading to the design language that culminated in the R231. The R231 inherited a more bulbous front end from the R230 update and incorporated a reshaped rear deck, resulting in a design that some critics find less balanced and somewhat “heavy.” Despite these criticisms, if historical trends hold true, anticipation is high that the subsequent generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL will once again embrace a more universally admired and gorgeous design.
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Interior: Features and Control Harmony
Stepping inside the Mercedes-Benz SL550 reveals an interior environment that leaves little room for complaint. It is a space meticulously crafted with premium materials and thoughtful design, establishing itself as one of the most refined and handsome automotive interiors available. Luxurious and supple leather upholstery complements beautifully crafted wood veneers, accented by brushed aluminum air vents, creating an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance.
While the SL550 is replete with features and technology, resulting in a substantial array of controls, switches, and buttons, the interior layout avoids feeling overwhelming or cluttered. Instead, the controls are arranged in an intuitive and ergonomic manner. While some of the less frequently used buttons may require a brief moment of familiarization, the primary functions are readily accessible and instinctively placed.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel, adorned with wood and leather accents, integrates controls for telephone, audio, and trip computer functions, along with paddle shifters for manual transmission operation. The silver-faced gauges present a blend of vintage and contemporary aesthetics, offering clear and concise information to the driver.
Redundant controls for the audio, navigation, and communication systems are centrally located beneath the Comand system’s video monitor. The monitor itself features SplitView technology, allowing both the driver and passenger to view distinct screen contents simultaneously on the same display. Beyond the steering wheel and center stack buttons, the Comand system offers an additional interface for accessing audio, navigation, and communication functions, including voice commands, providing multiple control options.
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Comfort and Cargo: Grand Touring Capability
The Mercedes-Benz SL550’s interior comfort is exceptional, rivaling that of few other automobiles, even within the Mercedes-Benz lineup. This level of comfort is not accidental; German drivers in this vehicle class often prioritize long-distance travel on the Autobahn over air travel, taking advantage of the unrestricted speed limits.
Consequently, a car in this category must be engineered to transport occupants comfortably over extended distances at high speeds. This design philosophy is reflected in the SL550’s logical cabin layout. Ease of use and accessibility are paramount, ensuring that essential controls, such as the climate control temperature dial, are readily at hand, even at speeds exceeding 135 mph in challenging conditions.
The retractable polycarbonate hardtop operates swiftly, deploying or retracting in under 20 seconds. Despite its transparent nature, the roof effectively blocks UV and infrared radiation. Opting for the “Magic Sky Control” glass roof introduces adjustable transparency, enabling near-complete darkening of the roof at the touch of a button, further enhancing cabin comfort and personalization.
The two-seat configuration of the SL550 ensures generous legroom, and the overall space for both occupants is more than ample, extending to head and shoulder room. However, cargo space presents a trade-off.
The retractable top mechanism necessitates space within the trunk compartment. With the roof raised, the SL550 provides 10.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. When the roof is lowered, this space reduces to 7.2 cubic feet. Mercedes-Benz incorporates a feature to slightly raise the stowed roof within the trunk, facilitating easier placement of items underneath. Nevertheless, for extended journeys requiring substantial luggage, traveling with the top raised is often the more practical configuration.
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Safety Features and Ratings: Advanced Protection
As a flagship Mercedes-Benz model, the SL550 is expected to showcase the brand’s most advanced safety technologies, and it delivers comprehensively in this regard. Standard safety features include ABS with automatic brake drying, traction and stability control systems, and a full complement of airbags.
The SL550 also offers advanced safety enhancements such as infrared night vision, automatically deploying roll bars for rollover protection, drowsiness detection to mitigate driver fatigue, automatic collision notification for emergency assistance, and collision mitigation with automatic braking to reduce impact severity. Stolen vehicle notification and tracking, smart cruise control for maintaining safe distances, pre-collision braking to prepare for potential impacts, lane keep assist to prevent unintentional lane departures, blind spot assist to enhance awareness of surrounding traffic, and the Mercedes-Benz PreSafe system are also included. PreSafe proactively tightens seat belts, adjusts seats to an upright position, and closes windows if a collision is deemed imminent, preparing occupants for impact.
The innovative Magic Vision Control feature integrates laser-cut passages along the windshield wiper blades to distribute wiper fluid directly in front of the blades, rather than spraying the entire windshield. This optimizes cleaning efficiency and prevents wiper fluid from spraying into the cabin when the top is retracted, demonstrating attention to detail and occupant comfort.
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Engine and Fuel Economy: Potent Performance and Efficiency
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is powered by a 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Direct fuel injection and variable valve timing contribute to both power output and efficiency.
The powertrain includes a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability and rear-wheel drive. An auto start/stop system is incorporated to optimize fuel economy in urban driving conditions.
The SL550’s acceleration is impressive, achieving zero to 60 mph in just under four and a half seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. EPA fuel economy ratings are estimated at 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined, reflecting a balance of performance and relative efficiency for its class.
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Driving Impressions: A Symphony of Power and Poise
Solid, smooth, confident, fast, and agile encapsulate the dynamic character of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550. These attributes have been hallmarks of every Mercedes-Benz SL iteration since its inception in 1954. Having experienced every SL model, including the iconic 1950s Gullwing, it is remarkable how consistently these core driving qualities have been preserved and refined throughout the SL’s evolution.
Despite its extensive array of luxury features, the current SL550 retains the engaging driving dynamics of a highly capable sports car – which it fundamentally is. Driving the SL550 on winding roads can be a truly immersive experience. Focusing on the road ahead, the luxurious amenities recede into the background as the visceral response of the potent engine, the expertly tuned suspension, and the responsive steering and braking systems take center stage.
The SL550 readily embraces enthusiastic driving, rewarding driver engagement. Conversely, in a more relaxed driving mode or in congested traffic, the SL’s automated systems seamlessly manage driving tasks, allowing occupants to appreciate the refined cabin environment.
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Final Verdict: A Well-Rounded Luxury Experience
Numerous automobiles attempt to emulate the comprehensive capabilities of the Mercedes-Benz SL, but few achieve its level of success.
For those fortunate enough to afford a vehicle of this caliber and seeking a single car that fulfills multiple roles, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 presents a compelling proposition. It delivers the exhilaration of a powerful sports car, incorporates cutting-edge automotive technology, and envelops occupants in a cocoon of comfort and convenience, satisfying virtually every conceivable requirement for a personal luxury automobile.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the significant investment required. At the SL550’s price point, buyers might also consider compelling alternatives, such as the Audi R8 Convertible for exotic appeal, the Jaguar F-Type Convertible V8 S for a more visceral driving experience, or the Porsche 911 Cabriolet for its distinguished pedigree.
Nevertheless, when considering the totality of the driving experience, the Mercedes-Benz SL550 stands out as a remarkably well-rounded vehicle, offering a blend of attributes that few competitors can match, solidifying its position as a leader in the luxury roadster segment.
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Pros:
- Powerful V8 engine
- Outstanding handling dynamics
- Abundant technology and luxury features
- Handsome and refined interior
- Versatile hardtop coupe and convertible design
Cons:
- Styling may be considered less universally appealing
