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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

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Overview

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2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

By Zach Vlasuk

KBB Expert Rating: 7.3

With appearances in over 150 movies and a reputation synonymous with celebrity glamour, the Mercedes-Benz SL is as much an international pop-culture icon as it is a classic roadster. All-new from the tires up, the 2013 SL-Class is underpinned by a highly rigid yet lightweight aluminum bodyshell that weighs some 300 pounds less than its steel predecessor. The result is a sharp-handling hardtop convertible that holds true to its "Sport Lightweight" moniker. While few vehicles can match the SL's stratospheric level of prestige, would-be rivals like the Porsche 911, Jaguar XK and the BMW 6 Series Convertible each offer varying degrees of performance, panache and luxury. But thanks to a new twin-turbocharged V8, industry-leading technologies and improved fuel efficiency, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is poised to once again redefine the meaning of grand touring.

You'll Like This Car If...

Well-to-do buyers in the market for a world-class retractable hardtop convertible will find a lot to like about the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Whether your preferences run to high-performance, impeccable craftsmanship, cutting-edge in-vehicle tech, or a mixture of all three, the SL-Class will satisfy even the most discerning drivers.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the SL63 and range-topping SL65 AMG models have enough horsepower to destroy a new tar job, hardcore automotive purists will likely prefer the superior handling characteristics and visceral sensation of the Porsche 911.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.3
Driving Dynamics

8.0
Comfort & Convenience

9.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.0
Value

5.0
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#3

out of 5

MPG

#4

out of 5

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is all-new inside and out. The trio of turbocharged engines receive notable bumps in horsepower, and despite the additional thrust, fuel consumption for the 2013 SL550 has been reduced by roughly 30-percent. Mercedes-Benz has also bolstered the SL's luxury quotient, as a host of exclusive creature comforts and infotainment services combine to create a new level of sophistication for the 60-year-old nameplate.

Driving the SL-Class

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Although the new electromechanical Direct-Steer system filters out more road feedback than necessary, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL still delivers a reasonably engaging driving experience. Grip is tenacious with the available...

Active Body Control system, which works to virtually eliminate body roll during enthusiastic cornering. Braking power is more than adequate, particularly so when outfitted with the race-inspired carbon ceramic setup (a $12,600 option). The adaptive suspension system provides exceptional traction and bump absorption without completely diluting the lines of communication between car and driver. The linear power delivery and seemingly endless torque of SL550's new twin turbocharged V8 make the high-performance AMG models a tougher sell than ever. Not surprisingly, the updated 7-speed automatic transmission is equally impressive on account of its well-timed shifts and smooth operation.

Favorite Features

MBRACE2
The 2013 SL is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to feature mbrace2, a 2nd-generation infotainment system that offers embedded emergency services, 24-hour concierge assistance and access to popular mobile applications such as Facebook and Yelp.

MAGIC VISION CONTROL
Designed to eliminate that split second of zero visibility created by the wide spray of traditional washer nozzles, Magic Vision Control sprays an even stream of washer fluid through – and just ahead of – the wiper blade.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Details

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

In the realm of 2-seat roadsters, the 2013 SL-Class simply has no equal when it comes to sheer opulence and spaciousness. With the hardtop in place, even six-footers will find ample headroom and legroom. The cabin is laden with the type of top-notch materials and exacting construction for which the Mercedes-Benz brand has earned its reputation. Perhaps the most appealing feature inside the SL-Class is what Mercedes-Benz calls Magic Sky Control, which allows the driver to alter the transparency of the glass roof with the touch of a button. In terms of storage, the SL offers roughly 10.2 cubic feet of trunkspace, enough to accommodate a large carry-on suitcase.

Exterior

The SL's innovative design takes an evolutionary step forward without compromising its heritage. Finely contoured sheet metal, prominent bi-xenon headlights with LED lighting accents, and fender-filling 19-inch wheels represent a modern take on the classic sports car aesthetic. As a purpose-built hardtop convertible, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class looks as stunning with its top up as down. The SL grants buyers significant room when it comes to personalizing the vehicle to suit individual tastes by offering bespoke options such as matte-finished paint colors and a wide variety of wheel choices.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

As one might expect of a vehicle carrying a 6-figure price tag, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class comes generously appointed in "base" form. Standard creature comforts consist of the aforementioned Magic Vision Control, driver-selectable adaptive suspension, solar-reflective leather seating, a power wind diffuser, and a 10-speaker harman/kardon surround sound audio system with navigation, real-time traffic and digital music storage via an integrated hard drive. Besides their more powerful engines, the SL63 and SL65 AMG models feature exclusive AMG styling adornments along with a performance-tuned suspension, exhaust system, brakes and transmission. Safety features include a full complement of airbags and electronic stability aids, roll hoops that automatically deploy in the event of a rollover, and a new Attention Assist feature designed to audibly and visibly warn the driver when the system detects irregular driving behavior.

Optional Equipment

Highlights from the SL's lengthy option sheet include front seat massagers, a power trunk that opens by waving your foot under the rear bumper, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, soft-close doors that essentially suck themselves shut, and the famed AirScarf system that gently blows warm air on your head and neck. Performance upgrades include the extreme handling poise of Active Body Control, a sport steering wheel and 19-inch wheels wrapped with high-performance rubber. We are, however, amazed to find such a mainstream features as keyless ignition/entry and a backup camera also relegated to the options list.

Under the Hood

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Engine photo

The 2013 SL550 packs a new twin-turbocharged V8 that stirs up 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the SL63 AMG gets you a larger and more powerful 530 horsepower twin-turbo V8, while the mighty SL65 AMG boasts a 621 horsepower twin-turbo V12 that churns out a whopping 738 lb-ft of torque. All SL models direct power to the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission, with AMG variants sporting a quick-witted automated manual version. In an effort to improve city fuel economy, every SL-Class includes a start/stop function that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop.

4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8
429 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg

5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8
530 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
590 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg

6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12
621 horsepower @ 4,800 rpm
738 lb-ft of torque @ 2,300-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/21 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just over $106,000, with the AMG-tuned SL63 and SL65 beginning around $147,000 and $214,000, respectively. A fully-optioned SL550 can push the $136,000 mark, while a loaded SL63 AMG comes in at a budget-bashing sticker price of $193,000. Key rivals from Jaguar, BMW and Porsche start in the $83,000 to $85,000 range, though none of which can equal SL's impressive roster of standard equipment. Before heading to the dealership, we suggest you take a look at KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price at the bottom of this page to see what buyers in your area are actually paying for the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Besting only the Jaguar XK in the residual-value sweepstakes, the 2013 SL-Class is projected to hold lower resale values than the Audi R8, BMW 6 Series convertible and the Porsche 911.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 16 Ratings for the 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.4/10

8th SL ... far and away the best .... true GT

By DoubleT (FL) on Tuesday, February 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "looks, ride, quality, room & technology"

Cons: "must be stopped to manually enter address on GPS"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This time I compared to a Maserati and Porsche. This is my 6th SL ... I have also had 5 Jag convertibles and a BMW 650. The Porsche had a weak engine sound, had an uncomfortable seat, no room for my golf clubs .... and while new for 2013 ... still looked like the aged porsche. The Masserati was just plain old. Sexy in appearance and sound, but reminded me of the first BMW 645. They discount these cars so the Maserati, Porsche & Mercedes were all within $5k. The Mercedes has a trunk that hold my golf back with the top down ... the distronics really works. The car is a low 4 second car to 60, but in florida, there are no winding mountain roads, so I did not rated any of the cars on cornering. The interior is great and the high tech the most intuitive of the bunch. My car has all the options including the spoiler on the trunk. What a car."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Superb road car, exudes quality and class

By GoBlue (CA) on Tuesday, December 27, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 38,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great fun to drive,"

Cons: "Only room for two!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The SL has always been a Mercedes icon. Owned for 3 1/2 years, European delivery, 100 on autobahn, rock steady, corners absolutely level, room for 2 for three weeks on road, assembly perfect, upholstery and fittings first-rate, fast (0-60 5.4 seconds) and braking top-notch. Quiet with top down, even at highway speed. No shakes, squeaks, rattles after 3 1/2 years. Mechanics and electronics totally reliable. Feels like carved from granite, but agile. Reasonable gas mileage (18 city, 27 highway)"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Sl550

By Foxy lauxie (Stlouis,mo.) on Monday, January 03, 2011

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

"I have never owned a car that I never want to get out of. The phone is so easy to use, hands free. A massage while driving is remarkable. I never tire of the sl550."

5 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Izollo

By Izollo (Hilton Head Island, SC) on Sunday, November 28, 2010

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 5/10

"I will never buy another Mercedes Benz auto. While the engine and transmittions are well made, I am shocked at how poorly the other elemens of the care are constructed. Additionally, the cost of replacement parts is unbelievely expensive. For example, distributor cap and rotor $365 and yes, you have two of them. EZL, $2800. AC cooler- $3800 Front bumper cover (painted) $2500. Keeping this car up is one of the worlds biggest rip-offs. Stay away from any Mercedes auto. My purchase of one was the greatest finanical move of my life. My SL500 is a 1994 model so I can not begin to think how much more expensive it would be to repair a newer model."

3 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Pretty close to nirvana

By The Wine Guy (Napa Valley) on Saturday, September 04, 2010

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

"The warranty on my 2006 M5 was about to expire which put in the market for a new car. There was no way I was going to keep the M5 without a warranty. The repairs thus far had been way too much if I had to pay them out of pocket. I stopped my the Mercedes dealer and they had a silver arrow edition SL550 that just looked gorgeous! Sporty, clean, sharp angles, silver with red interior and AMG wheels. I always thought of the SL has being a car for the more mature gentlemen however, I am sold on it and absolutely love it."

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AWESOME

By MBJUNKY (VA) on Monday, August 23, 2010

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

"Would NOT a change a thing. Excellent performance sports car. Drives like the wind. Is only happy at 70 plus so ensure you have your radar on. Interior to exterior every detail is covered. LOVE IT!! Also holds its value better than anything even the 911."

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