2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: What Is It

The sixth-generation of Mercedes' iconic 2-passenger sports car. From Hollywood to Wall Street, the SL is a vehicle for those who have made it and want to show it.

The SL is larger than the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and about the same size as the ultra-high-end Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. SL has a power-retractable hard top. We would consider its rivals to be the BMW 6-Series, Jaguar XK Series, and Porsche 911.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: What's New

The SL's history dates back six decades. It's not redesigned very often, but that's the case for model-year 2013. It doesn't look a whole lot different than the 2012 version, but it's actually about 2 inches longer and wider. The body has been re-engineered to make use of aluminum and high-strength steel, leading to a weight savings of more than 200 pounds.

New and revised engines are designed to be more powerful while using less fuel. Some features introduced on the 2012 SLK make their way to the flagship SL.

 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Model Lineup, Features, and Options

Mercedes-Benz is performing a gradual rollout of the 2013 SL. The first models to reach dealerships will be the "base" SL550. Due a few months after, are the high-performance SL63 and SL65, both of which come from the brand's AMG performance division.

As far as standard equipment goes, it's rather comprehensive. On the SL550 you get leather upholstery, heated seats, driver-seat memory, a navigation system with music hard drive, genuine wood trim, steering-linked bi-xenon headlights, and a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The latest version of Mercedes' COMAND interface offers web applications, including Google Local searches and access to Facebook.

Newly available on the SL is Mercedes' MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which is basically adjustable tinting for the roof's panoramic glass panel.

Options on the SL550 include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, keyless entry/engine start, rearview camera, front- and rear-obstacle detection, ventilated seats, Mercedes' AIRSCARF neck-level heater, performance brakes, a wood/leather steering wheel, and high-end Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The optional Active Body Control includes revised suspension hardware and tuning with new dampers designed to reduce body lean in turns by up to 95 percent based on driver-selectable settings.

A final list of standard and optional equipment for the SL63 and SL65 was not available at time of writing.

 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels

We can tell you what powers each of the three 2013 SL-Class models. The 550 gets a brand new 429-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 engine. The SL63 has a new twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 with 530 horsepower. Carrying over is the SL65's twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 with a massive 621 horsepower. The SL550 and SL65 have a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 63 gets a 7-speed automated manual that behaves like an automatic.

All SLs are rear-wheel drive.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Fuel Economy

EPA estimated for economy for the SL550 is 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway, which is a 2 mpg improvement over the 2012 model.

All SL-Class models require premium-grade gasoline.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Safety Features

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has the usual complement of expected and federally mandated safety features. Driver and passenger knee airbags are standard. Additional available safety features include blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning and prevention, pop-up rollover bars, active head restraints, and Mercedes' mbrace2 assistance system.