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SL550's Interior - Aesthetic, Stylish, Sporty
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 combines its finely honed profile with a luxurious
feel. Premium materials, perfectly finished with great attention to detail
define the style and character of the interior.
Compared with its predecessor, the new-generation SL is much longer (+1.97
inches) and wider (+2.24 inches), providing more room for greater comfort in the
interior, too. Shoulder room (+1.46 inches) and elbow room (+1.10 inches) have
been increased, exceeding the norm for this class of vehicle. Clear lines create
a coherent look & feel in this comfortable interior. A generous sweep of fine
wood trim extends from the center console across the dashboard into the doors,
creating a pleasant wrap-around effect. A choice of two wood trims is available.
Perfectly in tune with the roadster's character, the interior combines the
unpretentious atmosphere of a high-performance sports car with the comfortable,
stylish ambience you might expect from a luxurious touring car.
Powerful V8 Engine in the New Mercedes SL
The new V8 in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 develops 429 hp from its displacement
of 4663 cc, which is around 12 percent more than its predecessor despite some
0.8 liters less displacement. Fuel consumption has been reduced while at the
same time the torque has increased from 391 lb-ft to 516 lb-ft - a gain of 32
percent. The engine features an ECO stop/start function as standard equipment,
while the 7-Speed Driver-Adaptive automatic transmission has been optimized for
fuel consumption and comfort. The fuel economy of the direct injection engine
does not detract in any way from the roadster's sporty character. Quite the
opposite in fact - the SL550 takes just 4.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph - eight
tenths less than the previous SL550.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is Lighter and More Rigid
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous letters "SL" - sporty,
lightweight - quite literally. Weight reduction across the board is one of the
most outstanding design characteristics of the new SL, as was the case for its
namesake, the original SL of 1952 with its lightweight tubular frame. For the
first time, Mercedes-Benz has implemented an all-aluminum bodyshell in a
series-production model. Only very few components are made from other materials.
The designers used even lighter magnesium for the cover panel behind the fuel
tank and roof. High-strength steel tubing is integrated into the A-pillars for
added safety.
The new aluminum bodyshell weighs around 242 pounds less than it would using the
steel technology of its predecessor.
In terms of rigidity, safety and comfort, the aluminum structure is superior to
the previous model's steel construction. One contributing factor is its
intelligent lightweight construction with components optimized for their
specific task. As a result, diverse processes are used to make different kinds
of aluminum depending on component use. The parts are made by chill casting or
vacuum die casting, worked into extruded aluminum sections or into aluminum
panels of varying thickness. The outcome - high rigidity and excellent safety
combined with low resonance and vibrations.
The new SL is even more comfortable and has more assistance systems on-board
than its predecessor, sacrificing some of the weight saved through the aluminum
bodyshell as a result. Nevertheless, the scales show some astonishing readings -
the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 weighs around 275 pounds less than its predecessor.
This is due to a host of other intelligent details that Mercedes-Benz has also
implemented in the new SL in addition to the aluminum bodyshell.
Agile Suspension
Powerful acceleration, effortless at all speeds, nimble on winding roads - the
new SL delivers outstanding driving pleasure. As well as a powerful engine, the
SL550 boasts a fine suspension that is both sporty and comfortable, and also
features intelligent lightweight construction. The steering knuckles and
suspension arms on the front axle, for instance, are also made from aluminum to
reduce the unsprung masses. The same applies to virtually all the suspension
components on the rear axle.
The 2013 Mercedes SL is available with two different suspension systems - with
the Agility Control Suspension as standard equipment. The ABC (Active Body
Control) suspension system is available as an option.
Both suspension variants are combined with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer
system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio that can be varied
in accordance with steering wheel angle. This provides excellent directional
stability and safety when traveling at highway speeds, and adds to the SL's
agility. It also reduces the amount of steering effort required when parking and
maneuvering.
Retractable Hard Top
The sixth generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL also offers a retractable hard top
that can be operated using a space-saving electrohydraulic mechanism, converting
the SL from coupe to roadster and back again in a matter of seconds. In contrast
to its predecessor, the new SL offers two versions of the retractable hard top -
glass or the unique panoramic roof with Magic Sky Control. The transparent roof
switches between light and dark at the push of a button. In the light setting it
is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather.
In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from
heating up in bright sunlight. The frame of both versions is made from
magnesium, reducing weight by around 13 pounds compared with the outgoing model,
lowering the vehicle's center of gravity and delivering greater agility.
The engineers have refined the operating mechanism for the roof and trunk lid.
It now takes less than 20 seconds to open or close the roof completely.
Magic Vision Control
Magic Vision Control is a new, intelligent and highly efficient wipe/wash
system. The innovative wiper blade judiciously dispenses wash fluid just in
front of the wiper blade via channels integrated into the blade - in both
directions of travel. The result is no water splash on the windshield to disrupt
driver visibility and a perfectly clean windshield. The water also stays on the
windshield, with no risk of overspray into the passenger cabin when the roof is
down. A fully heated wiper blade is included as standard equipment, preventing
the build-up of snow and ice on the blade in winter. This heating function also
allows warm water to be applied directly onto the windshield for the first time,
even in cold temperatures.
Hands Free Access
The Hands Free Access system is another Mercedes-Benz innovation that provides
easy, hands-free operation of the trunk lid. The driver simply moves their foot
in the vicinity below the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz is the only car maker to
offer a system that not only automatically opens the trunk lid but closes it as
well.
Standard: Attention Assist and Adaptive Brake
A unique combination of driver assistance systems in the new Mercedes-Benz SL
helps prevent accidents. These include the drowsiness detection system Attention
Assist and the Adaptive Brake, both of which are standard equipment. The latter
features ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR) and active yaw control, and offers
comfort and convenience functions in addition to safety features.
Pre-Safe Brake - Autonomous Emergency Braking
Optional equipment includes Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control with Pre-Safe
Brake, which is already well proven in other Mercedes-Benz models. The systems
use radar sensors to detect the serious risk of a rear-end collision. The
Pre-Safe Brake warns the driver and can initiate autonomous braking if the
driver fails to react, thus either preventing the accident or at least
mitigating its severity. Pre-Safe can also activate occupant protection
measures.
Active Parking Assist
Active Parking Assist is new in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. Using ultrasound
sensors it can identify parking spaces and automatically steer the vehicle into
the selected space.
Infotainment
Comand with Internet access capabilities and DVD changer is standard equipment
in the new SL. It provides Web browsing while the vehicle is stationary, along
with access to Mercedes-Benz Apps - such as Google Local Search, Yelp and
Facebook - with a paid subscription to Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 in-vehicle
connected services after the complimentary trial period ends. There are also the
options to send individual routes to the vehicle from Google Maps and
destinations from iPhone and Android phones using the Mercedes-Benz mbrace
Mobile App.
The Comand system features a high-resolution 7-inch TFT color display (800 x 480
pixels) next to the instrument cluster. This screen arrangement helps to avoid
driver distraction.
2013 Mercedes SL Edition 1
To coincide with the launch of the 2013 SL, Mercedes-Benz will also be offering
a special-edition model, the "Edition 1", for a limited period. The "Edition 1"
is superbly equipped and comes standard with AMG 19-inch alloy wheels, designo
exclusive leather with contrasting topstitching, AIRSCARF, the Harman/Kardon
Logic7 surround sound system and much more. The designo crystal silver magno
special paintwork is available exclusively for the "Edition 1". Interior
upholstery is designo classic red/black exclusive with designo black piano
lacquer wood trim.
The 2013 SL550 will be available in U.S. showrooms this spring.
Mercedes-Benz SL550: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications