2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster new car reviews

Opulence and speed. This drop-top Benz has both, and it's got gizmos up to the gills. The sunroof even has a "Magic Sky" feature: The glass acts like a one-pixel liquid crystal display, turning from clear to almost opaque with the touch of a button. If you're caught in the rain with the top down, retractable roof deploys in less than 15 seconds.

Its twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 4.6-liter V8 makes more torque than peak horsepower, which makes for effortless passing and high stoplight-to-stoplight speeds. No manual transmission is available, but it does have a 7-speed automatic that can be shifted with the steering wheel paddles.

All this equipment in a stylish body and a well-appointed cabin means a high price. This one touched down in real high-roller territory: $124,935.

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Other staff views

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens
Editorial Director

If I won the lottery, you know, there's much worse ways to get around. This way is stupid-fast, comfortable and looks like a million bucks without being too over the top.

I gave it five stars across the board. Yes, I know it costs more than a '95 Neon but, still, it's a six-figure Benz that delivers as promised.

Alan Cesar
Alan Cesar
SuperDork

It's a two-seater, but it's almost certainly derived from something that suits more passengers: There's an unreachable vestigial cup holder positioned far back in the center console.

Silliness aside, this isn't a sports car like I was expecting. It's a boulevardier. The powerband is low, so streetable torque is great but revving it out is unsatisfying. The paddle shifters feel slow and soft for a car this pricey. The exhaust is very quiet--this car could benefit from an exhaust that opens up when you drop the hammer, like the Corvette's.

This big Benz turns heads, is certainly comfortable and feels opulent, but it's something to be seen in rather than wail on a track.

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Comments
tuna55
tuna55 UltimaDork
3/12/13 11:40 a.m.

Did it really say 4001 lb!?!?!?!

Alan Cesar
Alan Cesar Dork
12/10/13 12:00 a.m.

Opulence and speed. This drop-top Benz has both, and it's got gizmos up to the gills. The sunroof even has a "Magic Sky" feature: The glass acts like a one-pixel liquid crystal display, turning from clear to almost opaque with the touch of a button. If you're caught in the rain with the top down, retractable roof deploys in less than 15 seconds.

Its twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 4.6-liter V8 makes more torque than peak horsepower, which makes for effortless passing and high stoplight-to-stoplight speeds. No manual transmission is available, but it does have a 7-speed automatic that can be shifted with the steering wheel paddles.

All this equipment in a stylish body and a well-appointed cabin means a high price. This one touched down in real high-roller territory: $124,935.

Like what you read here? You can get a whole magazine full of these types of articles delivered to your home or shop 8 times a year. Subscribe now or visit the Grassroots Motorsports online store for back issues.

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