Vehicle Tested
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class SL65 AMG (6.0L 12-cyl. Turbocharged 7-speed Auto)
Driven On
3/12/2013
Ratings Summary
The ultimate version of the ultimate sport-luxury convertible costs a prince's ransom. But if you can afford it, there's no better way to bend time and space to your will while traveling in complete luxury.
A
Performance
The game-changing 7-speed transmission makes even better use of one of the most powerful engines in the world. Handling and braking are shockingly good considering this is no lightweight sports car.
| Acceleration |
A
|
Without even trying, the SL65 wills itself to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. The power delivery of the twin-turbo V12 is electric-smooth, feels limitless. |
| Braking |
A
|
Confident and powerful brakes are able to withstand repeated, heavy use without loss of performance or stability. Optional carbon-ceramic brakes only necessary for track use. |
| Steering |
B
|
Friction-free and precise steering is appropriate for a grand tourer, but it lacks the tactile feel and feedback that dedicated sports-car junkies are looking for. |
| Handling |
A
|
With its standard active suspension, this SL's ability to grip without excess body roll is impressive. It's easy to settle into a brisk pace on a twisting road with confidence. |
| Driveability |
A
|
The SL65 has an ability to mask its impressive feats of performance with a silky-smooth drivability. It has a wide range of talents that make it great in all conditions. |
A
Comfort
The sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz SL is how the jet-set travel when they must get around on terra firma. As such, it provides an uncompromisingly smooth ride, quiet cabin and seats that pamper until the tank is empty.
| Seating Comfort |
A
|
Standard 12-way adjustable leather seats massage, are heated, ventilated and respond to cornering and emergency maneuvers. They should be classified as in-car entertainment. |
| Ride Comfort |
A
|
With standard Active Body Control, the SL's ride comfort is suited for long, smooth highway journeys as well as trips through downtown's potholed streets. |
| Quietness |
A
|
Left in Eco mode, the engine shuts off at a stop and outside ambient noise is held at bay. Yet, even at a 70-mph cruise, our instruments showed the SL65 to be very quiet. |
A
Interior
The SL's interior blends old-world craftsmanship with new-world tech in a way that few makers can. There's more room than most 2-seaters, and its magic hardtop convertible is quick and versatile while still allowing for luggage access.
| Ergonomics |
A
|
Within the realm of 1-knob multi-controllers, M-B's version is reasonably intuitive. Other controls, such as HVAC, are natural in operation and logically located. |
| Ingress/Egress |
B
|
The long doors can cause difficulty in narrow parking stalls. Programmable, automated motorized seat/steering wheel help with driver ingress-egress in this regard. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
The SL's cabin is airy despite narrow footwells. There's enough seat travel and headroom for tall occupants, plus a decent parcel shelf behind seats. Good small storage nooks. |
| Visibility |
A
|
The push-button dimmable-glass hardtop has slender pillars offering good outward visibility. Standard rearview camera, blind-spot monitor and lanekeeping help further. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
For a roadster, the SL offers good cargo capacity and storage. With the top up, it holds 13.5 cu-ft of luggage, 8.5 cu-ft when the top is stowed. The cabin has good small storage. |
| Convertible Top |
A
|
The SL's one-touch retractable hardtop is still one of the best. For the SL65, it features standard push-button tinted glass. A special feature allows luggage access with top down. |
B
Value
It's hard to imagine a $200K car being a good value, but the SL65's all-inclusive impeccable engineering, impressive comfort, standard equipment and off-the-shelf performance usually come as a la carte options in other cars in this class.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
A
|
Every material and surface is of high quality and each switch, knob, rocker and hinge operate with a well-oiled and substantial action. Paint and body panels are also impeccable. |
| Features(vs. $) |
A
|
Since the SL65 is essentially offered with every available Mercedes-Benz feature as standard equipment, this thing is expensive. But you get what you pay for right up front. |
| Cost |
B
|
About average for this elite class of vehicle. |
| MPG |
B
|
You can expect about 17 mpg in mixed driving like we did, but the twin-turbo V12 is capable of stretching that up to about 21 mpg on the highway with cruise control. |
| Warranty |
B
|
With so many manufacturers offering up to 100,000-mile warranties, a 4-year 50,000-mile (with Roadside Assistance) warranty seems rather weak for such a well-built machine. |
| Ownership |
B
|
Scheduled maintenance is determined by your driving habits, but is not included in the lofty price. Yet, most dealerships offer free pick-up/drop-off or loaner-car services. |
A
Fun To Drive
Accelerating to warp-speed to enter a freeway, cruising along the coast with the top down, or snaking up a mountain road, the SL65 always manages to put a smile on our faces. Few cars offer this much fun in as many environments.
| Driving Experience |
A
|
Every drive has a sense of occasion and is cause for celebration. You don't just drive an SL65 as much as it drives you and your mood. |
| Personality |
B
|
Sophisticated, superior, elegant and supremely capable, but the SL65's styling is sedate. At this price, some cars appear more exotic if that's what you're looking for. |
