DecodedCars2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Sl550 2dr Convertible, Sl63 Amg 2dr Convertible, Sl65 Amg 2dr Convertible
- Engines
- 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 181.9–182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,935–4,299 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a two seaters offered with 3 engines (4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,935 lb (Sl550 2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 9% worse than the 2013 two seaters average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file.
What changed for 2013
- New body dimensions: 2.4 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engines added: 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 5.5L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 17 to 20
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 SL-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sl550 2dr Convertible | 181.9 in | 74 in | 52 in | 101.6 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,935 lb | 50/50 |
| Sl63 Amg 2dr Convertible | 182.3 in | 74 in | 51.2 in | 101.6 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 4,068 lb | 50/50 |
| Sl65 Amg 2dr Convertible | 182.3 in | 74 in | 51.2 in | 101.6 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 4,299 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL550 | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 448 |
| SL63 AMG | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -13% | $4,350 | 468 |
| SL65 AMG | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -22% | $4,850 | 537 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Recalls (1)
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner · Oct 1, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V478000 · 432 vehicles
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2013 SL-Class vehicles manufactured from December 19, 2011, through May 31, 2012 originally equipped with R1234yf refrigerant. Daimler AG (DAG), the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, conducted product testing of a vehicle, not sold in the US, but equipped with the same refrigerant. According to Mercedes-Benz, the testing was designed to replicate worst-case conditions expected in a severe frontal crash that would cause a rupture of the air conditioner refrigerant line. A rupture of a refrigerant line will result in a gaseous mixture of refrigerant being released into the engine compartment.
- Risk
- The testing conducted by DAG determined that the escaping R1234yf refrigerant may ignite under specific conditions. The resulting fire could spread to additional combustible materials.
- Fix
- Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the R1234yf refrigerant with R134a along with new refrigerant lines (hoses) designed specifically for R134a. The remedy will be provided free of charge. The safety recall began on November 8, 2012. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Not every 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other SL-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 SL-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 SL-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 SL-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 SL-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 SL-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 SL-Class | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 SL-Class | 22 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 SL-Class | 23 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 SL-Class | 23 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →