2013 Mercedes-Benz SL: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is an all-new sixth-generation model. Its headline change is a lighter, aluminum-intensive structure wrapped in a fully redesigned body and cabin.

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About the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL

6th gen (R231), first year of the redesign

Mercedes-Benz positions the SL as a two-seat luxury roadster that blends open-air driving, coupe-like comfort, and strong straight-line performance. Compared with a purer sports car, the SL puts more emphasis on quiet cruising, rich cabin materials, and technology, while still delivering serious power and rear-drive balance. Its core appeal is that it can feel like a grand-touring coupe with the roof up and a premium convertible with the roof down.

The 2013 SL is a two-seat luxury grand-touring convertible with a power-folding hardtop and a comfort-focused cabin. The SL 550 pairs a twin-turbo V8 with navigation and Harman Kardon audio, while the sharper SL 63 AMG has 530 horsepower. The returning SL 65 AMG sits at the top with a 621-hp twin-turbo V12 and Bang & Olufsen audio.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
The SL 550 gets a new 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 and a 7-speed automatic with stop/start. The SL 63 AMG replaces its previous 6.2-liter V8 with a 530-hp 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. The SL 65 AMG returns later in the model year with an updated 621-hp twin-turbo V12 and a 7-speed automatic.
Styling
The body, cabin, power-folding hardtop, and overall packaging are fully redesigned. The AMG versions also receive new, more aggressive exterior details.
Structural
A new aluminum-intensive body structure reduces weight compared with the 2012 SL. Redesigned packaging also increases cargo space from 10.2 to 13.5 cubic feet on the SL 550 and SL 63 AMG.
Tech
The power panoramic roof becomes standard. Remote start and ventilated front seats move from standard to optional equipment.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL specs and features by trim

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLSL 55011 in stock
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLSL 63 AMG1 in stock
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLSL 65 AMG0 in stock
EngineV8, Twin Turbo, 4.6LV8, Twin Turbo, 5.5LV12, Twin Turbo, 6.0L
TransmissionAuto, 7-Spd 7G-TronicAuto 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT MCTAuto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT
DrivetrainRWDRWDRWD
Fuel TypeGasGasGas
MPG City17 mpg16 mpg14 mpg
MPG Highway25 mpg25 mpg21 mpg
Horsepower429 hp530 hp621 hp
Torque516 lb-ft590 lb-ft738 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo13.5 cu-ft13.5 cu-ft13.5 cu-ft
Seats222
Doors222
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake
Active Lane Keep Assistance
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Alloy Wheels
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Close Liftgate/Trunk
Rear Spoiler
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Subwoofer
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Massage Front Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL compares

The biggest change for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL is that former Premium-package comfort and convenience features became standard, most notably on the SL 550. This is a light equipment update, not a redesign, and the engines carry over.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL a full redesign?

Yes. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL begins the sixth-generation R231 model line with a new aluminum-intensive structure, redesigned body and cabin, reworked power-folding hardtop, and updated engines.

How is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 different from the 2012 model?

The 2013 SL 550 is substantially different from the 2012 model. It has a lighter aluminum-intensive body, a new 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, a redesigned cabin, and more cargo room.

What changed on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG?

The 2013 SL 63 AMG moves to the redesigned platform and replaces the previous 6.2-liter V8 with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. Output rises to 530 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, and the car also gets new AMG styling and a redesigned chassis.

Did the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG return for 2013?

Yes. The SL 65 AMG returns later in the 2013 model year after skipping 2012, bringing a 621-hp twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 and a 7-speed automatic to the redesigned SL platform.

Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL still have a retractable hardtop?

Yes. Every 2013 SL retains a power-folding hardtop, but the roof and surrounding body are redesigned for the new generation. A power panoramic roof is standard for this model year.