The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster represents a harmonious blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology. This model year continues the SL lineage’s tradition of open-top driving pleasure combined with Mercedes-Benz’s renowned engineering and sophistication. Let’s delve into the specifics of what makes the 2014 SL550 a standout vehicle in its class.
Standard Features of the 2014 SL550
The SL550 is generously equipped right from the base model, ensuring a premium experience for drivers and passengers alike. Key standard features include:
- Wheels and Suspension: 18-inch wheels provide a balanced stance and ride quality, complemented by a driver-selectable adaptive suspension system. This suspension dynamically adjusts to road conditions and driving style, offering both comfort and sporty handling.
- Lighting and Visibility: LED running lights enhance visibility and add a modern aesthetic. Active bi-xenon headlamps improve nighttime driving safety, and automatic high beams intelligently switch between high and low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers. A panoramic glass roof panel brings an open and airy feel to the cabin, even with the top up.
- Convenience and Access: Keyless ignition/entry simplifies vehicle operation. The self-parking system assists in maneuvering into tight parking spaces. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for both occupants.
- Seating and Interior Comfort: 12-way active “multicontour” power seats are a highlight, offering heating, ventilation, four-way lumbar adjustment, massage functions, and memory settings. These seats are designed for exceptional comfort, especially on longer journeys. Sun-reflective leather upholstery helps to keep the seats cooler in sunny conditions. A power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel adjusts to the driver’s preferred position, and auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors reduce glare.
- Technology and Entertainment: A rearview camera enhances safety when reversing. The power trunk lid with a foot-activated sensor allows for hands-free trunk access, a particularly useful feature when carrying items. A power wind deflector minimizes cabin turbulence when driving with the top down. The AirScarf neck-level heating system is a signature SL feature, blowing warm air onto the neck and shoulders of occupants for comfortable top-down driving in cooler weather.
- In-Car Technology Suite: The SL550 boasts a comprehensive technology package including Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity for seamless smartphone integration. The COMAND electronics interface serves as the central hub for vehicle controls and infotainment. A navigation system is standard, along with voice controls for various functions. Audio enjoyment is provided by a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, complete with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, HD radio, digital music storage, and an iPod/USB media interface.
Available Options and Packages for the 2014 SL550
For those looking to further personalize their SL550, several options and packages were available:
- Sport Wheel Package: This package enhances the sporty character of the SL550 with 19-inch wheels, high-performance tires for improved grip, upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power, and a sport steering wheel for a more tactile driving experience.
- Active Body Control Suspension: An upgrade from the standard adaptive suspension, the Active Body Control (ABC) system uses hydraulic pressure to actively counteract body roll in corners and maintain a level ride, further enhancing both handling and comfort.
- Napa Leather Upholstery: For an even more luxurious interior ambiance, Napa leather upholstery was offered, extending leather coverage to additional areas of the doors and console.
Stepping Up: The SL63 AMG
The 2014 SL lineup also includes the high-performance SL63 AMG variant. This model takes the SL experience to another level with significant upgrades:
- Performance Engine and Transmission: The SL63 AMG features a more powerful engine and a sport-oriented transmission, delivering exhilarating acceleration and responsiveness.
- Sport Exhaust System: A sport exhaust system not only enhances engine performance but also provides a more aggressive and engaging sound.
- AMG-Specific Chassis and Styling: 19-inch wheels are standard, along with Active Body Control suspension tuned for more aggressive handling. Upgraded brakes provide the necessary stopping power for the increased performance. Various sporty styling flourishes differentiate the SL63 AMG visually.
- AMG Interior Appointments: Inside, the SL63 AMG features AMG Napa leather upholstery and carbon-fiber interior trim, which could be replaced with wood trim at no additional cost depending on preference.
- AMG Performance Package (SL63 Only): For ultimate performance enthusiasts, the AMG Performance package further boosted power and torque, increased the top speed, added a limited-slip differential for improved traction, included a carbon-fiber engine cover, red-painted brake calipers, a special steering wheel, and offered an even more aggressively tuned suspension setup as an option.
Shared Options Across SL550 and SL63 AMG
Certain premium options were available for both the SL550 and SL63 AMG models, allowing owners to customize their vehicles with top-tier features:
- Bang & Olufsen Sound System: An upgrade from the Harman Kardon system, the optional Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker surround-sound audio system delivers an audiophile-grade listening experience.
- Soft-Closing Doors: Soft-closing doors add a touch of luxury and refinement.
- Magic Sky Control: The adjustable glass roof transparency, known as “Magic Sky Control,” allows drivers to darken or lighten the panoramic roof at the touch of a button, controlling the amount of light entering the cabin.
- Night View Assist: The Night View infrared camera system enhances safety by improving visibility in low-light conditions.
- Driver Assistance Package: This package bundled several advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigation system with automatic braking, blind-spot assist, and lane-keeping assist.
The Pinnacle: SL65 AMG
At the top of the 2014 SL range was the SL65 AMG, representing the ultimate in performance and exclusivity:
- V12 Power: The SL65 AMG is equipped with a potent twin-turbo V12 engine, delivering immense power and torque.
- Exclusive Wheels: It features 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, also optional on the SL63 AMG.
- Comprehensive Standard Equipment: The SL65 AMG included most of the SL63 AMG’s standard upgrades and all of the shared options available for the SL550 and SL63 AMG, making it a fully loaded luxury performance machine.
AMG Exclusive Options
For the AMG models (SL63 and SL65), further performance-oriented options were available:
- Carbon-Ceramic Brakes: Carbon-ceramic brakes offered superior braking performance and fade resistance, especially beneficial for track driving or spirited road driving.
- AMG Performance Media: AMG Performance Media provided a collection of performance gauges and measurements displayed on the COMAND screen, allowing drivers to monitor vehicle data in real-time.
- Exterior Carbon Fiber Package: This package added various carbon-fiber styling elements to the exterior, enhancing the sporty appearance.
Stand-Alone Options for All 2014 SL Models
Regardless of the specific SL model, a few stand-alone options were available across the range:
- Wood and Leather Steering Wheel: A wood and leather steering wheel added a touch of classic elegance to the interior.
- SplitView Display Screen: The SplitView display screen (availability may have been limited) allowed the driver and passenger to view different content on the central screen simultaneously.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL550, along with its AMG siblings, offered a compelling combination of luxury, performance, and technology. Whether opting for the well-equipped SL550 or the high-performance AMG models, buyers were presented with a range of choices to tailor their SL to their specific preferences and driving needs. This model year solidified the SL Class’s position as a premier luxury roadster.
