Test drove the new 2013 SL550
05-25-2012, 10:59 AM
#1
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Test drove the new 2013 SL550
This is a really nice car. Love the new engine with 429hp. The three suspension settings improve the performance greatly. The vario pano roof shuts out the sun electronically, eliminating the shade curtain. The fit and finish of the body and interior is typical MB and unmatched. Would I trade my Porsche 911 for this outstanding car...............an absolute no. Why? Because it is a touring car and not a sport car.
What this car did for me, was confirm my plan to order the 2014 CLS 550 4Matic next April. The new 429hp engine should make this car perform like a great GT comparable to the SL, with space for four. Something to look forward to.
K-A .....your comments.
PS The SL had the stop and go feature where the engine turns off in the traffic. It is seamless. You never feel or hear the engine restart when you push down on the gas pedal. The fuel savings soothes the conscience for the 429hp. It's difficult being a greenie.(wink,wink)
What this car did for me, was confirm my plan to order the 2014 CLS 550 4Matic next April. The new 429hp engine should make this car perform like a great GT comparable to the SL, with space for four. Something to look forward to.
K-A .....your comments.
PS The SL had the stop and go feature where the engine turns off in the traffic. It is seamless. You never feel or hear the engine restart when you push down on the gas pedal. The fuel savings soothes the conscience for the 429hp. It's difficult being a greenie.(wink,wink)
Last edited by petee1997; 05-25-2012 at 11:02 AM.
05-26-2012, 04:48 AM
#5
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I turn off ECO Button each time I start the engine ,however I gotta say you don't feel it stops the engine and restarts it
It's a very subtle feature though . I have noticed W204 also comes with that
It's a very subtle feature though . I have noticed W204 also comes with that
05-26-2012, 07:11 AM
#6
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Sounds great. The engineering and (all aluminum) materials that went into the construction of this vehicle make it perhaps the most advanced vehicular body to ever grace the roads. I can imagine how amazingly it must drive. I like the exterior, though there are some quirks like the odd headlights and things that make me wonder if I'll really fall for it or "like it but not truly love it" type thing.
The interior was top notch indeed. I was banging compartments shut, slamming the door, trying to generate even a bit of vibration.... nothing. Everything felt granite solid, very classically-authentically M-B inspired, as a true M-B should, and like old M-B's, and the new generation M-B's alike are feeling and built. Only thing about the interior I didn't like was the cheap headliner (totally unbecoming for a car with such an exuberant price tag of over $120K). It is the exact same headliner that my dads '05 CLK Convertible has.
Anyway, I hope to drive one soon. I can imagine that motor, on top of that chassis, is a wonder.
The interior was top notch indeed. I was banging compartments shut, slamming the door, trying to generate even a bit of vibration.... nothing. Everything felt granite solid, very classically-authentically M-B inspired, as a true M-B should, and like old M-B's, and the new generation M-B's alike are feeling and built. Only thing about the interior I didn't like was the cheap headliner (totally unbecoming for a car with such an exuberant price tag of over $120K). It is the exact same headliner that my dads '05 CLK Convertible has.
Anyway, I hope to drive one soon. I can imagine that motor, on top of that chassis, is a wonder.
05-26-2012, 08:08 AM
#7
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2012 CLS63
wow, putting KA on the spot........and KA replies!
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05-26-2012, 03:35 PM
#8
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05-26-2012, 03:38 PM
#9
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05-26-2012, 05:50 PM
#10
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My thoughts exactly. The new soon to be released S class sedan will remain steel bodied so maybe it will get lots of extra grunt? Maybe a typo?
Last edited by RJC; 05-26-2012 at 06:10 PM.
05-26-2012, 06:27 PM
#11
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This is a really nice car. Love the new engine with 429hp. The three suspension settings improve the performance greatly. The vario pano roof shuts out the sun electronically, eliminating the shade curtain. The fit and finish of the body and interior is typical MB and unmatched. Would I trade my Porsche 911 for this outstanding car...............an absolute no. Why? Because it is a touring car and not a sport car.
What this car did for me, was confirm my plan to order the 2014 CLS 550 4Matic next April. The new 429hp engine should make this car perform like a great GT comparable to the SL, with space for four. Something to look forward to.
K-A .....your comments.
PS The SL had the stop and go feature where the engine turns off in the traffic. It is seamless. You never feel or hear the engine restart when you push down on the gas pedal. The fuel savings soothes the conscience for the 429hp. It's difficult being a greenie.(wink,wink)
What this car did for me, was confirm my plan to order the 2014 CLS 550 4Matic next April. The new 429hp engine should make this car perform like a great GT comparable to the SL, with space for four. Something to look forward to.
K-A .....your comments.
PS The SL had the stop and go feature where the engine turns off in the traffic. It is seamless. You never feel or hear the engine restart when you push down on the gas pedal. The fuel savings soothes the conscience for the 429hp. It's difficult being a greenie.(wink,wink)
05-26-2012, 07:01 PM
#12
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!
05-26-2012, 07:15 PM
#13
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It will be the standard V8 for NA in the Fall of 2013 on 2014 models. The new engines will be introduced in Europe next Spring.
My guess is MB wanted the SL to be new standard to kick this off since it is a new generation car.
The nice part is that this engine is more powerful and more fuel efficient at the same time.
Technology is boosting output by leaps and bounds. BMW now has a 2.0L 4 cyl tt that develops 241hp and is 27% more fuel efficient than the 6cyl it replaces.
My guess is MB wanted the SL to be new standard to kick this off since it is a new generation car.
The nice part is that this engine is more powerful and more fuel efficient at the same time.
Technology is boosting output by leaps and bounds. BMW now has a 2.0L 4 cyl tt that develops 241hp and is 27% more fuel efficient than the 6cyl it replaces.
05-26-2012, 07:22 PM
#15
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I've been told the new engine is a single turbo as opposed to twin turbo with the same block plus different tuning and fuel delivery.
05-26-2012, 10:41 PM
#16
"The perfect complement to the lighter, tighter body of the SL is its new-generation V-8. Twin turbos and an abundance of advanced technology deliver 429 hp, 32% more torque and 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds†, all with earth-friendlier efficiency and emissions."
05-27-2012, 12:27 AM
#17
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The current SL engine has 516 lb ft and the 510 HP was from this months Automobile magazine on the soon to be released S class.
I did read something about a single turbo too just can't remember where...
I did read something about a single turbo too just can't remember where...
Last edited by RJC; 05-27-2012 at 12:30 AM.
05-28-2012, 02:07 AM
#18
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Does anyone know what the prospects are for this engine making it over to the E550? I guess it is unlikely in the near future as the "new" E550 engine is supposed to be around 429 HP.
