2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class vs. Its Competition

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The Mercedes-Benz SL Class has always been the standard-bearer in the luxury-convertible class.

It's seen some inroads from the likes of the BMW 6-Series, which has grown out of its gawky stage into its newly smoothed shape, and has taken on the SL's folding hardtop with a choice of coupe or convertible models, as well as an M edition in the works.

The Jaguar XK and Maserati GranTurismo are the stunners in the class, gorgeous cars at a standstill or in motion, with elegant interiors and in the case of the Maserati, a real, adult-worthy back seat, as well as exceptional performance--particularly with the Jaguar XKR coupe or convertible.

For something more technical, more extreme, and more overtly performance-minded, there's always the Porsche 911--brand new this year, longer, wider, more capable, and more technologically endowed than ever before.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
Browse Used Listings		2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe M Sport package2013 BMW 6-Series
Browse Used Listings		2013 Jaguar XKR Coupe2013 Jaguar XK
Browse Used Listings		2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet2013 Porsche 911
Browse Used Listings		2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport2013 Maserati GranTurismo
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.4
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class toughens up its image and its handling, but still feels more content as a grand touring grand dame.
8.8
With the addition of a new four-door Gran Coupe and M6 Coupe, the 6-Series lineup covers the full range of personal luxury, from soft and elegant to sharp and athletic.
9.2
Raising pulses and generating sheer envy: it's all in a day's work for the gorgeous, sublime Jaguar XK.
9.0
Still a tremendous value, the 2013 Porsche 911 range offers a great balance between dedicated sports car handling and daily practicality.
8.8
Earthy exhaust tones and serene handling carve out a distinctive niche for the fabulous Maserati GranTurismo.
MSRP From    
$105,500$74,900$79,000$82,100$126,000
Gas Mileage    
14 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy14 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy13 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy
Engine    
Turbocharged Gas V8Turbocharged Gas I6Gas V8Gas Flat 6Gas V8
EPA Class    
2 SeaterCompact CarsMini-CompactMini-CompactSubcompact Cars
Style Name    
2-Door Roadster SL 5502-Door Coupe 640i2-Door Coupe Touring2-Door Coupe Carrera2-Door Coupe GranTurismo Sport
Drivetrain    
Rear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity    
24444
Passenger Doors    
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style    
ConvertibleCoupeCoupeCoupeCoupe
Transmission    
Automatic w/Manual ShiftAutomatic w/Manual ShiftAutomaticManualAutomatic w/Manual Shift
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class vs. 2013 BMW 6-Series2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class vs. 2013 Jaguar XK2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class vs. 2013 Porsche 9112013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class vs. 2013 Maserati GranTurismo