2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Priced at $105,550
![2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.newsday.com%2Fimage-service%2Fversion%2Fc%3AMDQ2MTNmMDUtNGZmYy00%3AMDUtNGZmYy00M2Q1NjY1%2F2013-mercedes-benz-sl-class.jpg%3Ff%3DLandscape%2B16%253A9%26w%3D770%26q%3D1&w=1920&q=80)
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Credit: Handout
When the redesigned-for-2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 goes on sale in May, it will start at $105,550, excluding an $875 destination charge, about $2,000 more than the 2012 version.
Notable updates to the hardtop convertible include a body made almost exclusively out of aluminum, a new powertrain and more standard safety features, such as a drowsiness detection system and adaptive brakes.
The outgoing SL started at $103,650 and was powered by a 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-8. It's replaced by a 429-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V-8 with standard stop/start functionality for added fuel savings.
The new engine offers 12% more horsepower and 23% more torque than the outgoing power plant, Mercedes says. The automaker also expects the new convertible to be more fuel efficient than the 2012 model, which is EPA-rated at 14/22 mpg city/ highway.