Jblackbelt

So next saturday, we are planning to test drive an SL 550 and a GL 450 as possibilities to replace our GX 470. I know they are two totally different cars, but we would to maybe get a convertible for fun. If thats the case, I can just get an AWD (S550 4matic, A8L, or LS 600hL) when my 750Li comes due. I wanted to get your opinion on how the SL drives, espcially how it does in the snow. Is there room for anything in the back (dog, child, etc), and can we fit groceries in the trunk if needed?

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks

Sgooter

No accommodations for a child in the rear area behind the seats, and I would not recommend placing a dog there either. The rear area is just for a little extra storage -- it has two small storage bins, no seats nor seat belts. The trunk has a good amount of room for a roadster, so several bags of groceries can be loaded in there with ease.

Jblackbelt

i see...are there even seat belts back there? how does the car do in bad weather like snow? also is it true it does not have adaptive headlights?

jmf003

Nope, no seat belts in the back. Just a parcel shelf and, possibly, a few inches behind the seat depending on your adjustments.

No adaptive headlights, either.

I would never drive my SL in the snow. Never, ever. It would probably do okay with good snow tires, though.

Jblackbelt

if there is an emergency, and my 4wd cars are out, I may need to take it. Probably won't happen, but you never know.

hows the handling on it. Is it easy. My wife has a bad back, she can't sit for long, and needs a car with easy steering, and one that is very comfortable for her back. Although a convertible is probably not the way to go, we are trying it anyways, so I'd love to hear your opinions on this also.

jmf003

My car is the SL55 AMG rather than the SL550 so there are a handful of differences.

The retractable hardtop is the same on both and it is simply marvelous. Top down in good weather. Hard top up in cold or wet weather. With the top up, it feels like a coupe rather than a convertible. It's like having two cars in one.

Steering requires only a light touch, so your wife should have no issues there.

I find the seats outstanding but not everyone does. The AMG seats are more firm than the standard. You'll want try them out to be certain.

My take on winter driving is that the issue is tires. I (and a lot of people) keep high performance summer tires on the car. They're not very effective on snow and ice. You could install all season tires instead but with some reduction in dry road performance. Or you could install snow tires for the winter if you don't mind swapping back-and-forth every fall and spring.

vraa

Jblackbelt: What is your wife looking for?
Lexus light, BMW light (lol), Mercedes light?

My dad got my mom an X5 which she hated, way too rough. It became my car and then she got an LS430. Now she's got an LX470 and I drive the LS430.

She can drive the SL fairly easily, haven't heard any complaints from her. Is your wife Lexus soft? Or BMW soft (lol, hard).

Jblackbelt

well thats the thing, we aren't sure what she can handle. she hates bmw's cause of her experience with her x5. the lexus gx 470 is good (actually is easier then the x5 for her to control), and my son and i are hoping she can handle getting in and out of the sl, and that she feels comfortable in it, as then he and I will have a toy in the summer. She's not biased twoards any of the brands. but shes not sure what type of car she wants another suv or a convertible (only hardtop, she refuses softtop so its between the sc 430 and sl 550)

CY

SC 430 should not be an option IMO....its on its last legs.

lkirchner

I had an SC430 that I traded on my SL55. The SC is like all other Lexus cars---soul less. However my wife truly loved the car. If I were making the decision it would be a no brainer, get the SL.

blazinginder

get the SL with the Dynamic Multicontour Seats...which is basically an
automatic pulsation of the central lumbar support within each seat that helps relieve lower back fatigue. In addition, seven pneumatic chambers help with support and comfort.

Jblackbelt

dynamic would be a nobrainer, definately... i think the option im not sure about getting is P2, over p1...the pulsating wouldnt be good for her back though due to her situation. im hoping she will like the SL the best. thanks for the advice, ill let u know how she likes it. we r slated for 930 for a test drive of the SL and GL

dogma

I found the Pulse option on my SL doesn't do a whole lot. I liked the option in the 750Li, much more active.

Jblackbelt

i love the option on the 750li, but my wife deos not. its ashamed they removed it from the passenger seat though.

dogma

You could look at the new R class! That way you could experience what a funeral director does when driving a hearse.

Jblackbelt

haha. i dont think i want a minivan thanks. im excited for the test drive this weekend though. its been years since i had an SL

RENNtech-er

We have an '04 SL 600 with the AMG sport package as my wife's car. She had extensive back surgery (with permanent steel rods) some years ago but has no trouble with the SL seats or ingress/egress. She does use a small back support cushion when sitting anywhere (not just in the SL). These are readily available for around $40.

Jblackbelt

she uses a cushion to, mostly for sitting in cars, as otherwise she sits in her recliner does your wife have any trouble getting into the car?

AMG 17GT

I have to say that getting into the car is more like a pre-planned fall

Jblackbelt

haha... well i hope its not that way for her...otherwise she will rule out the convertible, and she seems to like the RX 400h cause it has an h, and im not a big fan of it. i love our gx, but not an rx

Jblackbelt

well the gl is to big. ill start it off by saying that. but we loved the Sl, and theres a very good chance we may get it depending on lease price. we are between capri blue and alblaster white both with stone leather. if anybody has pics of capri blue that would be great. ive seen the white, but pics of that are apprecaited to, but id really like to see what the blue looks like on the car as i dont trust the mb site to accuartely represent it.

AMG 17GT

What did they capitalise the sl at and for what term are you looking to lease?

Jblackbelt

only test drove, nothing on the pricing side yesterday. will probably aim between 36-48 months.