Wolfman

Just looked at the official Mercedes pricelist for the SL600 for Germany and guess what...

The SL600 is just 1500 Euro (about$1600) more than the SL55 in Germany, but has many options included that need to be added to the SL55, such as Parktronic, Bi-Xenons, Comand with CD changer.

Adding options to the SL55 results in the SL600 to be about $2000 cheaper.

Mercedes has just published its new prices it Germany on February 10, 2003 and it will be interesting to see how MBUSA prices the car for the US. Looking at the CL & S class, the difference in price between the two models is more.

To me this looks like Mercedes positions the SL55 & the SL600 as equal price choices for different client demographics.

The german magazine Auto Motor Sport also published a first test on the SL600 and describes it as smooth and powerful. It also has steering wheel paddles and it seems that the weight is nearly identical with the SL55 (actually 5kg lighter).

I also still see the plastic instrument hood on the dash like the SL500

Wolfman

theine

I'll stick with the SL55, just because is an AMG.

AMGBENZ

If you want the SL600 to have the ground effects and wheels of the SL55 you will have to add the $5000.00 sport package to SL600. Did you figure that in price? I think the SL55 is the way to go if you want more sport out of the SL.

AMGBENZ
2003 (SL55 AMG Ultra Metalic Silver Docking at port 2/20/03)
2000 ML430

blueSL

Just as we have expected all along - the SL55 and SL600 will appeal to different segments. I'm pleased to have the SL55, ruffled leather on the door inserts does not set my pulse racing...

Compared to the previous list, the SL500 and SL55 are up 2000 Euros each, about $2150. Since the dollar and the UK pound have each declined significantly over the past 6 months against the Euro, a price rise for both the UK and US has to be on the cards.

Wolfman

I didn't. The car already has 18" staggered wheels unlike the standard SL500 and there is a real question who would buy the sport package on a SL600 (different demographics). Most of the old SL600's were sold without the package until it became standard.

Btw, personally I am not that impressed with the sports package on a non-AMG Mercedes. The car still sits higher than the SL55, still has two pipes, this ugly black rear bumper insert (instead of the metal mesh) and sports relatively boring 5 spoke AMG rims. I certainly like the launch edition or the SL600 rims better and for that matter, the old SL AMG rims. Certainly not worth $5K as the standard SL bumpers and cladding are actually quite nice

There are also other options included on the SL600 which you could deduct, like the wood steering wheel/shift knob and the exclusive leather. Just consider it a wash...

Wolfman

Mike P

Wolfman/others: Please comment or elaborate on the difference in demographics for SL55 vs SL600 buyers. Demographics for any SL buyer would be interesting. I'm a member of MBCA, the demographics that I observe/presume are NOT what most would expect.

Mike P
R230 V12 on order(AMG if available in USA)

AMGBENZ

I would say MB markets the SL 600 to a slightly older sophisticated gentleman than than the SL55 AMG.

The SL600 will have a liquid smooth acceleration, the SL55 engine being more edgy.

Also the SL600 customer is more low key on the race look, but wants the best MB can produce.

That is who I think the SL600 is going for, but if a V12 AMG comes out that will be a draw from the SL55 customer.

Just my crazy 2 cents

2003 SL55 AMG (Landing at port in MD on 02/20/03)

AMGBENZ

Also, Iam on the board of the Western Reserve Section, MBCA

what section are you from?

AMGBENZ
Brian DiPasquale
MBCA

blueSL

There's a lot more thought behind those MB promo pictures than meets the eye but it explains the target market the company is aiming at. There is not, for example, a child or pet in sight. Two point 4 children, Irish Wolf-Hound? Trailer? Forget it! Mistress? Maybe...

The SL600 pictures show a guy in his 50s driving where the SL55 AMG show two guys in their thirties. Other shots of the SL500 show a woman driving with a male passenger - that says something all of its own. This is a car for successful independent women. Either that, or she's the dutiful wife who's been to the restaurant to pick hubby up after a night on the town.

The SL600 is aimed at the more mature guy who wants the best MB has to offer. The SL55 is aimed at a rather younger market - people who (as we see on this board) might otherwise go and buy a Ferrari/Porsche/Aston and the rest.

The SL600 is for people into Bordeaux and gold Rolexes. The SL55 is for people into Sauvignon Blanc and Rolex Daytonas. Or have I completely lost it now? Quick, fetch the men in white coats!!