NEXTBENZ

Okay, here we go again with narrrowing down my choices. It's now a war between a CL or SL in which I would trick out either with the works - bodykit, wheels, interior, and would probably go with the 55 or 600.

In terms of the following attributes, which class takes the cake, cost no object:

1) Styling
2) Dominant, masculine road presence
3) Exclusivity
4) Resale value

[The only thing that makes the comparison unfair - no back seats in the SL...unless I get a sedan in addition, but that's a hassle and unnecessary expense].

JFawwaz

1. Styling: SL wins.. newer design
2. Dominant, masculine road presence- CL hands down. the SL is almost a chick car.
3. Exclusivity- hard decision but im biased towards the CL
4. Resale Value-

victoryroad

I responded to your question before, but want to note that I have not seen anything specific on the details of the interior of the new CL, especially how they might differ between the CL 55, which I have ordered, and the CL 600 or 500. They may be the same as the 02's, with no difference between the 55 and the 500. I asked my dealer the other day if they had the 03 CL brochures yet and they did not.
I am inclined to agree that the SL does not have the masculine presence as the CL, and I say that because recently my CL Sport was valeted in in front of two new SL Sports, but it is really splitting hairs to make much of that distinction. They are both beaufitul and I expect, enduring designs.
BTW, the bids on ebay for SL 55's are generally over $150k. If, indeed MB will make only 500 a year, that is a reasonable number, but how sure is anyone that the limit is 500? The same kind of comments were being made about the exclusivity of the 996 Twin Turbo with X50 power kits last spring, but by August they were widely available at MSRP or below in 03 models on a custom order basis with minimum wait time of a couple of months.

theboogers

i have both the cl and the 2003 sl. the cl has no room in the back for guest from out of town. my wife hates going to dinner with other couples because the rear seats are so tight and hard to get out of. the sl is smaller and more fun to drive. the cl is more comfortable of a ride but the handling is not a good as the sl. i will get a ml for four doors and keep the sl and cl. i have a 2003 cl on order and am considering changing to the s55. it would be best to get the sl and keep a 4 door for the guest visits.

victoryroad

There is no question that it is easier to enter and exit the rear seats of the S class than those of the CL, which I have had for a year now. Unless the passengers have a physical impairment, there is no real problem, in my experience, plus there is plenty of room in the rear seats of the CL. Yes, the SL feels much lighter than the CL, although in fact it is less than 100 lbs. lighter, at least in the 500 versions of each model. Our SL 500 arrives in Jan and our new CL 55 in Feb or March. I would not get the ML, but will keep our BMW 740i for driving in the Boston winter. The SL will stay in S Florida for most of the year. BTW, the X5 or 745 is my preference when I trade the 740, although the 4matic S class may be of interest.

benznut

If I had the means, my garage would include:

S 600 TT Mocha Black Designo (if still offered), Sport
SL 55 AMG Obsidian Black/Black, Panorama Roof, all options
CL500 Black/Black Sport

theboogers

need a 4 wheel drive not a 740 for winter. forget the x5 unless you have long arms and short legs. feel like a mini van seating. had one sold it right away. hated the seating and no arm rest.