scmguru

I'm really starting to warm up to the CL class and a local dealer has a CL500 sport I can get at or a bit below MSRP.. I REALLY want a CL55..

Is the difference that pronounced, enough to warrant waiting a year?

awiner

The answer is "YES" ! The wait is worth it as long as you do not need to purchase right away.

The CL500 with all the options added that a CL55 comes with puts you real close to the CL55 price.

Drew

And ... the new 450+ hp engine; plus the (rumored) interior and/or exterior 'changes'.

I took a neighbor's CL500 Sport for a spin today. Man, now I'm seriously considering trashing the SL500/55 plans for now and going with the 'new and improved' CL55 next year.

young

so am i! i liked the new SL a lot but having seen both, the CL is very very sweet! since i'm dreaming, i'm getting both!

btw, i'd be happy w/ the CL500 and SL500. but i want the SL w/ the panoramic moonroof.

awiner

What did you think compared to the E ?

JamE55

Get the CL55!! It's AMG!!

victoryroad

It is probably worth the wait for the '03 CL 55, which will be materially more powerful than the current version. However, the difference in price between the '03 CL 500 Sport and the '03 CL 55 will be much greater than the roughly $5,000 difference for the '02 models. Of course, there will also be some body modificaitons on the '03. I love my '02 CL 500 Sport and would have ordered a 55 had I any idea when I ordered it in Oct of '00 that I would get it in Sept '01 because the difference in price was small given the options on my 500. When my wife's new SL is delivered this summer, I will order the more powerful '03 CL 55. If by that time I learn that the new 55's will be the same as the current, I will wait until the more powerful version is available.

Drew

Much smoother ride (obviously); Much more luxurious; the CL seemed so much wider than the E (seemed to be more cabin space); and WAY too slow!!!

So: you were right ... its still AMG for me. The only problem now is to figure out which 'wrapper' its gonna come in! (life is a b i t c h sometimes)

Adam: do you have any information about the rumored changes to the '03 CL (ie. next generation AMG/interior/exterior?)

awiner

As of right now it is just that. A rumor. RAB from FJ Mercedes comented on a facelift for th 2003 S class, but was unaware and had not heard anything about a face lift on the 2003 CL class. This leads me to be skeptical if we will see a face lift in '03 or maybe later on in '04.


Yup.... I figured you would feel this way. The difference in the 500 vs a 55 engine wise is a real difference. Espically when you plant your right foot and feel the torque that the AMG engine lets loose.

Mr. Xristo

Trashin the SL55? How come? or is it a personal preference?

Drew

No, No ... not trashing the SL as a car ... just trashing 'my plans' to get one ... and for more practical reasons (at least to me).

I really need rear-seat capability (mother-in-law won't fit in the trunk)

Seriously, she will fit, but all that screaming from the trunk cuts into my enjoyment of my Sinatra CD's

No, I have a 5-month old ... so I need a car that can accomodate that. Although we don't know for sure ... Adam and I did some 'unscientific' research (looking at a lot of pics) and have determined that there appears to be no functional/safe way to attach a baby-seat to the rear bench on the SL.

My personal opinion has always been that the CL is the prettiest car I've ever seen, and couple that with the next-generation AMG engine ... I accomplish my goal of a new, functional AMG ride ... that doubles as a safe ride for my son too. So, I'll make do without being able to drop the top. For now.

Don't know if I asked b/4 or not, but where in S. FL do you live? (You can email me if you want).