New '08 CL65 for 12% off MSRP?
Perhaps a datapoint of high-end consumer recession? Or is the codgerly, tacky quilted leather and wood steering wheel a non-starter for <75yo buyers and/or those w/semi-decent taste?....Or is this copy's mysterious lack of std Distronic/BrakeAssist (and presence of archaic, low-rent Parktronic "bulletholes") forcing greater disctg???

Makes scenario of '08 CL65 w/10-15K mis trading in for $100K in Fall08 seem rather plausible....if new 65s need >12% discts to sell, imagine the discts that a used 65 buyer will expect....
Given the travails of the real estate mkt, perhaps some developers in FL, etc should bundle a free new CL65 w/purchase of one of their unwanted houses/condos....help clear the mkt of both unwanted new 65s and real estate....

But I am also glad they are dropping really fast in value because that makes these cars very affordable to a large new market within just a year or so of first sale date
I think the economy has the most to do with it. Those other issues (distronic and parking sensors) are either negotiating points or really minor annoyances. Apparently, the interest in the car is not there at this point. I think from the cars standpoint (aside from the economy) the biggest detraction to the W216 CL65 is the carry-over powertrain. Not that I don't love the engine....but if I was going to drop $200K on a totally new model....I would want the powertrain to be an evolution over the last. Instead, the car weighs more with an admittedly better chasis. However, that by itself will not get the buyers to rush into the dealership.
Can you imagine Ferrari carrying over an engine from the predecessor model to the new model? No...Ferrari is always innovating and perfecting their technology in functional design, chasis, transmissions, engines and even quality of interiors. I think if MB is going to target the same market they should use the same tactics (the potential CL65 buyer is not comparing a Ferrari for this purchase, but they probably own one and respond well to the same ethos).
Tom
I'm not sure that they have sold any since I bought mine in September!








Your local Naperville dealer is also pretty aggressive too.
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I recall from earlier threads that it happened before (i.e. on the previous CL-model) that standard-features - in that particular case, the ventilated seats, weren't included. It was some sort of 'pre-production' car. MB sells those cars as well but they have to indicate the fact that it's a pre-production model. Other CL65s I've seen so far do have Distronic as a standard feature so I guess this must be an early production exemption..
I recall from earlier threads that it happened before (i.e. on the previous CL-model) that standard-features - in that particular case, the ventilated seats, weren't included. It was some sort of 'pre-production' car. MB sells those cars as well but they have to indicate the fact that it's a pre-production model. Other CL65s I've seen so far do have Distronic as a standard feature so I guess this must be an early production exemption..

Something tells me that this is NOT a coincidence..

Since the listing disappeared, I'm not sure if they mentioned the lack of Distronic and the strange thing about the Parktronic-holes.

I can only agree to stay away from this dealership - especially when purchasing a 65.
Last edited by FloridaE55; Jan 11, 2008 at 08:24 PM.




