theine

Forget about carrying people in your car, I never do, so don't give this issue a consideration.
Just for the cars alone, which one would you pick and why.
I am being tempted to cancel my SL55 order and change it for a CL55.

awiner

Do you want/need a convertable ? That is probably the most obvious difference.

theine

Don't wan't or need a convertible, even tough I am in Florida.

FInality

I'd say the SL. Even though the CL is a real Beauty the model is being replaced shortly.

bt1340

I have had the pleasure of ownership for 300 or so miles on my 03 CL55 and can't say enough. I am pleased and very happy each time I drive the car. I drove an 03 SL500 not a 55 and decided on the CL, this was when I was deciding on a replacement for an 00 SL500. I just was not that impressed with the new SL, beautiful it is, just did not give me that great feeling when I drove it. Get the CL, I will bet you won't regret it . BTW this was my first time with the keyless go- great it is-would not be without it!
Whatever you decide, I am sure you will enjoy.

smc22

I have had many cl500's and an 03 sl500 sport after 5,000 miles and agreat summer with the car I still wanted another cl500, so
I ordered a cl500 03 love it then realized how easy it is to buy a cl55 in wich i am geting 4-5 weeks. If you are in and out of your car alot on a dailey bases the sl will be little tougher to deal with. But once your in the car it's set up really nice everything is at your finger tips.The ride is excellent,the sound system is great,the options are great mine had the sport pkg. pano top,active seats,v60 phone, but it also had alot of rattles in the top panel???? the didn't really fix all the little problems with the car to my satisfaction, also the tire pressure monitoring was always giveing falt codes on the dash cluster. The cl's i have had almost no problems at all other than tire pressure monitoring, you know that's one option I am not getting this time.

theine

This would be the main reason not to get the the SL. The CL is a coupe and therefore should be more solid. I can't stand rattles, clicks, etc., which I have on my CLK after lowering it.

victoryroad

I have an 02 CL500 Sport and expect my 03 CL55 in a week or so. I have not driven the SL55 but have driven my wife's 03 SL500 Sport and far prefer the CL, even for Florida, which is where we have both cars. The SL definitely feels much lighter than the CL, but even with the top up and the windows closed the road noise is intrusive, at least compared to my CL. The SL with the top down and the wind screen installed is pleasant, but top down driving can be limited and on the interstate it is not great. Of course, the top is easy to operate, but I found myself putting it down and up a lot in Florida in Feb. In Miami 03 SL's are getting to be quite common, while there are far fewer CL's. As a practical matter, the CL is easier to live with as a daily driver. It has much more space inside, is much more comforatble for drives of a half hour or more, especially on the highway, and has better brakes. I am not impressed with the Sensotronic brake system. As for performance, the CL55 will be within a tick of the SL form 0 to 100 and because it has a lower Cd of 0.29 compared to the SL's 0.30, it should perform at least as well at high speed, although that is theoretical for me. Neither car is intended for the track, so if you want to track a car get something else.

theine

You are the perfect example, at least for Florida. You bought yourself a CL and for your wife you got...........an SL. You have no idea how many female driven SL's are around here!
It is a fact that the CL is more exclusive.

smc22

If I had more time to type or the patience i would have replied almost the same way as victoryroad. When i went to the dealership to pick up my sl there was a cl there and i said to my salesman that's my next car and he responded what you mean. Well it only took 4 months and summer is over for me to order a cl in wich i will keep longer than that. That's the choice if you drive enough you will realize that.