Mercedesfan

In the past week I was at two different Mercedes dealers in two different parts of the country (US) and both had launch edition 500 CLK Cabrios on their floor and available at MSRP. This would have been unheard of when the 500SL launch edition arrived at dealers less than two years ago.

Did Mercedes make a mistake waiting until Fall to bring out the cabriolet? Has the economy made the cabriolet less in demand? Is there overall disappointment that the cabriolet does not have the folding hardtop as had been expected? Do buyers shy away from designo Mocha colored launch editions?

Somehow I suspect its not limited to the launch edition. I overheard one salesman comment that he had three firm orders for CLK Cabriolets which had deposits on them for over a year and all three buyers have now backed out. (Admittedly, neither of these dealers were in the usually hot Florida or California markets.) What is the experience of others - is the new CLK Cabriolet hot or not? Is it commanding a premium anywhere outside of Hollywood and Palm Beach?

gbahri

Im in florida and there is a waiting list with my dealer and they are selling it 500 over msrp.

Mercedesfan

Wow, I am surprised that even in Florida the CLK Cabriolet is being offered so close to MSRP. I guess the days of five to ten grand over to get the first of a new Mercedes convertible are over.

internet_mafia

The launch of the new CLK Cabrio will never be that big of a deal in comparison to the launch of a new SL500/55. When the SL came out, folks were paying 20-30k over sticker for bragging rights. Traditionally, the SL has been reserved for the big shots. I doubt you'd ever see any celebrity pulling up in a CLK Cabrio!