Does it make sense to get one at 18-20% off?

Yes unless you really like the changes of the facelift and must haves.

I'm stymied re/2026 SL (55) and can't seem to find reviews for this specific model. All communication via text haven't visited dealer in person nor test drove. Inventory scarce. Salesman told me everything is discounted but only interested in SL. Not certain how much of a discount nor offer on trade in. Not enamored with the red interior (Pepper Red) -- think I'll ask if one w/black interior available.

Appreciate input/info - negative or positive. Thanks.

18-20% doesn't sound half bad after reading somewhere on this board (most likely under SLs -- not to savvy/neophyte here trying find my way around) that the buy backs were being discounted 30%. 30% is better but assume you're negotiating on a non buy back, whatever, correct term is. I prefer new one direct from dealer knowing service/guarantee, etc., applicable.

if you love the car.

Tempting to look at a 13 month lease. Seems like 13 percent is easily doable, 18-20 would be incredible. Some inventory and imagine deals will get better as we get closer to the 27 release.

The GM from my local dealer just offered, in writing, to waive six months of my lease payment, eat the remaining four payments (I have 10 payments left) and offered $16k off of a new 2026 S500. That’s around 18% off in total,

I placed an order for GT 55 from another dealership 50 miles away because my local one did not want to work with me for whatever reason. I kept getting Porsche dealer pay up, you’re not good enough vibes. But apparently, they came back with the above offer after the fact lol.

The 6 month payment accelerator is an incentive from MB right now, so he's not really "offering" anything there other than eating the 4 payments.

$16k + 4 payments = 18% off.

Congrats on the GT 55! It will be a great car since you were considering an RS 6 at some point. The Mercedes will likely be more luxurious. I assume you already test drove one and decided it is the appropriate vehicle for your needs. The W223 deal you were offered was great but assuming you got an amazing deal on the GT 55 so that's awesome as well.

Yeah I ordered a GT 55. I just posted that as an example of the discounts mentioned by the OP. They are real.

However, with that said, I would be tempted to get another similar model versus the 2027 star destroyer one because of how cheap they are, including the massively subsided lease rates they are offering right now (they are so cheap), and the fact I like the looks of the current one better.

Good data point on a 2026 even. I’ve been running into walls getting more than 13 percent off on 2025s that lose lease support on Thursday.