Well, I picked up my new SL500 yesterday (silver/charcoal w. Sport option). Although I'm hoping to get an SL55 later this year, I bought this "just in case". I traded in my 98 SL500.

I'm flabbergasted at how nice this car is. Until yesterday, I had never driven one. Before dropping $104K (inc. taxes) on this puppy, I decided to drive it around the block. Wow.

This car is so incredibly superior to the old SL500. It feels about 1000 pounds lighter. Handles so much better--makes the old one feel like a fat bloated pig. It even feels faster, although I'm not sure how that could be the case, as the weights are the same and the motors are pretty much the same. The motor/transmission definitely provide a smoother power delivery, and feel more responsive. I do with the car had a bit more HP behind it, but I have yet to really push it, as the car only has 40 miles on it. The car is quieter than the old SL--top up or top down (not nearly as much road noise, even with the 18" tires), but has a much more aggressive sound coming from the exhaust (personally, I'd like even more).

The new SL doesn't provide that "magical" feedback that my F355GTS does, and I wouldn't call it a "sports car", but it's one impressive car. Responsive, fun to drive, comfortable. Give me an extra 200 horsepower, and I'd take it over a Ferrari no questions asked (especially at $100K cheaper than a 575).

The car is a marvel of technical sophistication, although it takes a PhD to figure out the COMAND system. The BOSE radio isn't as good as the old one either--DEFINITELY gone downhill there. I'm sure the M-L system on the Lexus totally blows this Bose away. Also, the seats aren't quite as "La-Z-Boy"-ish as the old ones--they're a bit more sporty, and if you're really, uh, portly...you may find them a bit tight.

All in all, this car greatly exceeds my expectations.

 

I can't quite put my finger on the 'problem' with the Bose system. In comparison to the older SL, it doesn't sound as rich, and doesn't have the bass response.

unrelated to the stereo, the new cupholders...bummer about those. Not sure what to do there.

 

The cup holders are rather small--they "pop out" from the center console, are are right next to the video screen and comand system.

My concerns are:

1) spillage (if something spills, it'll go right into all those expensive buttons)

2) capacity (the holders will hold a coke can, but I doubt they'd hold much bigger than that).

MB does include this clunky third cup holder--a bit of an afterthought. You hook it into the passenger seat. You can't really reach it, and it'll be in the way of any passenger that sits there.

 

Just came back from the MD dealer here in Scottsdale, AZ. They had 2 brand new SL500's - both bought by the same guy (Black one for him and the Red one for his wife). The Black SL had the start/stop motor button on the shifter..is this part of the sport package? The red one did not have the same option. Very nice looking automobiles. This guy ordered these cars 3-4 years ago. They have a 1.5 yr waiting list as of now. How long did you have to wait to have your cars ordered/delivered?

 

the wait list here in N. Cal is still about 18 months. The dealers are asking for about $25K over list price for "used" SLs with 100 miles or so on the ODO.

Keyless Go is a really cool option. I kinda wish I had ordered it.