Wondering if any SL owners have the same impressions that I did.

I went to the local dealer to look at the new 09 SLs. I currently own a 2007 SL550 50th, and had owned both a 05 and 03 SL500.

But the car did nothing for me. The new style wasn't ugly by any means, but in my mind it was NOT an improvement. After a test drive, I told the saleman that I just wasn't interested.

For me, my 2003 and the 2007 SL550 50th both had me say "I gotta have it". The 2009s just didn't.

Any prospective buyers feel the same way??

 

2009 was a gov't regulation restyle. MB took a award winning design and changed parts so they could sell the car in Europe. I understand why they had to change, I just don't understand how anyone could say they like it as much or better then the original. MB will spend big $$$ on advertising and on car mag. writers trying to get them to say the new design is this or that. I think a persons gut tells them if it looks good/better/best. I think it looks like a Michael Jackson nose job

 

That is only part of the story, the other reason was to bring the SL's style in line with the rest of the lineup, as the peanut headlamps are being phased out across the lineup.

Mercedes doesn't spend money on car mags for their opinions, otherwise some of them wouldn't be calling the facelift worse looking than the original. Some like it, some don't.


M

 

I'm sure there is even more to the story then we have both mentioned. Bottomline not an improvement from a looks standpoint. I am sure the next total redesign will be a knockout. Will have to wait and see.

 

To me, the new 09 SL looks too much like an SLK from the front. No thanks.

 

Totally disagree with you all...it's a fabulous car...so there

 

I am trying to like that airplane wing in the grill.

 

Agreed! And who could like the cheap looking black plastic fencing in the grille. WHAT were they Thinking????

 

It does have quite an "ewww" and "what the f.....Factor" though.

 

Probably explains why the selling price (in central CT) dropped from MSRP a month ago, to a $7k discount now. And why they have 4 cars in stock. yikes!

 

Agree. Saw one in the flesh for the first time the other week and while it isn't quite as ugly as I thought it would be, it did nothing for me.

 

The new grill reminds me of my younger days when I got wings for flying on Delta and American Airways. I am saddened that MB is trying to make the car gaudy and stand out in the crowd by having a macho look.

The old R230 has an elegance factor to the car. It was beautiful and elegant. Now the new modal is trying to portray a macho image.

 

I agree, it does nothing for me. MB has made it too busy and have tried to morph angles with curves. To me the 03-08 has it all. It just flows; looks like it is going fast when parked.
BTW, I saw a new Chrysler convertible and I was mistaken for a few seconds and thought it was a a new SL, HA
As with most changes, we will get used to them, but classic styling as with this model, 03-08, will continue to wow them, imho

 

I think the comments speaks for themselves. It sucks. The cheap plastic black grille and the airplane wing in the front will make you go from wood, to limp asparagus.

What is up with all of this cheap plastic coming on cars (especially MB's, BMW's, Aston's and others) these days?

 

Having said all that, I just went to the dealer with my wife and a friend and they both liked the '09 ten times better. Personally, I like both stylings. I definitely think the side view of the '09 portrays exactly what MB was trying to do, which is make the car look "tougher".

 

I also have a Corvette. An '07 Atomic orange vert. I would like to trade it in on a 2009 SL. I'm on my 4th new Vette in 10 years and need something different. How do you compare the two cars?

 

Two totally different cars
Two totally different buyers

Usually, if you like one, you will not appreciate the other.

 

doesnt modt of the new MB cars have plastic grills?
when i was messing around in the dealers i noticed that the GL had a cheap plastic grill....

also whats this gov't regulation redesign?

 

[QUOTE doesnt modt of the new MB cars have plastic grills?
when i was messing around in the dealers i noticed that the GL had a cheap plastic grill.... QUOTE]

On the older SL design the plastic grille was mostly descreetly hidden. On the new design it is quite prominent. Does not make a good first impression, as it looks like a $10 item. Even my Honda Pilot's grille looks better, IMO.

 

I saw my first 09 (an SL63) on the road the other day. While I don't think the car is particularly photogenic or a head-turner on the showroom floor, it has considerable road presence.

I also believe that current owners of the 03-08 tend to lose their objectivity. When I look at the car, for example, I look at it in the context of the older model and just see where MB replaced certain parts (body panels, dials, etc.) so it gives me the impression of a kit-car enhancement. A non-owner wouldn't see it that way so it works better as a whole for the general public.

I don't mind the front grill, although it looks like they ripped off Acura:



The parts I don't like are the side gills (they just like retarded) and I think the old sport package rear diffuser looks much nicer than the new one.

 

Check out this car. It does not need wings to fly.

http://www.ferraricalifornia.com/webapp/

 

About 200 square feet of plastic fencing

 

Looked at the 09 and was not impressed. I just took delivery of an 07 SL550 Pewter with only 780 miles and haven't thought twice. Saved a bundle as well ..

 

Actually it looks like they went back to the legendary 300SL and designed the grille after that. Don't compare MBZ to Honda.

 

Total BS.............both great cars