SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: No chance for XLR

Old Apr 14, 2003 | 10:03 PM
  #1  
Dema's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 3
From: California
i535
No chance for XLR

Sorry if already discussed here.
I've seen pictures of new Cadillac XLR, which supposes to compete with SL. What was my disappointed, it looks like Cadillac has no chance. Look at that:

I do not like angle of central console, too much plastic and fake aluminum. Something from boombox look.
Exterior is also not so elegant:
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2003 | 06:22 AM
  #2  
Bilal
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Goodness me!

That first pic is an INSULT to TOP GUN!
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2003 | 10:33 AM
  #3  
blueSL's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
What a truly horrible car. It does not even begin to compete with the SL and any one who seriously believes it does needs to go lie down in a darkened room. Mostly wishful thinking on the part of the GM execs who signed it off.

On the other hand, the Chrysler Crossfire has been well received over here, Mercedes DNA present with a fresh design. Question is, will they be able to build it properly?
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2003 | 10:53 AM
  #4  
Wolfman's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,540
Likes: 3,671
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally posted by blueSL
On the other hand, the Chrysler Crossfire has been well received over here, Mercedes DNA present with a fresh design. Question is, will they be able to build it properly?
I guess they will build the Crossfire properly, given that it will be build in Germany (at Karmann in Osnabrueck) and not in the US. 39% of all of its parts come from the SLK anyway (engine, transmission, chassis and safety components). It's really a german car with american design...

Wolfman
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2003 | 04:34 PM
  #5  
vraa's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
Can you say fugly? This isn't even a cool looking car! What's with all that empty space to the right of the shifter?
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2003 | 05:40 PM
  #6  
internet_mafia's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
The only thing that I can say to its defense is that at least it has a tv.

But seriously, no one in their right mind would pass up on a SL500 for that "wannabee SL". Everytime Cadillac attempts to conjure up their "MB Killer", it always backfires on them. I am writing this off as another sad attempt to compete with european superiority.

Cadillac needs to fire their whole design team.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2003 | 09:22 PM
  #7  
Beltfed's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 0
From: NY
14 'E550
Re: No chance for XLR

Originally posted by Dema
[B]I do not like angle of central console, too much plastic and fake aluminum. Something from boombox look.
Wrong, the Aluminum is real (give GM a little credit, the car is $75k), the rest is leather and wood.....and of course plastic.

The XLR is going to retail for about $11k less than the base SL500,......we'll just have to see how it performs against it. I'm guessing its going to be very good since its based off the new Corvette C6 platform.

Remember, SL500 reviews are good, but not glowing. Don't count out the XLR out as of yet (it has RWD, electric folding hardtop, advanced V8).

I happen to like the Style, its low and mean....Silver or black will be very nice on the XLR.

Last edited by Beltfed; Apr 15, 2003 at 09:25 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2003 | 10:18 PM
  #8  
JackStraw's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
Like Beltfed, I am not ready to write an epitaph for the XLR. While I am not a big fan of Cadillac's new angular looks (I find the styling a bit cartoonish just as I do Bangle's feline headlights on the new BMWs) some people do and view the new look as a way of breathing fresh life into the moribund nameplate. The XLR is not bad looking when viewed in the context of the new Cadillac lineup, but it is not in the same league as the SL or other competitors such as the Maserati, Jaguar or Porsche. I for one hope that the vehicle is reviewed favorably and is successful in the marketplace. Only this will encourage continued investment in the development of performance vehicles by US makers.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 15, 2003 | 11:41 PM
  #9  
internet_mafia's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
The sad reality is that Cadillac does NOT have a good track record of its cars maintaining value. Even their top of the line models depreciate like rocks in freefall. If I were to put $70k+ on a car, the safest bet would be the SL. After two years, the SL500 would be around $60-65K. The Cadillac on the other hand, would be around $35-40K. I expect sales to be slow or non-existent being that people in the US are image driven and do not look to Cadillac for prestige.
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2003 | 12:30 AM
  #10  
Beltfed's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 0
From: NY
14 'E550
Originally posted by JackStraw
but it is not in the same league as the SL or other competitors such as the Maserati, Jaguar or Porsche.
I assume you mean styling wise? Because the Maserati is definitely not a competitor, the Spyder is not far off from $100k (and it has a cloth soft top). The Jaguar XK8 is old news, I would rather have the XLR (the XKR is in a different playing field). Porsche 996 a competitor? I don't think so, not too many people are going to cross shop a Porsche and a Cadillac (Sport vs. Luxury). Not to mention, a Porsche 911 Vert is about $90K+. I see the XLRs primary competition as the SL500, XK8, and SC430.

Agreed though, I hope the Caddy does well and lives up to being the new Cadillac flagship.

Last edited by Beltfed; Apr 16, 2003 at 12:33 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2003 | 07:22 AM
  #11  
JackStraw's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
Yes, I meant styling.
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2003 | 04:25 PM
  #12  
vraa's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
Does anyone thing that this car looks JUST like an Escalade version of the SL?
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2003 | 03:09 PM
  #13  
SL Shank's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
The console looks like my bedroom stereo system. GM Designers need to hire some talent. This will be another failure like the allante. Does this come with a retractable hard top like the SL?
On second thought, who cares. Good luck to GM.
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2003 | 01:15 PM
  #14  
nicosusername's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 891
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Read sig
who cares about the looks by itself...

look at the company C-A-D-I-L-L-A-C
that explains it all american car

the only thing i like is the DVD thats it :p
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2003 | 11:04 PM
  #15  
vraa's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
Originally posted by SL Shank
The console looks like my bedroom stereo system. GM Designers need to hire some talent. This will be another failure like the allante. Does this come with a retractable hard top like the SL?
On second thought, who cares. Good luck to GM.
I think it does come with the retractable hardtop, 20 second i think, not sure.
Reply
Old May 18, 2003 | 08:57 AM
  #16  
Mellow's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Sudan
2003 Toyota Prado
They can throw in all the goodies they want to GM cannot hide their flimsy plastic and do not havve the slightest idea on how to make a quality interior, i mean look at the corvette, i luv it but one look at the interior the freakin black plastic all over the place like they got it on sale or something, and that freakin ac delco stereo, hideous! looks like a toy, cant they at least make them look better?
Reply
Old May 18, 2003 | 11:54 AM
  #17  
internet_mafia's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
It must be harder than we think to design a functional and attractive interior. Or better yet, MB must have some sort of patent on style. I notice that this problem only occurs in American made cars though....
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2003 | 12:32 AM
  #18  
John_R's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Originally posted by SL Shank
The console looks like my bedroom stereo system. GM Designers need to hire some talent. This will be another failure like the allante. Does this come with a retractable hard top like the SL?
On second thought, who cares. Good luck to GM.
Yes it does come with a retractable hardtop like the SL.

Not only does it come with a retractable hardtop but its designed and made by CAR TOP SYSTEMS which is jointly owned by Mercedes and Porsche
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2003 | 02:18 AM
  #19  
ano0oj's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,856
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land, Texas
09' 335i coupe
i thikn that car is an insult to all coupes....i mean...its hiduous....its like the whole honda element thing and the g-class....mb is always gonna own....
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2003 | 01:59 AM
  #20  
ano0oj's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,856
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land, Texas
09' 335i coupe
to save cadillac the embarasment....they should completely stop the XLR before it comes.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2003 | 01:49 PM
  #21  
JackStraw's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
The XLR has received some favorable review, most recently in Motor Trend.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2003 | 06:41 PM
  #22  
Beltfed's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 0
From: NY
14 'E550
Originally posted by JackStraw
The XLR has received some favorable review, most recently in Motor Trend.
Its getting favorable reviews in every magazine I have read thus far, which I knew it would.

Ignorance is bliss for some folks I guess....

Last edited by Beltfed; Jun 3, 2003 at 06:44 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2003 | 10:15 AM
  #23  
JackStraw's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
For now, I am going to take the reviews at face value. I believe the introduction of the XLR is a positive development for Cadillac, and potentially, for the higher-end US auto industry in general. While I don't care for the styling of he XLR, it is certainly no less attractive than the SC 430. I for one hope it does well in the marketplace.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2003 | 02:38 PM
  #24  
delobbo's Avatar
Junior Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 19
From: Chicago, IL USA
I think GM needs to implement a complete revamp of their whole design processes, mainly in terms of aesthetics and visual presentation. This would tie directly in with brand image and consequently the public's view of GM. I have more than a few things in mind, they should hire me.

ps. hi Beltfed.

delobbo
http://delobbo.com
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2003 | 05:18 PM
  #25  
ano0oj's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,856
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land, Texas
09' 335i coupe
i read in the news paper that the 1st 240 that will be shipped out to the US will be used with i think 1400 miles, to make sure that there arent any flaws or anything. For a $76,200 car, i'm not that impressed with it...
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:13 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE