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While I have vacillated about the R231's slot in the garage recently, looking with lust at other vehicles, I have to share the following, as I have done before. I just returned from a 2,300 mile jaunt / drive about, with golf clubs, baggage, et al. I cannot think of another car that would have provided a similar experience to the SL550 during that time. There was one day that I ran 420 miles, averaged 68 mph, and 26.5 mpg; touching triple digits on a number of occasions while playing with a 911, a newer Mustang and an R/T Dodge Charger on the interstate. Not once was I uncomfortable, being massaged from time to time via the seat; nor was I lacking in convenience with various music / talk selections. Perhaps an S class sedan can do it, I know an E63 wagon can do it, but neither can manage it with the top down, as can the R231. This is simply one fine motor car; one that is, IMO, underappreciated by the general driving public, and even by some of us, including myself. This car does it all; and I had numerous folks approach the car at various stops to comment on the beauty of the vehicle, or as noted in South Alabama, "What the hell is that car?". Now properly cleaned and ensconced in the garage, I await the next road trip; which will be the Masters in April. I do enjoy driving this car; it is just a fascinatingly complex vehicle on so many levels, yet delivers just what you want, when you want it. I have to say that the garage space is moving toward
a permanent R231 status. Drive on lads. And enjoy the drive!
While I have vacillated about the R231's slot in the garage recently, looking with lust at other vehicles, I have to share the following, as I have done before. I just returned from a 2,300 mile jaunt / drive about, with golf clubs, baggage, et al. I cannot think of another car that would have provided a similar experience to the SL550 during that time. There was one day that I ran 420 miles, averaged 68 mph, and 26.5 mpg; touching triple digits on a number of occasions while playing with a 911, a newer Mustang and an R/T Dodge Charger on the interstate. Not once was I uncomfortable, being massaged from time to time via the seat; nor was I lacking in convenience with various music / talk selections. Perhaps an S class sedan can do it, I know an E63 wagon can do it, but neither can manage it with the top down, as can the R231. This is simply one fine motor car; one that is, IMO, underappreciated by the general driving public, and even by some of us, including myself. This car does it all; and I had numerous folks approach the car at various stops to comment on the beauty of the vehicle, or as noted in South Alabama, "What the hell is that car?". Now properly cleaned and ensconced in the garage, I await the next road trip; which will be the Masters in April. I do enjoy driving this car; it is just a fascinatingly complex vehicle on so many levels, yet delivers just what you want, when you want it. I have to say that the garage space is moving toward
a permanent R231 status. Drive on lads. And enjoy the drive!
They're certainly great tourers - I bought mine for touring and have not been disappointed - have done 3 long trips in 2 years Ireland, France/Germany and Scotland. I'd normally be in Europe again in late March / April but with a new grandchild on the way, my wife refuses to move so next one will be late August (we avoid Europe in summer. - too many Americans ).
I think people in the USA are more open about admiring other people's cars than here. Over this side of the pond it seems to be more of a sour grapes kind of thing and people will not openly comment on a nice car. In France Germany & Ireland, I got lots of comments / thumbs up but never once here in the UK.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
Folks on the Dole don’t appreciate the pleasures that hard working people can buy!
Originally Posted by rustybear3
I'm sure you mean those on corporate welfare...
I gave up working in the corporate world when I was in my 20’s. I was sick and tired of my talent making huge profits for the company, with what I felt was unacceptable compensation. I sold my house, my Porsche, went into business for myself and never looked back. I can clearly remember driving a broken down ‘62 Oldsmobile and borrowing on my credit cards so I could make payroll. I worked 80+ hour weeks for years, but then I got my head above water. I never stopped pushing, until I sold the business decades later. I truly believe that small, entrepreneurial businesses are the backbone of the USA.
Sounds like a great trip. 4 years ago my wife and I drove our boxster from San Fran cross country to our house near Roanoke, VA. We had a blast and I expect the ride in our sl550 would be spectacular.
I'll get a chance to compare with other vehicles when we run the Summit at Greenbrier during concours weekend. Not really had a chance to compare it sound and performance wise with any other GTs.
Got mine at the end of January. Still getting used to it, but it’s the best car I’ve ever driven. As a long-time E class owner, I love my current E350 4MATIC. It’s still my daily driver but this past weekend with temps hovering around 60, I took the R231 out for a long spin. The car is a joy to drive. Until one drives it, you don’t appreciate the experience!
Sounds like a great trip. 4 years ago my wife and I drove our boxster from San Fran cross country to our house near Roanoke, VA. We had a blast and I expect the ride in our sl550 would be spectacular.
I'll get a chance to compare with other vehicles when we run the Summit at Greenbrier during concours weekend. Not really had a chance to compare it sound and performance wise with any other GTs.
I did the PCH from San-Diego to Vancouver (Canada)( via Vegas, crater lake, Nappa Valley and some other sights) and back down to Seattle in 2015 in a RV - I wished for every mile of that journey, that I'd hired a convertible and stayed in m/hotels instead.
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.
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