SL/R231: SL 550 2021/2
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From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
SL 550 2021/2
So when do you think we will likely get a first look online to start with and then in a showroom?
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2019 SL450; 2023 M850i coupe
This site has been quick to report on the new SL's development. You can also search by vehicle.
https://www.motor1.com/mercedes-benz/sl-class/news/
https://www.motor1.com/mercedes-benz/sl-class/news/
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From: Western NY
2016 SL400
Agreed. When it's just another convertible, there's lots of solid competitors at lower price points. Don't get me wrong - I hope the legacy continues and it's a success, but I'm not betting on it.
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Hmm. There aren't lots of solid competitors actually, even less at a lower price point. The new SL will definitely sell better than the old one, for the reason that it will be a sportier convertible.
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Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Western NY
2016 SL400
I cross shopped the first two on that list before I bought my SL, but it was the solid top that sold me. Without that, every other high end manufacturer's ragtop is in play. Now, maybe MB wants to be in that field, maybe there's more units to be sold there due to a bigger base of buyers?
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SL550
Boxster, F-Type, BMW 8 series (and maybe even 4), 911 depending on price point....
I cross shopped the first two on that list before I bought my SL, but it was the solid top that sold me. Without that, every other high end manufacturer's ragtop is in play. Now, maybe MB wants to be in that field, maybe there's more units to be sold there due to a bigger base of buyers?
I cross shopped the first two on that list before I bought my SL, but it was the solid top that sold me. Without that, every other high end manufacturer's ragtop is in play. Now, maybe MB wants to be in that field, maybe there's more units to be sold there due to a bigger base of buyers?
In my opinion, the SL has only one true competitor - the Lexus LC500 convertible.
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From: Chicago
SL550, GLK250, Stelvio Quadrifoglio, M4 GTS, 996 4S, Evora 400
We spent about a year “researching” convertibles, driving just about every manufacturer option out there. The hardtop on the SL was a unique feature that set it apart from the others (yes could have got a M4, but already have one in the garage). We really liked the idea that it was a “car” with a roof that could go in the trunk when desired, making it ideal for our long road trips we like to take. Had it been soft top, we probably would have ended up with another 911.
Last edited by JimmyS; Jan 8, 2021 at 09:00 AM.
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None of those are really SL competitors. The Boxster is a small sports car that competes with the Supra, Z4, and Audi TT. The 8 Series is much too sporty and high-tech to compete with the SL, and the 911 is a sports car which competes with the AMG GT. The SL is in a bit of its own niche since it's a 2-door hardtop convertible that isn't sporty enough to compete with the cars you mentioned, but is still more expensive than they are (except for the 911) it's also not in the same class as the Bentley CGT, so it isn't too much of a super exclusive car.
In my opinion, the SL has only one true competitor - the Lexus LC500 convertible.
In my opinion, the SL has only one true competitor - the Lexus LC500 convertible.
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From: Greater London
R231 SL500 / Range Rover / VW Golf / Old Volvo tank
The interior will be similar to the AMG GT I imagine.
With regard to the SL the main difference that distinguished it was the metal roof.
Dismissed the Porsche...my wife says the it sounds like a sowing machine, and I agree. Also the boot is tiny. With the Merc we can go to Europe for a couple of weeks.
With regard to the SL the main difference that distinguished it was the metal roof.
Dismissed the Porsche...my wife says the it sounds like a sowing machine, and I agree. Also the boot is tiny. With the Merc we can go to Europe for a couple of weeks.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Boxster, F-Type, BMW 8 series (and maybe even 4), 911 depending on price point....
I cross shopped the first two on that list before I bought my SL, but it was the solid top that sold me. Without that, every other high end manufacturer's ragtop is in play. Now, maybe MB wants to be in that field, maybe there's more units to be sold there due to a bigger base of buyers?
I cross shopped the first two on that list before I bought my SL, but it was the solid top that sold me. Without that, every other high end manufacturer's ragtop is in play. Now, maybe MB wants to be in that field, maybe there's more units to be sold there due to a bigger base of buyers?
Porsche top down driving is inferior and so is the Jaguar, BMW and Bentley, etc. Same as the Mercedes cabs. They have the Air cap (moveable deflector on top of the windshield frame) but even that has limited benefit. Any 4 seater will be inferior because of its large opening. You can install these large windscreens that cover the rear seats and place the screen behind the front seats but that is less than desirable (plus it doesn't look great). Here is a pic of a new 8 series loaner we drove while our car was in service...
The quality of top down driving has nothing to do with soft vs hard top. Mercedes just knows how to design these cabins. I do believe that the new R232 SL will be the same...
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
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From: Western NY
2016 SL400
Well I guess we're just going to disagree. And I think it's important to differentiate between the cars being competitors in general and being on the short list for what you would choose. I and another poster both said we were deciding between them so, kinda by definition....
Don't the Bimmers have those now too?
And here I will most definitely disagree for two reasons. First, I owned an F-Type for 3+ years so feel qualified to compare the two cars and to say it's an awesome top down experience. I miss the F-Type a lot - even to the point that I sometimes consider selling the SL and getting another one. Second, different people want different things from that top down experience. Some want a cruiser that won't mess up their hair. Some want a racer, some want both, and the Jaguar for me was that last one - both. Don't get me wrong - me and The Mrs love our SL, I'm not bashing it, but I won't agree it's in a class of it's own as much as you feel it is.
100%. I really want it to be successful. I just think it's a mistake to eliminate one of the most important differentiators between it and everything else.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Well I guess we're just going to disagree. And I think it's important to differentiate between the cars being competitors in general and being on the short list for what you would choose. I and another poster both said we were deciding between them so, kinda by definition....
Don't the Bimmers have those now too?
And here I will most definitely disagree for two reasons. First, I owned an F-Type for 3+ years so feel qualified to compare the two cars and to say it's an awesome top down experience. I miss the F-Type a lot - even to the point that I sometimes consider selling the SL and getting another one. Second, different people want different things from that top down experience. Some want a cruiser that won't mess up their hair. Some want a racer, some want both, and the Jaguar for me was that last one - both. Don't get me wrong - me and The Mrs love our SL, I'm not bashing it, but I won't agree it's in a class of it's own as much as you feel it is.
100%. I really want it to be successful. I just think it's a mistake to eliminate one of the most important differentiators between it and everything else.
Don't the Bimmers have those now too?
And here I will most definitely disagree for two reasons. First, I owned an F-Type for 3+ years so feel qualified to compare the two cars and to say it's an awesome top down experience. I miss the F-Type a lot - even to the point that I sometimes consider selling the SL and getting another one. Second, different people want different things from that top down experience. Some want a cruiser that won't mess up their hair. Some want a racer, some want both, and the Jaguar for me was that last one - both. Don't get me wrong - me and The Mrs love our SL, I'm not bashing it, but I won't agree it's in a class of it's own as much as you feel it is.
100%. I really want it to be successful. I just think it's a mistake to eliminate one of the most important differentiators between it and everything else.
In the big picture, any convertible fits the definition of competition... I was more specific on top down driving but in the end I look at the overall car and who it competes with. In terms of price bracket, the new SL will be squarely in the 911 range, not below and likely a bit above on the top.
Like you said, different people have different preferences but wether sporty driving or not, most other convertibles can't deliver what the SL does. So this is only my opinion without trying to generalize it...
I like to go over 100 mph and be able to have a conversation without screaming, not have any loose contents in the car get sucks out of it, be able to drive for hours in comfort, so good seats and ergonomics and make sure that the body strength and safety technology makes the car survivable in a crash. I found the SL unmatched no matter the money.
We have driven more expensive cars like the Bentley or Aston Martin DB11 or the S-Class Cab and they did nothing for me. Same with the 911 cab and Targa (which are fantastic cars in their own right) or the Jaguar F-Type. Granted I only drove that one for a few days in Germany but that car didn't possess the qualities mentioned above.
The 8 series we had was an inline 6 so not a quick car but had a nice ride. More expensive than the SL; capable yet boring and not as fun top down to me...they do offer air scarf as as part of the comfort package. Not a fan and as a real 4 seater not a competitor to a roadster.
