Actually, "Kill the M8 on anything other than a straight line" looks to be a little exaggerated. I could only find one track they both were tested on and the SL63 was about a second faster at 1:38 vs M8 at 1:39. The SL has only been tested on one track that I have found. Too new apparently to flog much.

 

The German mag Autozeiting measured the new SL at 1.38.6 around their test track which was nearly identical to the M8 at 1.38.4. Both are too heavy unfortunately. On the track neither can get close to the AMG GT models.

 

Just read the "comparison (Vergleichstets) test" by Autozeitung.de between BMW M8 Competition and SL 63 and they gave BMW the nod and did complain about the finish on the SL - it did not beat the SL by a lot but nevertheless.

Also, saw this video from a dutch outfit that had the SL at 328 kmh on the Autobahn - hope the link works.

 

Thx, here the link to that comparison: https://www.autozeitung.de/bmw-m8-co...st-202319.html

Since the M8 are going way below list here, a serious alternative imho. Looks and feels much more solid. Not as solid as the S convertible, but I would choose the M8 over the SL63 any time (maybe because it much better fits the requirements I have, and also made me buy my S63 convertible). Also lot of new SL's on stock here, and with price below MSRP.

 

They really went on quite a bit about the fuel consumption of the SL which is worse than the BMW by quite a bit and that is without even driving hard.
Btw, I agree with them - I am really quite amazed by how bad the fuel consumption is - it is worse than it was on the S63 - I an hoping that once the engine is run it that it will improve.
After our S63 got totaled last December and no replacement even introduced, we are now driving a BMW ALPINA B7 - what a great permanence car with exceptional handling, just sad that it will be the last of its kind. There will be no ALPINA based on the new 7 series and ALPINA is being swallowed by BMW as of the end of 2025 - I guess it is going to be just a "trim level" after that.

 

Indeed the fuel consumption is pretty bad. But it's a lot how I drive it I am afraid. There is a nice live consumption feature available in the dash and you can watch exactly what is happening when your right foot does what it is best at

 

Fastestlaps shows the Autozeitung time for the 2020 M8 Competition Convertible at 1:39.3. Having both cars, the M8 has the advantage in brutal acceleration while the SL63 stays planted much better in corners with its anti-roll hydraulics.

 

I just wanted to revive this thread and now say there are over 700 available SLs according to an online marketplace. (Just trying to rub it in a little, plus it’s a good sign for buyers now)
Anyone want to make end of the year predictions on the price of an SL when dealers want to clear their lots?

 

Where are those people that thought discounts off MSRP were a fantasy from the insane???? 700 SLs is a lot of metal to move, especially a car that has several consumer questionable issues. I'm NOT a marketing guy but maybe ask prior buyers?? I'd toss the worthless rear mini seats, have a bigger trunk, offer a rainbow of colors interior and exterior ALL available at introduction, etc

I suggest the "brains" at MB look at Porsche...........and learn something about building cars that has a long line of anxious buyers Are there 700 Porsche 911s on lots????

 

They had a large variety of interior colors, planned for launch, and even ordered (myself included) but then the war in the Ukraine got in the way! No way to plan for that. With the leather and stitching for the seats, coming from Russia and the Ukraine, well, who could have known?

 

And I think the wiring harness was from Ukraine.

 

The dealer inventory management systems auto load new inventory into most of the prominent online sales platforms. Cars that are ordered and presold still get listed, cars that are not even here yet and cars that have already sold stay listed at times as well instead of being deleted. There are certainly SL models in stock around the country but 700 no. The listings with stock photos, computer generated images or no photos are a big clue to look for.

 

^ Correct…many of the cars showing as available are not; as has been pointed out elsewhere by others, this is not unique to Mercedes.

However, there is a Los Angeles area dealer currently advertising both 55s and 63s on cars.com at small discounts from MSRP. Premiums over MSRP are done, at least on the SL.

 

Problem is MB keeps having an issue of launching cars with the wrong model years. Other than the EQS SUV, they keep launching these cars late with older model years. The S-Class' should have been MY22's when they were released, and the SL's should have been MY23's and not 22's, as a lot of cars were held up at the ports over the last few months for updates and are only now available when 23's are coming out for other models and dealers are trying to clear the lots of 22's. And for some markets winter is now hitting them, and they are only just getting SL's at the worst time of the year to sell a convertible.

 

Alan Smithee I checked cars.com as you suggested and it appears you are referring to MB of Calabasas......if you are referring to them their cars.com listing is not accurate as far as discounts......I went back forth with their salesman this afternoon and they have two SL63 in stock for immed delivery and want $10K over MSRP....after much back/forth they would sell for MSRP

 

I can’t help but think they are somehow gaming CAFE regs with the V8 models.
Thanks for the update. How did they explain the advertised discounts? Sold units no longer available? Classic bait and switch? Regardless, like other LA dealers, they may be asking…but are no longer demanding…premiums. Did you pull the trigger?

 

Alan Smithee In my opinion classic bait/switch. I am close to a deal locally most likely will buy Friday. Alpine grey/black, very loaded $214 MSRP. I'm a large Porsche collector but always like "real" AMG cars for occasional daily driver.....currently have SLS GT, SLS Black Series and GT63 S

 

Obviously you’ve missed my point (not starting an argument). Yes there is no way to know exactly how many cars are available, but, just a few weeks ago a lot where thinking the market adjustments were going to be here for a long time and a lot fewer cars were “listed.” My point is, there are a lot more cars available. 700, who knows. You said some might not even be available because of stock photos but some that were available, were not even listed. So who knows. But, there are a lot more cars now, MB SLs to Kias and I was just curious to what kind of deals people might think they can find now or at the end of the year when dealers want to clear their lots.

I will predict this……I bet there will be small single digit discounts, admin/doc fees thrown in, included maintenance, or maybe even free all weather floor mats! Haha. It’s coming and I’m waiting and watching.
Good luck buyers!

 

And what is the value of time/enjoyment lost? You can without much trouble get an SL at MSRP. So, you are looking for let's say a 5% discount - call it $ 10 k.

What is the value of enjoyment of every month lost until that happens -and what if you are ultimately wrong and the best you can do is MSRP.

BTW, I totally agree that paying 20-50 K ADM is not a desirable situation.

 

After we finally saw the SL in person, we cancelled the order. It just seemed to be missing something. My wife still wants some type of convertible so I’m watching the inventory more right now. So the longer I can wait to find something, maybe the more money I will save.
And I agree that the 5%is probably going to obtainable very soon.

 

As with any brand new, significant model, there is intense interest right at launch. The supply chain fiasco has lengthened this period, by making the new cars relatively difficult to obtain, but that is about to end, as supplies catch up with demand. And, with the government doing whatever they can to throw us into a full blown recession, I believe that substantial discounts will come back in the not too distant future. And, with the soft top, this car has several competitive models from Porsche & BMW and we know those folks are planning their nextgen roadsters with the 232 clearly in their sights.

Happy Thanksgiving & many blessings to all MBWorld members!

 

During my factory visit earlier this year, they explained me that the wiring for the SL did NOT come from UA but from elsewhere (as one of the few car manufacturers).

 

Ok, did see the new SL already mid 2021 for the first time. Went to the factory early this year and had a small and later this year a very long test drive.
It is a very nice car, but it does not make me greedy to have one, certainly not at that price point...........the car has the same price as my current S63 Convertible, but I would never trade it in for the new SL, even not with closed wallets. It does not feel as an upgrade at all.

The S convertible is of course really in a class of its own. Also test drove a M850i and a M8 recently, beautiful and fast cars, but also not on the same quality level as the S, but very close. Would prefer a M850i over a SL63 however any day, much more car for much less money.........but that made me think..............when I trade in my 2019 S63 for a 2023 SL63, I will certainly miss my S63 right away, and I still have to pay significant money in such a transaction. Not a scenario that makes me happy. So ok, keep the S63 Convertible and buy a SL43 as a fun roadster to join it? Good idea, but overhere the SL43 is still very expensive (you can buy a M850i with V8 for that money, which in everything feels the better car to me) and then driving "only" with a 4 cylinder.........

Since driving a Roadster is also (mainly?) about emotion, I took the plunge and did buy a new Z4 M40i as fun roadster, next to the S63. Was surprised how good that car is build (much better then the older Z4s) and in build quality, etc is certainly on par with the new SL. Weight is under 1650 kg, so much less than the SL (let alone the S). And it sounds very good too with the 6 cylinder in-line. Tech and infotainment is close to Mercedes and ..........had to pay (much!) less than in the scenario I would trade in my S63 for a SL63 and now I can enjoy both the Z4 M40i as well as the S63!

BTW, both SLs as well as Beemers can be bought overhere with discounts instead of premiums above MSRP!

 

the New SL63 is a very very nice car but like what you said the S63 Coupe & Convertable is a class of its own, but I would add when it functions as designed!!
In my opinion, they should redesign the S63 Coupe and Convertable but make it right without that many issues I faced, but don't add that Tablet like tesla !

 

Well, the S-Class coupes (which I love) or the cab were unfortunately money losers and don't carry the history of the SL nameplate. MB made a choice and consolidated 6 model lines (SLK/SLC, C-Cab, E-Cab, S-Cab, SL, GT Roadster) into two (the SL and new the CLE cab when it comes out). The remaining C & E-Class Cabs go the way of the dodo bird.
This top-down market is unfortunately a very small niche amongst countless SUV's. Sad, actually...