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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...
2015 CLS 550 2015 ML 400 Previous 2020 GLB 250 2019 A 220 2005 ML 350 1989 300 E 2001 SL 500
Originally Posted by Wolfman
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...
The AMG S coupe and convertibles were the only money makers. The regular S 2 doors were sale proof.
The AMG S coupe and convertibles were the only money makers. The regular S 2 doors were sale proof.
Must be an Arizona exception. S63 and S65 cabs were kryptonite here, coupes were better but sold always as double digit off MRSP. Discounts on the cabs were eye watering (for the dealers)...
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
When the S Cabriolet was announced, I got very excited and could not wait to see it. I KNEW I would buy one. Then, the cars finally arrived and when I drove one, I was so disappointed. The cars felt bulbous, flabby and to me, not all that luxurious. They didn’t make Magic Body Control or even ABC available on the cars, which would have made a huge difference, in my opinion. The ridiculous rear seat legroom rendered them near useless for anyone but kids. So, for WAY less money, I got what I feel was WAY more car with my SL450. Too bad MB no longer makes a top line convertible with the accent on comfort and luxuriousness. Oh well.
Last edited by Streamliner; 12-05-2022 at 06:47 PM.
2015 CLS 550 2015 ML 400 Previous 2020 GLB 250 2019 A 220 2005 ML 350 1989 300 E 2001 SL 500
Originally Posted by Wolfman
Must be an Arizona exception. S63 and S65 cabs were kryptonite here, coupes were better but sold always as double digit off MRSP. Discounts on the cabs were eye watering (for the dealers)...
Actually I believe the AMG's did well in the southern and western markets. Northerners and midwesterners had less interest.
As of today and a very cursory peak at the Internet, there are 578 new AMGs SL shown for sale on web site A and 685 new ones on web site B.
I was ridiculed quite a bit for my comments elsewhere after the introduction of this car, but it looks like my predictions (and those of many who agreed with me) are coming true on the early side. Not to mention various quirks being are unveiled: battery issues, wind noise, etc. Latest one is poor fuel economy.
Although we sympathize with those who paid over MSRP for this over-thought and highly priced vehicle, I hope prospective SL owners and long-time SL owners will punch the greedy dealerships back by refusing to buy these new SLs at a nickel over MSRP and by acquiring them at or appreciably under MSRP in the months to come. The wonderful Seller’s Market has hampered the new-car experience of price conscious car enthusiasts and low-income people everywhere, and it’s about time the door be slammed shut on this awful period in automotive history.
Those who have paid over MSRP might have a certain bias on this topic since their desire would be to keep prices high, but this new culture of paying over MSRP is simply bad culture — it’s bad for everybody — and it served its purpose at the height of the marketplace; but the chronological point of that apex is now in the past.
I’m travelling in Arizona at the moment… and to my amazement the MB dealership in North Scottsdale had 4 new SL’s in the showroom with windows stickers all at MSRP.
Yeap. MBUSA.com has 837 listed. Now some will say that most of those are preorder or sold cars too but that number has been over 800 for sometime now. My local dealer still has one that has been there from when they were first released and they are still asking a 25k premium. It’s almost laughable at this point.
Better to be "right twice a day" than pay $50K over list I fully believe in the supply/demand economy BUT we have been in a poor economic environment all year. We had 2/3 quarters of negative GDP( 2 in a row means a recession except for Brandon lovers) The weak economy is finally having an effect with car repros and less sales traffic. I stated months ago that I will wait to get that 7% discount.......and many laughed.
I don’t think anyone is living in the past. I think we are trying to predict the future and it appears dealers are trying to hold onto the past too much. A few of us are looking forward to when things go back to a point in time when premiums and even MSRPs are a thing of the past. It’s fun to “chase a good deal.”
I’ve also always said it doesn’t matter what you pay for a car as long as YOU enjoy it and not worried about the deal. Drive it and have fun.
2013 S550 SOLD / 2016 S63 SOLD / 2017 GLS450 / 2017 G550 4x4 / 2019 G63 E1 SOLD / 2019 S63 COUPE
Originally Posted by 348SStb
As of today and a very cursory peak at the Internet, there are 578 new AMGs SL shown for sale on web site A and 685 new ones on web site B.
I was ridiculed quite a bit for my comments elsewhere after the introduction of this car, but it looks like my predictions (and those of many who agreed with me) are coming true on the early side. Not to mention various quirks being are unveiled: battery issues, wind noise, etc. Latest one is poor fuel economy.
Although we sympathize with those who paid over MSRP for this over-thought and highly priced vehicle, I hope prospective SL owners and long-time SL owners will punch the greedy dealerships back by refusing to buy these new SLs at a nickel over MSRP and by acquiring them at or appreciably under MSRP in the months to come. The wonderful Seller’s Market has hampered the new-car experience of price conscious car enthusiasts and low-income people everywhere, and it’s about time the door be slammed shut on this awful period in automotive history.
Those who have paid over MSRP might have a certain bias on this topic since their desire would be to keep prices high, but this new culture of paying over MSRP is simply bad culture — it’s bad for everybody — and it served its purpose at the height of the marketplace; but the chronological point of that apex is now in the past.
WELL SAID Whatever these GREEDY Dealers made over the last year and a half - 2 years will pay it over the next year or so.
I ordered one but somehow I didn't really like it, I prefer the S63 Coupe or Convertable on the SL all day long!! It's a good-looking car and the most dynamic car I ever drove so far, but somehow I feel they cheapen things lately on all lines.
I don’t think anyone is living in the past. I think we are trying to predict the future and it appears dealers are trying to hold onto the past too much. A few of us are looking forward to when things go back to a point in time when premiums and even MSRPs are a thing of the past. It’s fun to “chase a good deal.”
I’ve also always said it doesn’t matter what you pay for a car as long as YOU enjoy it and not worried about the deal. Drive it and have fun.
To be fair, thats not what others have said, they're openly mocking people who paid what they were asking a few months ago.
Well, that always happens when a car is new. If you want to be the first on your block with a new model, you will always pay way more than you will even 6 months down the line. I personally am not that way, hence why I bought a 2020 S560 in November of 2020 at a 16% discount...but, I was driving last years model when everybody else was getting the new one, if I were someone who cared about that...that would suck.
The issue with some of these statements here, including 348SSTB's is that grievances about the new SL are mixed in with the supply/demand/market discussions. I think the new SL is a great car, minus the technical issues (software, etc.), but it was clear that the early models will quickly depreciate. A blunder by MB calling them 2022's instead of the 2023's they should have been. Double that with some missing options, cold time of the year, channel stuffing and new models coming in within a 4-5 months. Discounts have been normal for the life of the SL and this will not change.
Those that have their cars enjoy them and nobody besides them should care how much they paid. Pay to play. Nothing bad about that.
For everyone joking about people paying ADM there is another laughing about them for buying new cars for whatever price instead of used. And so on it goes.
Apparently, the marketing department of MB is going to offer a broadened array of interior and exterior colors........for the EQS. The roll out issues along with design questions seem to indicate the one time flagship SL is no longer is a MB priority. I'm a big fan of ALL SL models.......I'm afraid the R232 may be the end of the series. I recall at the time of my first SL purchase, the 560SL was a halo car. ( I still own the car, my favorite SL). The panache factor is long gone. The design and marketing teams have little regard for long time SL fans/buyers. Several forum members claim MB actually did consumer surveys.......has anyone on this forum attended or been surveyed about the R232?? We are the unloved MB clients.
The apparent buildup of unsold SLs at dealers is only the start. The asteroid has hit, extinction is ahead.
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Originally Posted by Mike P
Apparently, the marketing department of MB is going to offer a broadened array of interior and exterior colors........for the EQS. The roll out issues along with design questions seem to indicate the one time flagship SL is no longer is a MB priority. I'm a big fan of ALL SL models.......I'm afraid the R232 may be the end of the series. I recall at the time of my first SL purchase, the 560SL was a halo car. ( I still own the car, my favorite SL). The panache factor is long gone. The design and marketing teams have little regard for long time SL fans/buyers. Several forum members claim MB actually did consumer surveys.......has anyone on this forum attended or been surveyed about the R232?? We are the unloved MB clients.
The apparent buildup of unsold SLs at dealers is only the start. The asteroid has hit, extinction is ahead.
I have done numerous “In-Person Surveys” funded by MB, but they have all been for sedans & SUV’s. Nobody has ever asked me about SL’s, even though I have bought or leased six new ones since 1979. I believe you are right, that MB couldn’t care less about the SL. It could have remained a “halo” car, had the company continued to keep it on the front burner, but they ignored it, it wilted and now we have the 232, which I feel is a SLINO! Oh well.
2022 AMG SL63, 2015 Ferrari 458 Spyder, 2021 ALPINA B7
I am really sorry you feel this way.
I only had an SL once before, around 1985 - it was a very pretty ivory SL 380. It was really nice to look at but dreadful to drive. I think it was the little brother to the SL560. It was so underpowered that I worried driving up a hill, but again, it was a very pretty car.
I have said many times before, MB mistake is to give this new car the SL moniker - the marketing folks really screwed this up. They should have given this car its own new name and personality. Look at what Maserati did with the Ghibli, propably one of the most beautiful and sexy cars ever created. And they put the Ghibli name on this truly ordinary 4 door nothing - unbelievable the things marketing folks do.
12-04-2022, 09:07 PM
I fully believe in the supply/demand economy BUT we have been in a poor economic environment all year. We had 2/3 quarters of negative GDP( 2 in a row means a recession except for Brandon lovers) The weak economy is finally having an effect with car repros and less sales traffic. I stated months ago that I will wait to get that 7% discount.......and many laughed.
