I have to say, I never liked the shape of the GT rear or top. I do like the new SL much more. Its a big improvement in looks and the shape of the car. I really cant see the need of producing a SL and a GT. They are pretty much the same car but,I dont want either one.
The GT doesnrt have any room beside a tiny littler rear deck/trunk?
The SL has the useless rear seats? Better a shelf for storage. And the trunk is not much more than a 911 front trunk.
And above all, I would never buy a soft top. Why did they ever leave the hard top SL 230/231? What a mistake. They already have the same soft top in the GT.
Its funny you cant get the best features in one car, and they cant give you more room in such huge body cars. And for $200,000.
I think a 911 beats them all. And I dont want a 911 either.




This is a 911 all over again, I think the 911 has more room.

 

I agree with much that you have said. I believe that MB was probably too busy trying to figure out how to turn yet another SUV into a “coupe” and they just handed over the “new SL” design chores to AMG. I further speculate that the AMG boss didn’t want to be bothered with the lowly SL, so he simply told some fledgling designer—who really wanted to work for Porsche, but they wouldn’t hire him—to take the GTC, doll it up, soften it up, slap an iPad in it and call it a day. To me, the car reeks of a lack of creative design and cost cutting. Of course, this is all just my opinion. 99.9% of the folks out there don’t even know there is a new SL model, they just think these cars are the same GTC models they have been seeing for years now.

Instead of taking the best qualities of the previous SL, such as the nice trunk space, the spacious & luxurious interior, the marvelous, “disappearing” windscreen and the iconic, retractable hardtop, they dumped it all and “phoned in” the R232 design. I have had 8 SL’s. Since I first saw the gorgeous 1963 models, there has not been one that I didn’t lust after—until now. The new car leaves me cold and is such a disappointment.

 

The GT as you know it is no longer produced so the two cars are not being lined up beside each other on showroom floors.

I am going to offend some people here by saying this, (sorry @Streamliner ) but the previous SL was not selling. When I started with Mercedes-Benz we had a new 2019 on the showroom floor that didn't sell until early 2021.
Mercedes-Benz needed to revamp the vehicle significantly and appeal to the next generation buyer. The previous buyers had their cars. They were typically in a demographic that had made their final car purchases or close to it.
The new buyers for the R232 that I have seen are well-to-do 40's to early 60's who want a sports car. Two of ours that left came with 911 trades in the deal so anecdotally they are competing with each other.

 

Unlike the OP, I definitely like the side view of AMG GTC much better than the new SL. Longer hood, nicer roof shape although I like that the SL has side-rear windows. Car also looks less like a tub with the top down. Rear is wider and more attractive. Overall the car has more extreme proportions than the SL and more presence in person.

Obviously, the proportions are the result of the engine/transmission layout but the GTC has more of a classic hardcore roadster look and feel. Bare bone, somewhat analog and brash. The car was even build individually vs a production line with the SL. Pros and Cons on both of course...

That said, I like the new SL but it is a different type of car and definitely more practical and while it competes with the 911 it is a refreshing sight amongst all the 911's around. This is not a step down by any means...

 

I like both the GT and the GTC body styling, always have. I just wish the new SL wasn’t so similar to the GTC.

 

Yes, the old SL was well past it's prime and so were most of the customers. The new car has brought in a younger more affluent customer. We've taken in trade Porsches, Bentleys and Astons. The boulevard cruisers had their place. But this new car is the closest in spirit to the original 300 SL convertible.

 

Very well said.

 

The GTs are very cool and have a great presence but i prefer the hood to be a bit less pronounced and the cockpit to be less bubbly shaped like the new SL. On the other hand, the GTs do seem wider and lower to the ground and a bit more aggressive especially from front. The infotainment is also super outdated.