W205C43PFL

That begs the question, why announce 2024 model year already, wouldn't it be MB's interest to get all those remaining cars sold first? I mean unless I am missing something, it wouldn't be a big deal announcing 2024 model year in 2024 right? I think MB had done that in the past?

Wolfman

I looks like they are trying to catch up to normal model year timing. I personally don't think there is a big inventory issue at the moment. I see 166 SL63's on cars.com. Definitely not scarce but there are more new Bentley Continental GT's listed...

W205C43PFL

I see, in that case, never mind.

Tifoso48

I just looked at a Ferrari and asked the AD to give me a fair trade in value for my 2022 SL 63.

my sl63 new was $ 208 k with CCB’s and high end sound system and has1600 miles and of course mint.

the dealer offered me $ 145 k - after getting market info from a number of MB DEALERS who were indicating that they were giving $ 30 k off a new SL ,which in my case would mean $ 178 k for a new car. They concluded that they probably could only ask for around $160 for pre-owned and clearly they are entitled to make a profit, hence $145 k - not unreasonable.

So, 30% deprecation in less than a year - a direct result of the disastrous launch of this SL and creating a mountain of unsold vehicles.

to put this in perspective - I sold my 2016 AMG GTS ( 4/2015)which had an MSRP of around $150 for $ 85 k last September. A 45% depreciation after 7 years.

this entire situation is quite distressing.

W205C43PFL

Sorry to hear that, hopefully you will enjoy the vehicle for many years and therefore won't take such a big hit once the depreciation curve smooths.

Mike P

MB has created the perfect depreciation storm.,,,,,,,,,,,,,botched introduction, lack of color options especially for lowly USA clients, feeble attempt at conquest sales while largely ignoring previous actual SL buyers.

I'm a hardcore SL guy that buys and NEVER sells but I suspect I'm a minority. The early buyers that paid MSRP++++ have really taken a hit if they decide to sell. I'm waiting for the SL63e (the 800HP version). There will be an initial feeding frenzy but buyers are limited. I look forward to the dealer telling me how lucky I am that I can even place an order........sure.

Does anyone have comparable depreciation for Porsche???? I suspect it's much lower.

kcirm

I just bought one for 54k MSRP off + 4k free maintenance. .This car will definitely sell like **** in the next coming months. As someone who research every single one 82 cars on sale in Canada in May, let me speak of my observations

1. The car has seen accelerated sales with the June incentive, there are now 57 on sale.
2. Yes Mercedes botched the launch, but almost more importantly, the dealers botch the configurations of the vehicles...

• Who the hell in their right mind buys a 200k+ car but deosn't get sensible options... Aluminium trim?
• Some options are non retrofitable like the aerodynamics pack, which is a functional option
• y spoke wheels on most models in stock instead of cross spoke
• some cars have grey brake calipers????
• If you consider 3 levels of trim as Loaded, Equipped and Barebones, this is the amount if I recalled.
  • Loaded: 2 Vehicules. 1 in red, which is arguably the worst color on the SL and likely requires a wrap so an extra 4k. It was in Oakville and I actually wanted it, but dealer wouldn't go over 30k discount... still on market. 1 hyper loaded (only one on the market with CCB), but it has a RED softtop. You don't do that on your most expensive car. Not to diss red softtops, but it takes a very particular buyer. Good luck finding that buyer on a 260k msrp car
  • Equipped: 8 cars I had shortlisted + 5 others with Y spoke. Those are the only ones worth a look at. Better have a decent color. I ended up taking 1 of these, but there was only 1 other with the same spec (matte white, aero dynamic, carbon fiber interior, etc...)
  • Barebones: Everything else. Aka, about 67 od the 80 cars. No aero, not carbon fiber or bull**** brown trim... How the hell can you sell this.

3. Dealers playing hard to get. They all listed the cars way higher than they were able to sell. I don't even mean MSRP. They would list it at 15k markup, give you 30k off MSRP, and say its a 45k discount.
4, 2023 are barely hitting the lots. Seems like there's a logistic issue with those too. Honestly, this is the crux of the depreciation storm. Image seeing your last MY car (which arrived 5 months before you and had all issues fixed) sell for 25% off. I'd drop my order unless my spec was crazy
5. Lower spec ones are getting resold at a much higher rate than Equipped ones. I saw 1 Equipped car on sale as a used car and 8 Lower spec-ones. The reason for the Equipped one : "Job offer in Europe", Reasons for the Barebones ones : "Felt like they were missing out...went for a more optioned car..."

Anyways, stay safe out there kids & remember, cars are NOT an asset. They're a toy or an utility. If they're not an asset, depreciation doesn't matter. Buy it if you like it and you like the price. No on ebuys an iPhone thinking in 4 years it'll do so well on the resell market/

W205C43PFL

Congrats, you did well on the negotiation, let's see some pictures : )

drgek

This. While it's nice to have a car that doesn't depreciate quickly, short of a Ferrari or a 911 (these days; hasn't always been like that) I've gotten pretty much creamed on all the cars I bought. Mercedes' roll out undoubtedly didn't help the situation but anybody who paid big ADM to be the first on the block shouldn't be complaining too much about the evaporation of that value now. Additionally, higher spec cars usually do depreciate fastest; there's basically no chance you're going to recuperate the cost of CCBs or an upgraded sound system on a car. Maybe its rapid depreciation will convince me to keep mine for longer than my typical 10 month period. In either event, as I've stated here many times I truly enjoy my car, which I can use as a DD (try doing that with a Ferrari; after keeping my last one for a little over 2 years and putting all of 6300 miles on the car I was told by my dealer "That's a LOT of miles"). Really curious what wholesale value would be for an SL55 as opposed to an SL63.

Streamliner

Just curious: Which Ferrari model? What was MSRP and where in relation to MSRP were they quoting you?

Tifoso48

I was looking at a 2022 SF 90 and the ask was MSRP + $ 100 k, and my best guess is they would probably take + $ 75.

BTW - the only way to describe the performance of the SF90 is aww inspiring and outright scary.

Streamliner

So, in the scheme of things, if the dealer was even remotely hungry, they could have offered you MSRP for your SL and still made a bundle on the transaction.

W205C43PFL

I guess they were both hungry and thirsty.

Tifoso48

Regretfully, the world of Ferrari works differently,and truth be told $ 100 k premium is at the low end of the spectrum.


Ferrari’s philosophy is directly opposite of what happened with the SL. Getting a Ferrari is quite challenging on the other hand for the most part they hold their value better than any ( other than Porsche GT ) other car.

Wolfman

I think the ePerformance version will be useless. The weight gain and complexity will not reflect well in the driving performance or enjoyment. The HP numbers sounds good but I venture out to say that the regular 63 will be as quick as the 63e.
A quick review from Carwow of the S63e and prior GT63s ePerformance confirmed that. The new S is now 5500lbs! I expect the SL getting close 5000 lbs.

W205C43PFL

Don't forget about the the C 63 S E Performance as well:
So although there were high hopes or that it was highly anticipated, we can conclude all 3 E-Performance versions of these cars were a DOA? complete dud?

js_cls

Agreed, although I think the E-Performance tech and weight is fine on the S-Class. That car is already big and heavy, and the S-AMG's have always been about power and muscle more so than corner carving. Although most of the reviews for the new S63e have been very favorable.

EddieNel

Just curious what your opinion likes dislikes of the GTS vs SL? I’m interested in both cars. Also I will be replacing the turbos and tuning. I’m looking at a used one. 2016+.

Wolfman

The ePerformance (P3 Hybrid) has legal/emissions benefits in Germany, so I understand the rationale for deploying it. But from a pure performance perspective there are too many variables and complexities with the drivetrain to make it a compelling alternative compared to a straight SL63 V8. Just tuning the V8 to 800hp for example would provide a much quicker and more reliable performance car with a lower weight.
Given the timing of the S63 intro, it appears that the delay was to give enough time to fine-tune the software. I do agree that the weight isn't a detriment to the S63 but it certainly was to the GT63s ePerformance and will be to the SL and to a lesser extend, the C63s ePerformance.

js_cls

Oh agreed, I am not a fan of the E-Performance cons on those other cars where the handling does matter.

Tifoso48

I had an AMG GTS Edition 1 which I absolutely loved and which had served me perfectly for 7 years - absolutely zero issues other than regular service. Comparing the look of a coupe to a cabriolet is very difficult, suffice it to say that every time I see a GT even today I really, really miss my old car. It is much more raw that the SL and living in Washington DC with its awful roads, even in its softest setting it was often a bone jarring experience. It only had 507 hp but I am fairly sure it was just as fast and I thought it handled exceptionally well. It did not have all the electronic niceties like CarPlay, however, it did have a much more sporty interior with performance seats.The cabin was really quite small an as I am quite a big boy it did feel quite cramped.

Net, net - for comfort, features, handling on bad roads and overall performance, you can't beat the SL. If you want a spectacular, well handling and true sports car - well that is the GTS.

EddieNel

@Tifoso48 Thank you si much for your reply. I sure hope I didn’t hijack this post. I really do love the look of that GTS.

W205C43PFL

Looks like we might be getting the SL 43 if the reported information here is true : https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ca...ategy-44501698

"Canadian dealers of Mercedes-Benz vehicles are reporting that the automaker is considering revising its strategy for North America."

"The dealers attended a market-wide retailers meeting in Vancouver held in May and noted that the automaker was fretting about consumer hesitancy over expensive electric vehicles. Concerns centered around the ailing economy, which has been undermined by higher interest rates and ongoing inflation."

"Dealers also provided a taste of Mercedes' forthcoming lineup. The event showcased eight vehicles, including the redesigned E-Class sedan, AMG SL 43 roadster, and Maybach EQS. The brand likewise introduced the electric CLA sedan and GLC crossover, perhaps indicating that it would be dumping the EQ branding to roll EVs into the core lineup."

AzurSL

Agreed. RBR and Motoman on YouTube were absolutely floored with the car. Car and Driver also loved it. I find Matt’s reviews on Carwow to be absolutely useless. They all seem extremely scripted, often saying stuff that makes no sense compared to other reviewers, but he has the personality for this type of stuff so it’s not surprising to see such a big following. His S63e video in particular seemed very quick with little effort put into it, kind of like they just glossed over the car and used any and all complaints from the GT63e video and called it a day. Other reviews mentioned how many issues they found in the GT63e drivetrain have been much improved and seem better suited in the S class. Overall, while the C63e and GT63e are duds, I think this S63e is a winner. Although I can’t say that I think it would be a good application in the SL.

W205C43PFL

You were referring to this video right?
I guess you are right, he does do a lot of other reviews well, but this... I mean could be better.

Anyways, you could compare his newest video to the video he did half a year ago when the car was first ever announced: