My 2003 SL 55 is in for a replacement, and I am debating whether to buy the same car, albeit with the (very minor) changes it just went through, or opt for the impossibly sexy CLS 63.

What should I do?

(for the sake of political correctness I am posting this on the CLS AMG section of this forum)

 

if you love a convertible and speed then SL55...if you want something that seats 4 and is sporty and fun to drive = CLS63

 

do you think the CLS 63 is slower than the SL 55?

 

not really...63 will be faster at the top end

 

If your a convertible guy and can hold out with whatever you currently have, wait for the SL to come out with the 63. How crappy will it be if you get the CLS, then a year later, the car you really want comes out. Not to say CLS is bad. I think its a gorgeous car, but if your in love with the SL, it pails in comparison. If your that sleek coup guy, go with the CLS. Instant gradification.

 

If you like the SL I'd stick with it. I have both the AMG E and SL class and if I had to give up one it would be the E55 in a heartbeat. I love the CLS however I'm curious to see if its good looks age well.

If the SL comes out w/ the 63 it will be a TT version. I've yet to hear that the N/A 6.2L will make its way into the SL, and why would you want it anyway? It will likely have less HP and certainly less torque than the current 2007 SL55.

~ Ian

 

SL if you don't need the 2+2 baby seats...My best friend of 20 years has the CLS.....he wants to borrow the SL whenever the weather's nice....

The SL is top dog and is way more fun to drive IMO....however the CLS is has great lines but isn't too functional as a true 4 door (not that the SL is functional in general with that tiny trunk).

The SL, though said by some not to be a true sports car, gives you the c-ockpit sports car rush and top down bad *** cruising ability...while the CLS is E class chassis based with an ultra sleek roof line and streamline appearance. The small windows do drive me crazy when I drive it. The CLS also has a much softer feel on the road. The CLS is a little more comfortable on long drives but has much worse blindspots and doors that seem small and light in comparison to the SL's.

It just depends on how many people you have to transport....the nice thing about the SL is after clubbing, I take a girl to valet and vanish with the top down- while my buddy has to take home all the guys crammed into his "four door". Then again I usually only take one girl home at a time

With the low $60,000 starting price for the bare CLS 500, they are popping up everywhere here in LA and can be leased with no options for around $600 a month. A used SL , even a 2003 SL500, is usually in the 60's...but out of warranty you have to have the dough to support it's maintenance addiction. I just don't like the fact that the CLS body style can be bought new at such a low price....plus driving the SL is more of a sporty experience which is what I personally wanted....That being said if I had to pick a non sports car benz...it would be the CLS...until the new CL comes out that is.

If you can buy a used SL65 and you'll never look back!