gotcha

Oh and the new SL's diffuser is just for looks? Could have fooled me.

 

Went to my local M-B dealer today to get a look at a customer's new SL63 before being prepped for delivery and have basically cured my itch. It was sitting next to a new SL550 and I immediately noticed the horrible, silver plastic insert for the engine vent and compared it to the gills on the SL550 and there was no contest: the 550's gills look damned good, if a bit plastic, whereas the 63's vent just looked out of place and unattractive.

The massive and tall hood/front end isn't particularly appealing though I was hoping it would be. I didn't have an SL55 to compare it to and although I have never owned one and am not all that familiar with the 55 as the rest of you probably are, even my untrained eye couldn't help notice the mass.

This doesn't mean that I am now an SL55 fan because that ship has sailed: They had a black on black CLS63 that I fell in love with and now think that I'd prefer to drive one of those than an SL. If I want to drive a convertible sports car I can always take out my wife's XKR Jag, so I think I am leaning toward ordering a CLS63. Who'd a thunk it?

 

Please drive a M6 before ordering a CLS63...also drive a CL63. CLS's are great and all but its always best that you check out some other options so you have no regrets. If I had to choose between a M6 and CLS63 it would be the M6 . But I would possibly take the CL63 over the M6.

 

Please test drive the E63 before you get a CLS. Just check the visibility and extra room/comfort that you get in the E. My brother has a CLS and I have an E. Comapared to the E the CLS is a waste of money, and even my brother would admit it now. Dont get stuck with an expensive, annoying ***** just cause she looks like she can suck a ****. The E will take the polish off your knob a lot more skillfully than a CLS will.

 

Actually one of the mangagers at my local dealership traded his CLS55 for a E63 and said basically the same thing.

 

I don't know why, but when comparing the CLS63 and E63, I always have to think of comparing the M6 and M5 - again..

 

The CLS is an E class with a chopped roof, less room, similiar handling and slower acceleration (According to some sources). The M6 conv is well a two door, drop top so it really cant be compared to the M5 in that sense.

Edit: worse handling isnt accurate, although some E63 guys swear the E handles better.

 

IDK about the CLS having worse handling, sources say the suspension is stiffer, though that doesnt always mean better. But the E is faster/I think better looking/more visibility/more functional (FIVE seats)

Edit*** The 2 seats in the back are suposed to make it more comfortable than having 3. Thats the biggest load of gargoyle ***** I've ever heard... you cant stretch out your legs to the side because of the crap in the middle. After 20 minutes you get frustrated cause you feel like you're trapped.

 

True but the E is 175lbs lighter and if Im not mistaken is said to have a better Drag Coefficient (more aerodynamic) then the CLS although it doesn't look it? The CLS suspension is said to have a wider track and the center of gravity lowered. Either way I would take the CLS over the E based on looks alone...even though most of my friends wont (some really cant) sit in that back seat...and after driving a M6 would take that over both unless I really needed 4 doors

 

No comparison between the cars.

 

Hmm, I didn't mention the conv...only M6...

 

2009 SL600 Beauty and Power

 

I would say neither sir. As others have stated, offering the M6 with a rag top really deviates from the purpose of the car, diluting the edge the hardtop has. And while I adore the new SL63, the depreciation hits are enough to make nearly every financially conscious buyer cringe. The SL55 offers much and is priced right...but judging by your spending budget, I would look into a CPO SL65. Pristine, warrantied examples can be purchased for well below the cost of an SL63. Additionally, you can raise the power output by another 100hp and still have quite a bit of change left over. A few thorough test drives are in order, so happy hunting to you.

 

Nice rundown.

 

Thank you.

 

Agreed on most points, however, the CLS has a lot more road presence then the E. It looks fantastic and is more rare.

 

Talking of agreeing with points, I agree with most of your posts period. However, with regard to the E and CLS I must say I prefer the E when in AMG form. Good to have choices I guess.

 

When the CLS launched, I was so attracted by its design that I cancelled my E-Class order.

However, if I see a CLS on the road today, it doesn't look special any more. I think I would pick the E-Class again. The E-Class has a timeless appearance.

After all, it's just personal preference. I was just amazed how my own preferences changed within the last 2 years.

 

I just get weak-kneed when I see the CLS but that doesn't happen when I look at an E-class. No offense, but different strokes for different folks.

 

Whatever floats your boat bro. In the end it comes down to which car gets you excited to leave the house in the morning. Which car gets your heart racing when you pick up the key and head head to leave your house. Cadillac said it best "When you turn your car on, it should return the favor" (something along those lines)

 

If youre going to get a CLS I command you to check out the M6 and compare. Ive driven both and can assure you its an essential comparison. Most people I know are trading their CLS's in since the new CL, S and 09 SL are the hot benzes now, but I do live in the land of the never ending car payment. (LA). I prefer Benz over BMW in most cases but the M6 conv wins this one IMO unless you need a 4 door.

 

My 2 cents .... SL:M6 = beauty:beasts

 

 

I am sorry, but the E does not hold a candle next to a CLS in the look department. The new E63 styling does help it out alot though but still. Take any person and let them look at both cars on the road (both male & female)
What do you think they would pick?

As for the blind spot comments, you learn how to look for them... i have no problems at all. Its a matter of just getting used to the dimentions.
To each his own though (when comparing cars please compare same engines to, not like your E55 to CLS500 ofc its going to make a difference!)

As to SL's i think 55 looks better then the new face lift. If you can get an 08 SL55 thats nice to 520-530HP due to 80mm TB. Many reviews keep stating that its not actuly faster then the outgoing model..and i feel it still does not offer enough to justify the swap over.Have not driven it yet though so cant be sure

As to M6...i prefer the M5 over it. The M6 has sad eye look every time i look at it from the front . Inside its more cramped and it did not give me the whoa the CLS did from sitting inside.

As others have mentioned take your time and drive them all if you can.

For less money though you could get a nissan GTR now that is the only car i would think of jumping ship for... i must be mad!

 

I would take an E55 over a CLS55, I love panaromic roof on high performance sedans.