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Tags: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Series

Tag Link: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Series

The New SL's Are AMAZING-Does Anyone In Today's 'IN CROWD' Care?
Agent 001 was burning up the back roads and highways with glee, testing the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL's (SL550, SL600, SL63 and SL65) last week in Southern California.

The route took us from Santa Monica to Palm Springs.

As a previous owner of a few SL's, the first thing I can tell you about these new rides, is to forget EVERYTHING you know about the previous generation cars.

Check Out The 2009 Mercedes SL-Series

 












Forget the feeling of a car being too heavy, numb handling and underpowered for its weight.

These new SL's drive like a more comfortable BMW.

Yes.

You heard me right.

BMW.

The new SL in my opinion drives BETTER than the 650.

WAY better.

In virtually every single way, these new SL's are executed almost perfectly.

And the new look is a lot nicer once you see it in person.

Photos don't do the new design justice.

So reserve your opinion until you see one face to face.

The only flaws I could find on these cars was a sub-par navigation system (shocking on a German car I know!) with NO traffic updating (that comes next year), no rear backup camera (C'mon boys, these babies start at $90k...no excuse for that omission), and sticker shock perfected.

But the strengths outweigh the flaws by a factor of a billion to one.

Of all the models, the SL63 was by far my favorite.

It was one of the best cars I have EVER driven.

I am in LUST with it!

What a package...power, sound, refinement, design...I could go on and on and on.

It even got a respectable 13.9MPG under extremely aggressive circumstances in my testing...17MPG highway if you baby it.

But who on earth would baby this thing if they owned one.

I'd probably be in jail for speeding at least once a month!

So, in a nutshell, Mercedes has done an amazing job on this set of cars.

They have done virtually NOTHING wrong.

The real problem they have with the SL, is outside of their own control.

In the old days, the SL was the ICON of the 'I've made it' and 'I'm better than you' crowd.

When you saw someone in one you said WOW!, that dude is a big shot!

They've reached the pinnacle in life.

Not any more.

Their 'king of cool' trophy has been knocked of the mantle by vehicles like the Bentley Continental, Rolls, BMW 650, Ferrari, Lambo, Audi R8, Maserati and Range Rover.

You notice I omitted Porsche from that list...that was not an accident because they are facing the same dilemma.

Cars like the SL and Porsche's have become rather ordinary...especially in the markets like Socal or Florida where the influencer's for the rest of the country are...

Dare I say it?

SL's and Porsche's are considered 'OLD MAN' cars by the new socialites.

And unfortunately for Mercedes, most people will never know HOW good these new SL's are because they won't be on 'the top of mind' list.

That's a shame if you ask us...Because the new SL's are AWESOME!

SL63 for me please...In the flat 'Yosemite Grey' color (7G's extra).
















Check Out The 2009 Mercedes SL-Series

*AutoSpies.com was a guest of the manufacturer for the purpose of providing our readers this advance preview.
The New SL's Are AMAZING-Does Anyone In Today's 'IN CROWD' Care?



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AlexTxAlexTx - 3/11/2008 3:17:11 PM
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I love the front... I love the fact that it is reminiscent of the old Sl from the 50's and 60's...
Now, jut change the back a litle to make it look more like it too.
Definitely the best looking SL in a while..

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vman1013vman1013 - 3/11/2008 4:06:34 PM
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I bet it drives exactly as stated. But I still believe the previous SL's front end was the best looking since the 1950's 300SL. The rear looks Viper-ish to be honest but I'm sure the new SL will grow on any MB enthusiast that feels the same way. MB puts a fantastic product on the road. I just wish they would've kept the styling more in line with the previous SL.


1995e341995e34 - 3/11/2008 7:01:45 PM
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just a few months ago people were on this site saying that mercedes had abandoned it's roots, and this redesign was a mockery of all previous SL's. interesting how quickly opinions change.

yes, i was weary when i first saw this design. but i reserved judgment until i saw a real photo.

i predict a similar reversal of opinions when the porsche panamera finally is unveiled. you heard it here first.



a quick question for everyone: what mid-generation restyling is the best ever? this one may get my vote.


AShul007AShul007 - 3/12/2008 4:25:18 AM
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They finally got the front right again....but the back still looks like a camaro...
The 1989 and 1998 Sl's were beauties...the last of the greats...this refresh is really nice and I think it's one of the few times Mercedes has done a refresh on an SL of this magnitude...
any one know of any others?
The interior is still cheap and plastic looking though


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/11/2008 3:32:50 PM
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sounds like a fantastic car.

i've seen a couple on the road recently...and it's beautiful. stands out in a crowd more than the last gen.

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DROOPYSAKKDROOPYSAKK - 3/11/2008 3:36:41 PM
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okay i bad mouthed this car when the pics were posted first. but after seeing these i have to eat my words, this car is beautiful especially the 63 and 65's

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EL34EL34 - 3/11/2008 3:38:08 PM
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I'm gonna get me an '09 Mercedes-Benz SL ;-)

Just about the best lookin' car on the road!

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EL34EL34 - 3/11/2008 3:41:25 PM
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BTW, I love that last shot of the SL's in a paking lot off PCH with the Santa Monica pier in the background with the ferris wheel :-)


RupertRupert - 3/11/2008 3:41:03 PMView My AgentSpace
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Ok, I like it now.

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EL34EL34 - 3/11/2008 3:42:17 PM
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What took you so long :-?


528i528i - 3/11/2008 3:54:01 PMView My AgentSpace
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BOOOOOOO, bring back the old front.

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1995e341995e34 - 3/11/2008 7:04:25 PM
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i would expect no less from an E39 fan.


PorschinatorPorschinator - 3/11/2008 3:56:48 PM
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Cant go wrong with an SL. I am sure I will get used to the new face when up close and personal. As for desireability (including Porsche) I think you are off 001. The entire World is not similar to Cali and Florida. Seeing an SL and/or Porsche in the majority of the World is still very desireable.

The last SL version was too electronically controlled. Was hoping the new SL would have more feedback.

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M35MTM35MT - 3/11/2008 4:14:08 PMView My AgentSpace
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Your spot on regarding the 'high class standard'. In the 90's the SL seemed to have more cache.

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MPowerDKMPowerDK - 3/11/2008 4:36:29 PM
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that front ugly like hell.
The headrest. looks ugly too becauce of that heat system. The old one looked so nice.

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w209w114w209w114 - 3/11/2008 4:57:04 PMView My AgentSpace
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The car is simply beautiful! the more I see it the more I prefer it over the old SL's front. It was time for the ovals to go...

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ChipChip - 3/11/2008 5:09:54 PM
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They really did a nice job with the refresh, however the AMG models seem to make the most of those updates. The SL63 does look killer. Sure it sounds that way too.

I agree about the Navigation system being out of date and Im surprised they didn't find a way to incorporate the new system thats available in the C, CL & S class. Especially considering this is one of their flagship vehicles.

And this may be nitpicking, but those headrests look a little ridiculous in my opinion. I hope those fans are quiet, because the thought of my head resting against an air conditioner doesn't sound appealing.

But they certainly made it up to 2009 standards thats for sure. And it better drive better than a 650i considering how much more the vehicle costs.

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ThierryHenry14ThierryHenry14 - 3/11/2008 5:12:58 PM
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The regular SL550 is just begining to settle in for me (the looks) but I always thought that the AMG treatment actually made the car look great...aggressive... The rear diffuser is a great add too.

Anyways, hope Mercedes have a winner on their hands.

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dbs600olddbs600old - 3/11/2008 5:23:13 PM
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where does these cars go when the media is done with them? have they been titled yet? sold as 'executive demos'? sold as new w/ mileage?

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BigShow50BigShow50 - 3/11/2008 5:33:05 PM
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MB got a little lazy on the design overall...they can do better than that! BTW...EL34's comment are as useless as "Tits on a Boar!"...LMAO!!!

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/11/2008 6:01:55 PMView My AgentSpace
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I really love it now. At first, I hated it, then after a couple days I warmed up, now I'm completely there.

But...

"no rear backup camera (C'mon boys, these babies start at $90k...no excuse for that omission)"

???

That's something only you would say, 001, because who the hell needs a backup camera in a roadster?

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RupertRupert - 3/11/2008 6:06:54 PMView My AgentSpace
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Nobody is that bad a parker...just get parking sensors! You can see the back, you just need to be aware of pesky kerbs and bollards and stuff.


Matthew1Matthew1 - 3/11/2008 7:16:06 PM
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What's more, where would you put the camera without ruining the lines of the car?

Only American's would come up with a statement like that....


RupertRupert - 3/11/2008 7:41:40 PMView My AgentSpace
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The way people on this site talk about back-up cameras it's like they are commonplace - it's weird, to me they are really new - I haven't seen one yet.


MercBasherMercBasher - 3/12/2008 12:27:04 AM
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001 understands the customers of these vehicles better than most readers.

A back-up camera would be a useful addition, it shows up on the navigation screen [for those who are clueless]. Buyers of big-ticket cars [except lightweight supercars] expect all the latest technology.

Personally I am a huge fan of the back-up camera, I have one in my x5 [although the x5 picture quality is terrible compared to that in a friend's Toyota 4Runner Limited], My BMW 335i convertible doesn't have one and I miss it when driving - it's true when the roof is down a back-up camera is not the most important item but with the roof up a camera is very convenient.

As the population ages [and hell the average age of an SL driver is already kinda high] more folks will have back and neck issues, so a camera is a nice feature.




S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/12/2008 10:20:28 PMView My AgentSpace
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MercBasher, we have an X5 too, and the backup camera is utterly useless. We don't even look at it. That's one of very few flaws in the car.

What flavor is yours? Engine/Sport/non-sport?


CLK63BlackSeriesCLK63BlackSeries - 3/11/2008 6:06:35 PMView My AgentSpace
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HOLY SHIT! A matte finished stock SL! OMFG!!!

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BoredBored - 3/11/2008 6:18:41 PM
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All I see is pics of a bunch of hot babes!!!

Wait? There are pics of the new SL, too!? Ok then, they are badass, too!

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lyonboylyonboy - 3/11/2008 6:32:29 PM
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Owning both a 6501 and a SL550 I can tell you that the 650i was more entertaining car to drive but the SL wins the panache contest all day long so if the new one drives as well as a 650i than WOW! The only reason to buy a Jaguar or Aston Martin or Maserati is to be different because you never see them because nobody buys those old looking unreliable vehicles. BMW and Mercedes are on top for alot of good reasons.

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cdokecdoke - 3/12/2008 1:19:47 PMView My AgentSpace
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Jaguars, Aston Martins and Maseratis are "old-looking"?

When did beautiful become "old"?


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/12/2008 10:22:00 PMView My AgentSpace
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That's just ridiculous. All three of the more exotic cars you mentioned look 100% contemporary and just gorgeous. They are all more "new-looking" than the SL, and are on par with the 6 Series.


ZBL1414ZBL1414 - 3/11/2008 6:46:26 PM
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make mine silver with black... but in 2+2 form, with the trunk in the front and "Carrera" scrolled on the back.

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mini22mini22 - 3/11/2008 6:52:30 PM
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I liked the previous front end better as well.I'm sure it's a nice car and you can't ever complain about the power. However if power is not the # one priority a Jaguar XK or XKR fits the bill for me quite nicely and I think it's more attractive then the SL with more available wood. Also I'm certain it's less money.

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/12/2008 10:23:14 PMView My AgentSpace
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XKR has MORE power than the SL550 for LESS money... so there you go, an answer to your question.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 3/11/2008 7:15:21 PM
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I driven the last four generations of SL, here,s my impressions;

190 SL Terrific car for it's day a classic roadster

450/380/560 SL What an over priced piece of crap. they handled slight worse than a water bed. 380 engines self destructed, and even though the 560 was faster, speed didn't compensate for the rest of it faults. American gigolo made this car famous, the 450SL had less depth than the movie.

500/600 SL A great car all the luxury a multi thousand dollar ride should have. It drove uncannily like a Mustang GT.

The Current SL Ladies and Gentleman this is the car that keeps BMW up at night. it does everything better than the A truly spectacular car, a car deserving the Mercedes name. I have no idea how BMW sell 6er's. Having driven both cars for hundreds of miles in can tell you the SL does everything better. It's a good thing the Bimmer cheaper.

I take the new SL.

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WillisWillis - 3/11/2008 9:00:59 PM
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Back in the 1970s and 1980s nobody bought an SL for "handling" reasons. The R107 SL was a pure cruiser. It had zero sporty pretensions. It and the 190SL were probably the least sporty SL's ever created.


asiancars233asiancars233 - 3/11/2008 7:21:41 PMView My AgentSpace
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They look amazing!

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SixxFiveSixxFive - 3/11/2008 7:59:19 PM
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Wow - the SL looks cool. 001's comment that SL's and Porsche's are no longer desireable sounds like someone who has adopted more of a Southern California social scene attitude rather than a true automotive enthusiast.

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Agent001Agent001 - 3/11/2008 8:23:33 PMView My AgentSpace
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Didn't say they were no longer desirable.

I said to the new ruling class of the key socialite influencer's (the Hollywood/South Beach/NYC/SF/LA/OC crowd), it's no longer in vogue and an 'IT' car like a Bentley Continental, etc.

And what these people are choosing today, the rest of the country will be doing tomorrow.

001


1995e341995e34 - 3/11/2008 10:56:10 PM
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whatever those b-list paulie shore wannabes are doing, i'm doing the opposite.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/12/2008 10:25:16 PMView My AgentSpace
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+1 to 1995.

There may be cars that are "in" or "hot" right now, but the SL and 911 will always be icons and I will always want at least one of them until I finally buy one. Probably a 911.


bmwfan1513bmwfan1513 - 3/11/2008 8:05:14 PM
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MonkMonk - 3/11/2008 8:26:41 PMView My AgentSpace
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most of the people who get ferraris or lambos only want to flaunt their wealth; they're not car enthusiasts

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WillisWillis - 3/11/2008 9:02:40 PM
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I'm warming up to the new look. Initially I didn't much like it but these photos have changed my mind quite a bit. It looks pretty good. I'll reserve my final opinion when I see the car in real life.

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bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 3/11/2008 9:54:37 PM
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i say wait for the all new one, and im confused as to why a couple Sl cars pictured have 911 turbo style wheels, they look just like the wheels from the 911 turbo like an exact copy. THe rest of the car doesnt really look bad its just the front looks grafted on and doesnt really seem to flow well with the rest of the body

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iamdabest1iamdabest1 - 3/11/2008 10:05:54 PMView My AgentSpace
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DenaliDenali - 3/11/2008 11:23:51 PM
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i think the 3rd pic is a work of art, i also notice AMG makes this car really sexy, plus that pic have an RR sitting pretty

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Agent001Agent001 - 3/12/2008 2:06:54 AMView My AgentSpace
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Thanks for the compliment!

It was my favorite as well.

We try our best to provide the best photos of any site and show you the full experience, so you get a better insight to the authenticity of the brand.

001


HantraHantra - 3/11/2008 11:32:05 PMView My AgentSpace
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Good job leaving the rear end alone. But did you have to RUIN the front!? I knew they couldn't follow up the previous SL's design. They should have just left it alone.

And MATTE? Leave that to the idiots who want to murder it out and put black 24's on it. Uggh. . .

Don't get me wrong. It DOES look better than the 6 series. But the previous SL may still be one of the 5 finest designed automobiles in the world today.

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MunichRobMunichRob - 3/12/2008 1:43:03 AMView My AgentSpace
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While the design has grown on me it still doesn't totally work for me. The front end is reminiscent & could be mistaken for an Opel GT (Known as the Saturn Sky stateside) from a distance.

When I first saw the current SL back in 02' it made major impression on me, I thought it was easily one of the top 5 best looking vehicles on the road, I never went through a "warm up" period with that design.



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MercedesMercedes - 3/12/2008 2:00:42 AM
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farabira1farabira1 - 3/12/2008 2:19:13 AM
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The SL looks good, but it is no Jaguar XK in terms of design. The XK RS looks much better than this Merc SL.

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MercedesMercedes - 3/12/2008 2:48:57 AM
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Man MB really did a hell of a job here. I thought it was just ok at first, but now I'm convinced they've scored another hit and given the SL an extended life.

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AShul007AShul007 - 3/12/2008 4:24:06 AM
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They finally got the front right again....but the back still looks like a camaro...
The 1989 and 1998 Sl's were beauties...the last of the greats...this refresh is really nice and I think it's one of the few times Mercedes has done a refresh on an SL of this magnitude...
any one know of any others?

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AShul007AShul007 - 3/12/2008 4:24:35 AM
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oh and also...the interior is still cheap and plastic looking

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tattedtwicetattedtwice - 3/12/2008 9:25:43 AM
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*yawn*
Pass, thanks; where's the closest XLR or XK dealer?

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enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/12/2008 11:16:47 AM
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yawn?
go get the XK grandpa!


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 3/12/2008 1:55:44 PM
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*yawn, again, at the above comment*

Sorry kid, rest assured if I were a grandpa I'd likely end up in something garish and overstyled to feel young again, i.e., the sl.

I find the aging XLR and the simple and elegant XK MUUUUUUUCH more appealing than this thing here.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/12/2008 10:27:35 PMView My AgentSpace
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XK = stunning, good choice for anyone.

XLR = ??? I don't have any desire to even test drive that car.


mini22mini22 - 3/12/2008 12:24:12 PM
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An XK will probably out handle an SL.It's no granpa's car!

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farabira1farabira1 - 3/12/2008 12:36:13 PM
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If anyone has eyes, then they'll agree the Jaguar XK is the most beautiful and awesome looking car in the segment. The Mercedes looks well built for it's purpose, a posh luxury cruiser with tons of HP, and interior quality is very good, but it does not have a charismatic presence like the XK especially the NEW XKRS. I respect the sentiments of MB followers, but in this segment nothing stirs my emotion like the XK.



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1995e341995e34 - 3/12/2008 3:28:03 PM
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you like the jag better than the astons? very interesting.


farabira1farabira1 - 3/13/2008 2:24:37 AM
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I never said i like Jaguar XK better than Aston Vantage or DB9, Aston's are not in the same league as the XK, the vantage is about 20 grand(US DOllars) more expensive here in the states than the XK. Now if you want to compare the XKRS(around 100 grand) then you'll have to compare it with the tuned Prodrive V8 vantage version, not the regular coupe, so even in that case the XK RS is not competing with the Aston Martins, which are considerably more expensive.

Don't get me wrong, i love astons, I think the vanquish was the most beautiful car of the past decade, but they don't compete with Jaguars.


cdokecdoke - 3/14/2008 1:03:17 PMView My AgentSpace
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This is going to make me unpopular, while I love the DB9 and think it is the most beautiful car on the road today, I really don't like the V8 Vantage. Its proportions aren't as good as othr Astons, primarily because it is a smaller car, and the interior is crap in particular compared to the DB9. I would buy an XKR over a V8 Vantage. It isn't that it is a bad car, but put it next to the DB9 and the contrast is severe.

Having said that, I fully recognize that Jaguar does not really compete with Aston Martin and what I have said is the exception. Maserati does not really compete with Aston Martin either for that matter. In my mind, Astons are so unique and beautiful that they really don't have a direct competitor.


snatchandgrabsnatchandgrab - 3/12/2008 12:40:31 PM
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The front is ugly and oversized imo....I love the car overall. I've always been an SL fan. But, i'm not too sure about the fans in the headrest. I currently own a Bmw 6 and my girlfriend drives an sl55. Personally, I always thought Bimmers were more fun to drive to me.

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M53RM53R - 3/12/2008 1:30:21 PMView My AgentSpace
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Im starting to get used to the ugly styling. Its ok now, but I hate the grill.

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supermotosupermoto - 3/12/2008 2:09:48 PM
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Total grandma and grandpa car! And the redesigned front end looks awful. XKR or Aston Martin looks waaaaay better.

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AudiphileAudiphile - 3/12/2008 3:37:42 PM
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The new SLs look nice enough - I can see in the styling traces of the old 300SL from the 1950s. It will be interesting to see how well the car performs.

I think I know the reason for the tepid reception the new Mercs get in tonier neighborhoods: familiarity breeds contempt. Mercedes-Benz has dominated the upscale automotive market for so long, thus making the cars commonplace in ritzy areas, they they are no longer unique. Exclusivity is a major component of prestige. Smaller-volume manufacturers like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Maserati, etc. are the rides of choice for someone seeking the "ultimate bling bling".

BMW and Lexus suffer from the same problem as Mercedes. These three brands are victims of their own successes. I believe that part of the reason for the recent sales success of Audi and Infiniti has been that they are different from the previously mentioned market leaders, and you don't see them in virtually every upscale driveway.

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/12/2008 10:29:56 PMView My AgentSpace
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However, they still do somehow maintain that Benz mystique. Whenever I see an S-Class, I have to admire it. What a stately, stunning car.

However, it's different from when I see something like a high-end Audi (S8, R8, RS4, etc). You definitely don't see them every day, and when that happens, I have to STARE. Beautiful, all of them.


AudiphileAudiphile - 3/13/2008 9:06:05 AM
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You're right, S4cabrio. The S, CL & CLK classes are the only Mercedes models whose looks I like.

Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Porsche, Audi, etc. all make fine cars. It's a shame that so much of their target market is made up of shallow, showy people who are interested only in what is cool at the moment.


MunichRobMunichRob - 3/12/2008 9:54:06 PMView My AgentSpace
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001 you stated you think the new SL 500 drives better than a 650i? Well not to sound bias or anything but from my experience (Best friend drives an 04' SL 500 I drive a 650i coupe) with both cars it would take a car god to make the SL 500 drive like the 6.

I havn't actually ever driven a 6 convertible & to be honest, I havn't heared the best things about it in comparison with the 6er coupe.

So with that said do you feel the new SL drives better than the 650i coupe, or just the convertible?

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993Turbo993Turbo - 3/14/2008 8:20:35 AM
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Boy is that ugly! Talk about ruining an icon!

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JoeOJoeO - 3/14/2008 8:53:17 AM
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To answer the author's question: Does anyone care?....

No. Not really.

In Connecticut I rarely see any SL's on the road. Mercedes is getting the stigma of being an old man's car.

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OneOfOneOneOfOne - 3/17/2008 3:27:19 AM
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what is an old mans car? oh thats right, old men actually have the money to buy these cars and you fast and furious bred morons are all haters. go back to your civics lamers. the real problem with mb is that the quality and reliability is terrible. and the electronics in german cars are primitive. you may not care but in the lux area you should be able to get it right for all that cash.

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No Credit and A Pending Economic Meltdown: The Current State of the Automotive Industry - Money Now Is The Object, How Will It Affect Your Next Purchase?