RE: Mercedes SL400: Review
Discussion
sealtt said:
I chose between a new SL63 AMG and new M6 Cabrio last year. In the end I went for the M6 Cabrio which I think has a far more elegant exterior and is a more convenient car due to the space, however I have no hesitation in stating that the SL63 AMG is a far better car.
SL interior was incredible - one of the nicest I've ever been in & really comfortable, M6 interior is OK but nothing special, engine in the SL (I was looking at performance pack spec) was in a different league with it's totally mental torque and great noise, much nicer to drive the SL as it had a lighter on it's feet feel than the M6, and at the 100k+ price point I'd always prefer the Mercedes image than the BMW.
However, the non-AMG SL R231s really fail to cut it for me with the exterior styling. It is not a good looking car in base form, well spec'd AMG models look so aggressive they get away with it, but the regular one just really doesn't cut it without piling on £1000s of extras. The 6 series cabrio however remains an elegant and very premium looking car even in lower spec models, so I can see it being a valid option for the buyer taking a lower spec model as looks do matter with these type of cars.
I'm pretty sure that now (with the sl400) all cars are amg styled (or amg sport I think the catalogue says) so have all the body bits bolted on including the rear spoiler which I think helps dramatically. SL interior was incredible - one of the nicest I've ever been in & really comfortable, M6 interior is OK but nothing special, engine in the SL (I was looking at performance pack spec) was in a different league with it's totally mental torque and great noise, much nicer to drive the SL as it had a lighter on it's feet feel than the M6, and at the 100k+ price point I'd always prefer the Mercedes image than the BMW.
However, the non-AMG SL R231s really fail to cut it for me with the exterior styling. It is not a good looking car in base form, well spec'd AMG models look so aggressive they get away with it, but the regular one just really doesn't cut it without piling on £1000s of extras. The 6 series cabrio however remains an elegant and very premium looking car even in lower spec models, so I can see it being a valid option for the buyer taking a lower spec model as looks do matter with these type of cars.
RDMcG said:
I do have some track-focused cars, but the SL is not meant to be that. It is a cruiser, lovely to simply take along run on an open road, not at some insane speed, but to tootle along at 70 or even slower and feel the fresh air...I trailer it down from Canada to AZ each November where it stays at the winter place, and I have no need to update it. It is not stressed,,,and only has 20,000 miles for new, as it is really just for evening cruises. As stated before, I prefer the aesthetics of the R230, despite it being greatly inferior in performance of course. I will likely just keep this car indefinitely.
Great photos - but why trailer it down to AZ? Surely that car is made for such a drive? I appreciate you'd like to keep the mileage down, but in my opinion the value of that drive would outweigh any depreciation...Daniel1 said:
I'm pretty sure that now (with the sl400) all cars are amg styled (or amg sport I think the catalogue says) so have all the body bits bolted on including the rear spoiler which I think helps dramatically.
Well that makes a big difference, I've seen one or two SL350s/500s about and the ones with the AMG pack do look smart, though I still don't think they are quite as handsome as the 6 series cabrio competitor.Cotic said:
Great photos - but why trailer it down to AZ? Surely that car is made for such a drive? I appreciate you'd like to keep the mileage down, but in my opinion the value of that drive would outweigh any depreciation...
I have large dogs that need to be driven down anyway, plus the usual stuff required for my wife to move down for the winter,so the Cayenne is loaded to the gills (plus the passenger compartment of the SL)
. I store the trailer there for the winter, so the trip back is often a bit of an adventure.Cotic said:
Great photos - but why trailer it down to AZ? Surely that car is made for such a drive? I appreciate you'd like to keep the mileage down, but in my opinion the value of that drive would outweigh any depreciation...
I have large dogs that need to be driven down anyway, plus the usual stuff required for my wife to move down for the winter,so the Cayenne is loaded to the gills (plus the passenger compartment of the SL). I store the trailer there for the winter, so the trip back is often a bit of an adventure.I personally think the Z4 has a better interior
But also the 35iS has 340 Bhp, much lighter and a dual clutch and not an auto.
And here comes the shocker, I think people who would buy that car are more likely to think of image rather than ability. Brand hierarchy counts for so much to so many people....who see Merc at the top of the brand chain in terms of Audis and BMWs too....
But also the 35iS has 340 Bhp, much lighter and a dual clutch and not an auto.
And here comes the shocker, I think people who would buy that car are more likely to think of image rather than ability. Brand hierarchy counts for so much to so many people....who see Merc at the top of the brand chain in terms of Audis and BMWs too....
I would love a sl, but I'm buying a 6 series convertible instead as I need to put the little one in the back. the 6 series is shameful for rear-seat room, but it's still somewhat better than the sl and doesn't have the grenading engine issues of a 911. it's a shame though as a 2005 sl350 would be a great option.
NickZ4 said:
I personally think the Z4 has a better interior
But also the 35iS has 340 Bhp, much lighter and a dual clutch and not an auto.
And here comes the shocker, I think people who would buy that car are more likely to think of image rather than ability. Brand hierarchy counts for so much to so many people....who see Merc at the top of the brand chain in terms of Audis and BMWs too....
Whilst you may find the Z4 has a better interior than an SLK, it won't be a touch on that of the SL.But also the 35iS has 340 Bhp, much lighter and a dual clutch and not an auto.
And here comes the shocker, I think people who would buy that car are more likely to think of image rather than ability. Brand hierarchy counts for so much to so many people....who see Merc at the top of the brand chain in terms of Audis and BMWs too....
I have a well spec'd 2013 M6 Cabrio and it is not nearly as nice as the current SL AMG interior.
I'm surprised this thread has got this far without someone mentioning the Maserati Grancabrio (so I will!). It looks better than any car mentioned so far (in my view at least), it has four proper seats and sounds epic. Granted, it won't waft like the Merc, but will happily do the convertible GT/sports car thing better than the SL if you want a little drama thrown in.
sealtt said:
Whilst you may find the Z4 has a better interior than an SLK, it won't be a touch on that of the SL.
Indeed, the Z4 is well made enough inside, but in terms of design and overall quality it's not there with the SL. It is by no means a bad place to sit, but it lacks the ambience of even an R230 SL.Although for me, the ultimate sports GT interior has to be the X100 XK's interior. Simple, magnificent design and the ultimate in ambience. Many will prefer a more modern set of black plastics and sharp edges but the Jaguar design of that era just does it for me.
[quote=Macadoodle Granted, it won't waft like the Merc... .
[/quote]
So what you're saying is, it won't do what the Merc is meant for
The Merc is a superior car imo. It's got a much nicer interior, the engines are more advanced, it rides better etc etc. Doesn't have the badge, perhaps, but the rest is better.
Regarding the M6 vs SL argument my dad recently got an M6 coupe V8, and I think the interior is really nice with the upgraded leather on the dash etc.... A really special place to be. Not sure if the Merc is better but it's a darn sight more expensive. It is a proper convertible, mind!
[/quote]
So what you're saying is, it won't do what the Merc is meant for
The Merc is a superior car imo. It's got a much nicer interior, the engines are more advanced, it rides better etc etc. Doesn't have the badge, perhaps, but the rest is better.
Regarding the M6 vs SL argument my dad recently got an M6 coupe V8, and I think the interior is really nice with the upgraded leather on the dash etc.... A really special place to be. Not sure if the Merc is better but it's a darn sight more expensive. It is a proper convertible, mind!
NickZ4 said:
I personally think the Z4 has a better interior
But also the 35iS has 340 Bhp, much lighter and a dual clutch and not an auto.
And here comes the shocker, I think people who would buy that car are more likely to think of image rather than ability. Brand hierarchy counts for so much to so many people....who see Merc at the top of the brand chain in terms of Audis and BMWs too....
The Z4 isn't close to the SL. I answered your post explicitly before. But also the 35iS has 340 Bhp, much lighter and a dual clutch and not an auto.
And here comes the shocker, I think people who would buy that car are more likely to think of image rather than ability. Brand hierarchy counts for so much to so many people....who see Merc at the top of the brand chain in terms of Audis and BMWs too....
DJRC said:
NickZ4 said:
I personally think the Z4 has a better interior
But also the 35iS has 340 Bhp, much lighter and a dual clutch and not an auto.
And here comes the shocker, I think people who would buy that car are more likely to think of image rather than ability. Brand hierarchy counts for so much to so many people....who see Merc at the top of the brand chain in terms of Audis and BMWs too....
The Z4 isn't close to the SL. I answered your post explicitly before. But also the 35iS has 340 Bhp, much lighter and a dual clutch and not an auto.
And here comes the shocker, I think people who would buy that car are more likely to think of image rather than ability. Brand hierarchy counts for so much to so many people....who see Merc at the top of the brand chain in terms of Audis and BMWs too....
Baryonyx said:
Indeed, the Z4 is well made enough inside, but in terms of design and overall quality it's not there with the SL. It is by no means a bad place to sit, but it lacks the ambience of even an R230 SL.
Although for me, the ultimate sports GT interior has to be the X100 XK's interior. Simple, magnificent design and the ultimate in ambience. Many will prefer a more modern set of black plastics and sharp edges but the Jaguar design of that era just does it for me.
I had an X100 and concur with the interior which seemed to fit around you rather than you sitting in it as on the later shape. Although for me, the ultimate sports GT interior has to be the X100 XK's interior. Simple, magnificent design and the ultimate in ambience. Many will prefer a more modern set of black plastics and sharp edges but the Jaguar design of that era just does it for me.
E65Ross said:
DJRC said:
NickZ4 said:
I personally think the Z4 has a better interior
But also the 35iS has 340 Bhp, much lighter and a dual clutch and not an auto.
And here comes the shocker, I think people who would buy that car are more likely to think of image rather than ability. Brand hierarchy counts for so much to so many people....who see Merc at the top of the brand chain in terms of Audis and BMWs too....
The Z4 isn't close to the SL. I answered your post explicitly before. But also the 35iS has 340 Bhp, much lighter and a dual clutch and not an auto.
And here comes the shocker, I think people who would buy that car are more likely to think of image rather than ability. Brand hierarchy counts for so much to so many people....who see Merc at the top of the brand chain in terms of Audis and BMWs too....
) I think the latest gen Z4 has one of the best interiors of any modern car - it's attractive, functional, made of nice materials and has a premium feel to it. So much so that in my personal and humble opinion - it rivals, if not betters, far more expensive machinery.
I like the overal design of the R231 SL's interior. In my mind it closely resembles that of the SLS. But the actual quality and feel of the materials lets it down. Take the interior door handles for instance: they feel light and plasticky to the touch. Now this could just be my misconception as they may well be hand milled aluminium for all I know - but they definitely feel cheap.
I really loved the latest gen Z4 and was in the market for one after I sold my R8. I was sold on the looks and the interior but it's things like the poor engine note (35i) and ultra stiff yet super wobbly handling (it wobbled as much as my dad's Audi A8) put me off.
Now, about 3 years down the line and having recently treated myself to an SL55 AMG, 2 weeks into my ownership, I'm totally sold on the large 2 seater convertible grand tourer thing. Like one of the posters said above with the ferrari, I've done the manic mid engined supercar thing and, I'll admit, I loved it. But the SL55 offers so much more for everyday driving. Granted, it's never going to be any where near as good as the R8 in the bends but it offers so much more, more of the time. Plus, I've got an 04 impreza STI for my weekend early morning manual gearbox fix
My kindly mercedes dealership that I bought the SL55 from has promised me a weekend test drive of an R231 SL63 if and when they get a demonstrator, in a blatant attempt to try and get me to buy one. To be honest, it's the only car I'd consider swapping the current SL for, especially considering the discounts on new, pre-registered and ex-demo cars.
I just cannot get on with the looks of this shape of SL.
They had it so right in the R230 and from the facelift onwards it just seems to get worse and more bloated. To a point that I have already made my mind up that I will not buy the new SL AMG even when means allow.
Any excuse to post some pics :
And as for the comments of driving fast with the roof down - you should hear this bloody thing!
They had it so right in the R230 and from the facelift onwards it just seems to get worse and more bloated. To a point that I have already made my mind up that I will not buy the new SL AMG even when means allow.
Any excuse to post some pics :
And as for the comments of driving fast with the roof down - you should hear this bloody thing!
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