This vs V8 Vantage Roadster

[christof]

Just watched the first reviews of the new AMG SL63 and wondering what AM owners or enthusiasts thinking about this in comparison with the V8 Vantage roadster. Any love from the AM community?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tsftnrgnqY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAShwGLTDwE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-q7XvFS--0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDIFvCmlOHo&t=...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpHNVfRY1HQ

Edited by christof on Thursday 13th January 20:14

[Beckson]

The screen in the middle is really awful. I do not understand this design. It will dated as hell in like 5 years because of this.

Probably can find a used DB11 volante for the same money....

[Import]

Nice looking car..agree about the screen…just doesnt work for me..looks like a last min attachment..but we are all different..I’m sure it’s more visible than the Aston version..lol

[christof]

Import said:

Nice looking car..agree about the screen…just doesnt work for me..looks like a last min attachment..but we are all different..I’m sure it’s more visible than the Aston version..lol

Yes, the screen ruins the entire interior for me too. Also don't like the flashy ambient light, it looks cheap and tacky to my eyes.
All in all I've expected more for the new flagship AMG modell.

Let's hope the new 2023 AM cars won't adopt this interior design and stay away from huge tablet size screens.

[Jon39]

christof said:

Import said:

Nice looking car..agree about the screen…just doesnt work for me..looks like a last min attachment..but we are all different..I’m sure it’s more visible than the Aston version..lol

Yes, the screen ruins the entire interior for me too. Also don't like the flashy ambient light, it looks cheap and tacky to my eyes.
All in all I've expected more for the new flagship AMG modell.

Let's hope the new 2023 AM cars won't adopt this interior design and stay away from huge tablet size screens.

The current Mercedes E-Class has two neat built-in dashboard screens. However, their more recently announced models, all seem to have the standard arrangement as seen in this SL. It is thought that the new E-Class next year, will also have the same centre portrait style screen, together with the other screen in front of the driver. It indicates that they want most of their range to be standardised.

Mercedes all electric models have a different, huge incorporated dashboard screen, going all the way across the whole car between the A pillars.

Presumably (with the technology agreement) Aston Martin cars will be using one of these two versions in the future.

From side view, the hoods of sports cars when up, often make the roof silhouette less attractive than the equivalent coupe.
I thought they have mastered that criticism with this SL though. The rear window slopes backwards a fair amount and the boot protrusion is quite short, which seems to make the side silhouette more attractive than is normally the case.

Edited by Jon39 on Thursday 13th January 21:44

[BiggaJ]

Is that supposed to be an integrated screen? Looks like an after thought or perhaps the owner left their iPad on show.

The car isn't for me, it's no looker, perhaps it's the colour.

[christof]

Jon39 said:

The current Mercedes E-Class has two neat built-in dashboard screens. However, their more recently announced models, all seem to have the standard arrangement as seen in this SL. It is thought that the new E-Class next year, will also have the same centre portrait style screen, together with the other screen in front of the driver. It indicates that they want most of their range to be standardised.

Mercedes all electric models have a different, huge incorporated dashboard screen, going all the way across the whole car between the A pillars.

Presumably (with the technology agreement) Aston Martin cars will be using one of these two versions in the future.

Edited by Jon39 on Thursday 13th January 21:44

The new obsession with screens and even larger touchscreens is a huge turn off for me. I don't like the look, hate the visible finger prints and most important, don't want to operate a car using tablet size screens. What's wrong with old fashioned buttons and switches..., Bentley shows that's still possible to operate a modern car with a beautiful combination between displays and buttons/switches.

I hope that Moers statement (if he is and will stay in business) developing a bespoke AM infotainment system based on the MBUX leads to an interior without huge screens. Following the latest financial reports I also hope AM will have the funds to develop something bespoke.
However, I've heard from different sources that AML is currently working on their own i.s.

My enthusiasm about the 2023 modell range will fade away rapidly when the new cars interior is build around huge screens.

[Djit]

With the roof down on a sunny day that screen will create glare/reflection, be almost illegible and will get very hot.

[AstonV]

That’s one “ugly” automobile!

[christof]

Djit said:

With the roof down on a sunny day that screen will create glare/reflection, be almost illegible and will get very hot.

Not sure about the heat issue, but as one of the videos is showing, you can electrically tilt the screen to avoid glare/reflection in one of the settings. However, the display still looks totally misplaced in a convertible,,

[Jon39]

christof said:

The new obsession with screens and even larger touchscreens is a huge turn off for me. I don't like the look, hate the visible finger prints and most important, don't want to operate a car using tablet size screens. What's wrong with old fashioned buttons and switches..., Bentley shows that's still possible to operate a modern car with a beautiful combination between displays and buttons/switches. ...

I don't like 'stuck on' type screens either, but unfortunately it seems to be becoming the norm. We are reluctantly being dragged along.
You probably already know, that Mercedes have a new system for drivers who, 'don't want to operate a car using tablet size screens'.
You just speak, "Hey Mercedes", then a voices asks what you want. All sorts of things on the car can then be switched on/off or adjusted, just by speaking. Really, it is true.

Has the world gone mad?

[AstonV]

Jon39 said:

Has the world gone mad?

Yes..

[alabbasi]

I don't know anything about 2022 Mercedes or Aston Martin. I do own a 2005 SL55 and a 2007 V8V. The SL is better in just about every way except for looks and it's not far behind there. Both the SL 55 and the 07 V8V are better looking than the 22 V8V

[Astontony]

Nup, does nothing for me. I agree with the comments re the screen, it looks like it was borrowed from a Tesla. Having to hold your finger on the screen to close the soft top is pretty stupid.
also the rev limiter would drive me crazy.

[Djit]

AstonV said:

Jon39 said:

Has the world gone mad?

Yes..

Quite possibly.

I’ll ask Alexa!

[LordBretSinclair]

I agree about the screen however, IMHO, the screen on the current Vantage/DB11 looks a real dogs dinner too.
To me it looks like an ipad dropped into a hole on the top of the dash. (Sits back and waits to ne flamed )

[Finding Neutral]

Looks very ordinary to my eyes.

[M1AGM]

I had an early SL55 when they came out and loved it, had it for 8 years.

Was looking forward to the next gen SL as the facelifts did nothing for me, just made the car ugly.

I think externally the new SL looks nice but there are a couple of niggles that are a dealbreaker for me. The ridge when the roof is up where it meets the rear boot I dont like, and the two rear passenger headrest ‘bumps’ in the profile ruin it. Those rear seats aren’t necessary and spoil it imo.

The huge screen in the centre looks awful and again is unnecessary.

It is priced below the AMG-GT model, I’d prefer the GT-C in roadster form. So not for me despite the want.

[Jon39]

The first photo shows what appears now to be the current Mercedes-Benz standard screens arrangement.

The second photo shows the interior of their fully electric models.

Could these be heading to future Aston Martin models perhaps?







Ask for the heating to switch on and the cool blue lighting changes to warm red lighting.
I don't think Lionel Martin thought of that feature for his cars. -

[Shrimpvende]

Not too keen on the styling, it's too curvy but not in a good (AM) way. Reminds me a little of the previous gen Z4. A sports convertible, but not very aggressive looking. I guess it has to stay below the AMG GT in the model range, but whereas they, along with the Vantage, look like top drawer performance cars, the SL looks a bit soft.

I don't like the interior much, there's too much going on with the vents, shiny plastic, carbon and screen - I prefer understated. The interior of the current Vantage isn't that bad (although far from brilliant) and once you get used to it the screen and buttons are tactile enough. I prefer a screen at closer to eye level as per the Vantage to those further down into the centre console as this one is. Also - no physical dials for the aircon mean a hard no from me!