Mercedes SL Has Too Wide Of A Range

"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
12/01/2015 at 12:59 • Filed to: Mercedes-Benz SL

Starting prices range from $85,050 to and $217,550 (that’s a 255% premium over the base model, which is already very expensive).

Horsepower ranges from 329hp to 621hp (over 188% power increase)

Torque figures are ridiculous! The range is from 354lb-ft to 738lb-ft (over 208% increase in torque).

All for a vehicle that people mistake for the sub-$50k SLK roadster.

I think Mercedes may want to consider breaking the engine variations up into separate models (Porsche does it, however a little overzealously in my opinion).

In fact, the SL-series is actually the halo car of the Mercedes-Benz Brand. Much like Porsche’s 911, the range is as vast as the heritage in the nameplate. However, the S-class variants are the flagships, and the AMG models are the halo cars. The SL-series really needs to become a full line up that makes the ladder of prestige obvious.

SLA - 2.0L T-I4 (shared platform with another manufacturer)
SLC - 3.0 TT-V6 (SLK replacement)
SLE - 4.0L TT-V8 (SL400/550 replacement)
SLS - 5.5L TT-V8 (SL63-AMG replacement)
Maybach - 6.0 TT-V12 (modified platform to add gullwing doors)

Though all use AMG engines (detuned for the regular model, bumped up for the AMG-sport package), only the SLE and SLS get the full AMG treatment including S and Black Series editions. Let the AMG GT variations be coupe only and attack high end sportscars, and the SLE and SLS be luxury, hardtop convertible cruisers. The best part is that even with the Maybach having gullwing doors, apparently you still get that !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! experience.

Thank you Sam Smith!

DISCUSSION (20)

HammerheadFistpunch > Wobbles the Mind
12/01/2015 at 13:07

You know what the SL needs to be? Pretty. It can and should be a good car too, but first and foremost it needs to be a style benchmark and it hasn’t been, not for a long time. The current model looks like a nothing more than a conservative blend of the Mercedes brand elements. Where’s the sex appeal? Knowing that its expensive?

For Sweden > HammerheadFistpunch
12/01/2015 at 13:11

German

Pretty

Pick one

HammerheadFistpunch > For Sweden
12/01/2015 at 13:14

I choose “pick one”

Party-vi > Wobbles the Mind
12/01/2015 at 13:18

You want to put Mercedes’ bottom-barrel bargain-basement I4 engine in a grand tourer with decades of history? Wobbles plz. Why would Mercedes want the SL to move downmarket?

Wobbles the Mind > HammerheadFistpunch
12/01/2015 at 13:18

I would agree however, looking at Ferrari every “new” car design released this year, apparently beauty isn’t something we’ll be able to expect in vehicles. Styling wise anyways. Material, surfacing, paint, and lighting will continue to be spectacular in the future though.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > For Sweden
12/01/2015 at 13:18

Oh fuck off

Kinja'd!!!

HammerheadFistpunch > Wobbles the Mind
12/01/2015 at 13:20

I guess I just have a hard time believing that with the increasing wealth gap that there are fewer people than ever before with both means and a preference for classically good lines and aesthetic appeal. I guess money buys even less taste than it used to...taste inflation, so to speak.

For Sweden > Party-vi
12/01/2015 at 13:29

Isn’t that the SLK

Wobbles the Mind > Party-vi
12/01/2015 at 13:29

Because people are willing to spend close to $40k on a Miata or BRZ, but not $47k on an SLK with 273lb-ft and a folding hardtop. The SL is already down market, but in the worst way. Smaller, lighter platform, and decent steering, and you have the same car done correctly.

Wobbles the Mind > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
12/01/2015 at 13:30

Well you see that isn’t pretty, it’s a knockout. Germans do that extremely well.

Party-vi > For Sweden
12/01/2015 at 13:39

Die in a garbage fire you Philistine.

Party-vi > Wobbles the Mind
12/01/2015 at 13:50

The SL isn’t down market at all. From what you describe, the SLK is the SL done correctly - lighter, smaller, and less expensive, yet they aren’t selling. Plus anyone purchasing an SL for steering feel is not spending their money wisely.

Also, I can’t find where a BRZ is listed for anywhere close to $40k, as the Limited Automatic model I just built is still under $30,000. Just like the Miata, which tops out at under $33,000.

Rico > Wobbles the Mind
12/01/2015 at 14:14

Not sure about an SLA (don’t give them more ideas!) the new SLC is due for reveal early next year.

Wobbles the Mind > Party-vi
12/01/2015 at 14:22

You’re are completely right. My mind is still on a total financing price piece that I’m looking at. Apples to apples, I did slip up on my intented meaning, apologies. The SLK is part of the SL-series, the same way the CLK was part of the CL-series. Like the CLK, or past C-class, the SLK is part of Mercedes old way of doing down market, which is decontenting the true vehicle (we call it rental spec on mainstream cars). Mercedes would need to pair up with another manufacturer in order to do the downmarket thing correctly (check out the difference with the CLA and the GLA). There is a certain overall experience that allows you to enjoy vehicle’s value instead of its cost cutting. I’m big on value and having been checking vehicles for my mother and have been throughly disappointed with interior quality with most brands. So I’m currently jaded and overly harsh due to that.

Wobbles the Mind > Rico
12/01/2015 at 14:27

I know, I’m excited! I want a roadster but need more luxury than “enthusiast” experience. The current SLK and Z4 just aren’t worth it at the price point I’m looking for. I’m an odd guy because I’ll wait 24 months to see updates just to find exactly what I want.

Rico > Wobbles the Mind
12/01/2015 at 14:41

It’ll be launching as a 2017 model in the Summer I believe. With the C Class coupe launching this Spring expect to see the C 300 Cabrio, C450 Coupe, and brand new E Class launching this Summer too. Next week the 2017 E Class interior will be revealed with the official unveiling at the NAIAS in Detroit in January which is where I think the SLC will be shown or at least hinted.

Wobbles the Mind > Rico
12/01/2015 at 14:50

Any idea what GM will reveal at the NAIAS? Seems like the perfect time for that mid-engined Corvette...

Rico > Wobbles the Mind
12/01/2015 at 14:52

I really don’t keep up with GM but I suspect that Corvette will be under wraps until the very last moment similar to how no one knew much about the new Ford GT (or that they were even making a new one) until it was revealed and blew everyone away.

Rusty Shackleford > For Sweden
12/03/2015 at 19:30

Kinja'd!!!

I beg to differ.

For Sweden > Rusty Shackleford
12/03/2015 at 19:31

that is a handsome car, just not a pretty car