A lot of their reviews, especially for performance or luxury cars, use dealership or subscriber vehicles. It's a more frequent observation with TH than with any of the other car reviewers I watch where they ask their fanbase on social media if there's anyone with a cool car willing to have it reviewed. The pro of this is they can be as critical as they want to be for the car they review. This also allows them to do more with the cars they're given (track tests, old vs new, drag races). The main con is they don't get invited by manufacturers themselves for early access reviews and whatnot as often as other reviewers do. This isn't to say they don't ever get invited to press events. They do, and those videos are very obviously very different to reviews like this one where they drive a car ~2 years after release and give an honest critique of it, or reviews where they drive a subscriber's or have a dealership's car.
If you mean the Panel Gap, this is a Press Car. Any Car Journalist will tell you that the Cars they get every now and then from any Brand have either Issues or some lower Quality than the Production Cars
I was about to say that. Every time I see that panel gap I think how such a thing could cost *breath* 190,000 USD!! And it is not even subtle. How did thing pass QC and dealer inspection.
As a Lexus owner, THANK YOU for recommending the LC500 every chance you get! Same with the Straight Pipes. There's no surprise that so many reviewers love it. Immaculate design, build quality, engine sound, and luxury, all for much less than all its competitors. All the reasons I love Lexus.
Problem with that car is I already have a sports car, so having that on top isn't practical. If they did an LS F with that motor and that gorgeous interior I'd buy the shit out of it. But just wish they had a more practical version. IS500 just isn't quite the item that those are.
Yep... Fair to say Merc build quality ain't what it used to be. That would drive me up the God damned wall if it were mine. I used to build road train trailers for a living (I'm in Australia) and that level of finish would be unacceptable for a semi trailer, let alone a luxury car. Not even close to good enough.
Same here 2006 SL65 here and no flex and I also have master race mode. It’s called turn off traction ESP, put her in sport mode, ABC to sport, renntech tune, and drag radials,
Our former 2010 C350 felt super solid, it’s a shame Mercedes quality is what it is now, I was recently driving a 2019 E53 AMG and was appalled at how cheap the inside felt.
I didn't realize how much more expensive this is to the LC500C, even the SL55 is a long way above, and I don't think 4wd and a tomb stone slapped right in the middle of the car would lead to a 40% price increase from the LC500C
@@edombre4637That's the kind of thing people say when they really have to hate on things out of thin air. The LC500C doesn't look like a rav4, in case you don't have eyes.
I'm so glad I got my S63 Cabrio pre-facelift: the same grille DNA as all of its predecessors going back decades, and outstanding build quality. And that thing under the hood... the 5.5L V8. Oh yeah. Sweetness. 2 million pound curb weight, so not going to race anybody, but that's not my thing. Oh, does it cruise. Great GT!
What's crazy is that the LC500 design has been around for some time and I believe it is better and more timeless for $80K less. I think it shows how good Lexus got the LC500 design down.
Sad to see how Merc treats its flagship cars. It’s part of the business side of the company to cut costs and create profits, but it’s just disheartening to see how the quality of the brand has fallen so far in the past 40 years.
It's not just MB nobody really wants expensive luxury roadsters any more , everybody (like the US) just wants stupid big luxury SUV's now and these cars aren't sought after like they were in the past !
I'm surprised they didn't mention this compared to an BMW M8 Competition convertible. The M8 is also a twin-turbo V8, is just as fast if not faster, handles better, has better interior quality, and it costs much, much, much less.
I own an SL63 and must say I was so surprised by how comfortable it is especially on UK roads, likewise with OPF filters the engine sounds incredible. For anyone interested in one i'd suggest test driving it. One of the main reasons I chose an SL over a 911 was the sound.
@@veritas6466 eh not quite personally around 2010 and a bit after was also great. I own a e class from that generation that's treated me amazingly. I would say after that Iv noticed the biggest fall off
@@callofdestiny5671 The 2010 E350 had six recalls. The following laundry list comes straight from consumer reports: Owners report problems with: Steering And Suspension- Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension. Other steering/suspension problem- "Rear subframe rusted and broke. Replaced subframe with used subframe because new ones were not available from manufacturer. Manufacturer has not acknowledged problem, which appears to be general for E and C class vehicles from 2010 and the late teens." Climate System AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage. In-car Electronics Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display. Hardware replacement "GPS navigation continuously misdirects. Installed updated discs but problem persisted. No longer use it because of unreliability."
This has been the MB cycle for several decades now. 80s-90s some of the best quality $ could buy. 00-10ish complete garbage followed by 10-late teens uptick. Now we’re back to garbage again
4:44 that was subtle. If they did notice, they would make quite an overhaul with its interface. This is 2024, you guys look like you were born in the 90s, it's time to evolve.
mercedes in general fell off, they're still good cars but overpriced compared to competition now. they used to be the best made cars in the world...not so much anymore
That Orange peeling is unacceptable. But I have to say that when I saw the SL 63 AMG on the street for the first time (in matte brown) I stopped and looked for 2-3 minutes at the car. It’s one of the most beautiful new cars on the market and it looks really premium. I think it looks better in real life than in videos on TH-cam. Respect to the designers at Mercedes. 👍🏻
You guys are absolutely the best car channel on TH-cam. Although I can’t help but think sometimes you’re ripping off Throttle House a bit. I swear you guys try to look and act just like them.
F-Type vert or coupe in AWD Supercharged V8 from right before the uglier refresh for ~$50k is a helluva bargain and makes the best noises and better handling?
It's funny that yall have done this review. I was literally planning to comment on your next video that you should do a new SL vs a old SL, like a 2013, comparison. Especially since you can get one of those for the low 30k range
Nah they should do an R129 as that's the previous soft top. It would be a very eye-opening review though. A then vs now that would show how little our money is worth.
I have the 'old' SL R231 SL400, and most reliable car, and solid after all these years... longest I've owned a single car; terrified at the thought of trading it.
+1 for comparing Power to weight ratios over HRSPRS Also, rolling starts don't count for 0-60 time measurements (I'm looking at you, almost all US car brands)
I have the SL63 but the MY2022. Its crazy how many defects this car has despite having 2+ years of build time to iron out the issues. My SL is prestine, with none of the issues (I have matte paint and carbon fiber interior) but its insane to see this, the crooked interioe panels and more
I'm glad Thomas was calling out the poor build quality I think it's something other reviewers would've completely ignored
Other reviewers would spend the whole review talking about the screen and 0-60 time. Throttle house don’t even mention those 👏🏽👏🏽💯
All I could look at the entire video was the uneven gap in that back interior panel.
@@elimcfly350oh my god, can't unsee it now
Mercedes build quality is a joke and had been for many years
Of course, they are bmw fanboys, they said that before.
And that's why I respect this channel. They have no mercy for producers and expose all their mistakes and stupid savings on quality. Keep it up .
You can only really afford to do that once you've established yourself.
I guess that is why they usually get the cars from dealers and not from manufacturers...
A lot of their reviews, especially for performance or luxury cars, use dealership or subscriber vehicles. It's a more frequent observation with TH than with any of the other car reviewers I watch where they ask their fanbase on social media if there's anyone with a cool car willing to have it reviewed.
The pro of this is they can be as critical as they want to be for the car they review. This also allows them to do more with the cars they're given (track tests, old vs new, drag races).
The main con is they don't get invited by manufacturers themselves for early access reviews and whatnot as often as other reviewers do. This isn't to say they don't ever get invited to press events. They do, and those videos are very obviously very different to reviews like this one where they drive a car ~2 years after release and give an honest critique of it, or reviews where they drive a subscriber's or have a dealership's car.
If you mean the Panel Gap, this is a Press Car. Any Car Journalist will tell you that the Cars they get every now and then from any Brand have either Issues or some lower Quality than the Production Cars
My main concern was the poor quality of the paint on the body. Nobody talks about it, but I, as a painter, pay attention to it.@@chartreux1532
Bruh the german master race bit has me dying
The fact that its called master race is hilarious
Fits nicely with Jeremy Clarkson's comments about sat nav only showing directions to Poland.
That was gold 😂
You must be Jewish...
Mercedes really are proud of their heritage 😂
I wanted to get SL63 but using the roof via the screen was a deal breaker, so I bought a Corolla
Good choice
Same. Plus it has better consumption
The Corolla convertible is nice. And as a bonus, slightly better mileage in the city.
poor people problems, thank god im not that!! thank you hedge fund!!
I would rather own the previous gen... you don't need all wheel drive it's over 400 lb heavier I miss my 2018
3:06 As soon as the camera cuts to them driving, you can tell the panel between rear seats is crooked. Good review gents
Once you see it.. you cant think in nothing else...
i bet it wasn't crook the moment it came out of assembly line
@@qpwoeiruty108 No orange peel either?
You have a BAD case of OCD..
Look at the fit of the trim between the rear seats at 4:16. Lovely job Mercedes, simply lovely.
tesla level panel gap
I was about to say that. Every time I see that panel gap I think how such a thing could cost *breath* 190,000 USD!! And it is not even subtle. How did thing pass QC and dealer inspection.
@@pan4632 Honestly, I've never seen a Tesla or really any new cars with interior panel gaps like this, this is on a whole other level.
they took a serious nose dive with that one.
I think that might be camera distortion tbh, very wide angle
As a Lexus owner, THANK YOU for recommending the LC500 every chance you get! Same with the Straight Pipes. There's no surprise that so many reviewers love it. Immaculate design, build quality, engine sound, and luxury, all for much less than all its competitors. All the reasons I love Lexus.
Problem with that car is I already have a sports car, so having that on top isn't practical. If they did an LS F with that motor and that gorgeous interior I'd buy the shit out of it. But just wish they had a more practical version. IS500 just isn't quite the item that those are.
I daily an IS500 and these things need more attention.
Shhh, they'll accumulate value, and then I won't be able to get a used one.
@@TheBucketOfTruth They did that already. It's called the GS-F.
@@Unicornpirate It's ugly and it's not as nice inside as an LC500 at all. And it's not an LS.
The crooked line in the back between the to headrests is driving me crazy
I cant unsee it thank you
Yeah Merc build quality sure ain't what it used to be.
That type of thing would drive me up the God damned wall.
It looks like you could just hit it back in place. Someone may have leaned on it or tried to put a camera 📷 on it. Who knows.
@@Tahvyy id take it back to the dealership and make them fix it
@@Tahvyy Yeah and the orange peel in the paint will buff out... Once you buff ALL the paint off and apply it properly.
That paint on an almost $200k car is absolutely inexcusable
And the shody build quality.
Yep... Fair to say Merc build quality ain't what it used to be.
That would drive me up the God damned wall if it were mine.
I used to build road train trailers for a living (I'm in Australia) and that level of finish would be unacceptable for a semi trailer, let alone a luxury car.
Not even close to good enough.
Absolutely nothing wrong with the paint
@@Solstarewhy are you d riding for Mercedes
@@SolstareTrue, it's just textured for style
"Master Race mode"
- We at Mercedes are proud of our heritage
ahhhhhhh I get it now.
Mercedes...come on...lol
Wow that door trim flex, a Mercedes from the 90s and before would never do that
absolute joke of a quality in a car this price. not to mention the orange peel in the paint
As an owner of a 1998 SL500, I can confirm.
Same here 2006 SL65 here and no flex and I also have master race mode. It’s called turn off traction ESP, put her in sport mode, ABC to sport, renntech tune, and drag radials,
Our former 2010 C350 felt super solid, it’s a shame Mercedes quality is what it is now, I was recently driving a 2019 E53 AMG and was appalled at how cheap the inside felt.
@@winstonlindley1819 I want the older SL like yours, any issues with yours???
That paint is BRUTAL!!!
Unacceptable. Send it back.
I didn't realize how much more expensive this is to the LC500C, even the SL55 is a long way above, and I don't think 4wd and a tomb stone slapped right in the middle of the car would lead to a 40% price increase from the LC500C
they look "so toyota" though
@@edombre4637That's the kind of thing people say when they really have to hate on things out of thin air. The LC500C doesn't look like a rav4, in case you don't have eyes.
@@edombre4637 It looks 'toyota' is hardly a slight when it's considered one of the most beautiful cars on the road.
Extra throttle house is my absolute ideal type of review. No fluff, just straight to the car and honestly riffing about how good/bad it is.
I'm so glad I got my S63 Cabrio pre-facelift: the same grille DNA as all of its predecessors going back decades, and outstanding build quality. And that thing under the hood... the 5.5L V8. Oh yeah. Sweetness. 2 million pound curb weight, so not going to race anybody, but that's not my thing. Oh, does it cruise. Great GT!
What's crazy is that the LC500 design has been around for some time and I believe it is better and more timeless for $80K less.
I think it shows how good Lexus got the LC500 design down.
The SL is still a legend , has been for the past 70 years no matter what you think about it now !
that misaligned panel in between the rear seat head rests...bruh. LC500 ftw.
Being honest in this is so important, I appreciate all the nitpicking too!
That driver perspective should be in more of your videos. Really enjoyed that shot. Please add to more of your videos.
Sad to see how Merc treats its flagship cars. It’s part of the business side of the company to cut costs and create profits, but it’s just disheartening to see how the quality of the brand has fallen so far in the past 40 years.
I'll say it again the last good SL was the R129, the last good sports coupe was the GT Black series.
It's not just MB nobody really wants expensive luxury roadsters any more , everybody (like the US) just wants
stupid big luxury SUV's now and these cars aren't sought after like they were in the past !
Incredible audio quality with the top down
Master race -mode, lol.
Hahahaha james is jewish thats why they didnt let him be a master race
I'm surprised they didn't mention this compared to an BMW M8 Competition convertible. The M8 is also a twin-turbo V8, is just as fast if not faster, handles better, has better interior quality, and it costs much, much, much less.
Great point. Even optioned out with everything the M8 Competition convertible is still cheaper than the base price of SL63
I bet it rides like ass too. Probably worse than this one.
Because it’s not as nice
Well, the main theme of this review i think, is that the LC500 undercuts everything in its class including bmw
@@anordinarytree4425Looks shitty tho
I own an SL63 and must say I was so surprised by how comfortable it is especially on UK roads, likewise with OPF filters the engine sounds incredible. For anyone interested in one i'd suggest test driving it. One of the main reasons I chose an SL over a 911 was the sound.
For the money the AMG GT honestly seems like a much better value, but i havent driven either so i cant really say for sure
r231 was a better car , and thats surprising@@Mandingy24
This is one channel that I know you won't hear anything positive about Mercedes..sl63 is a better car than a porsche the sound adds to the fun
@@Mandingy24 Can't really daily drive a pre-gen GT compared to SL
I own one too and it's a GREAT drive.
the master race bit 🤣🤣🤣🤣
This is the best 10 minute review, IN THE WORLD!
Straight Pipes said this handles better than a 992 Turbo Cab, which I knew had to be BS. Thank you for confirming 😅
A C8 convertible costs a lot less and has a lot of the thing they’re asking for, weight, sound, and interior wise!
That gopro over the shoulder is Great. Nice to have a drivers view in a Review
Perfect timing, just sitting down for a coffee.
That camera angle behind Thomas head is really neat. Plus with the top down, great sound from the engine.
The “Master Race” thing had me rolling 🤣💀
Thank you, James! Was yelling "power to weight" at the screen.
5:00 Not sure a German product should market "master race". 🙈
That was the joke genius, good job for explaining the obvious
Am always surprised when they say this company is letting us test the car and proceed to give harsh criticism about it. Love it. Truly real critics
I love the master race mode, it's absolutely brilliant!
These guys are the most entertaining car TH-camrs by far. 👍👍👍
'Masterace mode' I'm dead 😭😆
This is so true. I'm a dentist and I bought one lol! Lc 500 that is and they are built better than anything else.
That mode is exclusive to German's: Master Race Mode. The TH guys are such a riot. No master race mode in that LC500...definitely off the list.
I passed you guys going the opposite direction in a 500 Abarth when you were filming this. Little T FTW!
Master Race mode! Holy smokes that is strange.
Not really
Masterpiece, the most beautiful car I have ever seen.
I can’t unsee that rear panel 😮
I own C 63 AMG V8 I love love love it!
Mercedes is having their malaise moment at exactly the wrong time. They’re torching a century’s brand equity in only a few years.
That period started in the early 2000's.
@@veritas6466 eh not quite personally around 2010 and a bit after was also great. I own a e class from that generation that's treated me amazingly. I would say after that Iv noticed the biggest fall off
@@callofdestiny5671
The 2010 E350 had six recalls. The following laundry list comes straight from consumer reports:
Owners report problems with:
Steering And Suspension-
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Other steering/suspension problem-
"Rear subframe rusted and broke. Replaced subframe with used subframe because new ones were not available from manufacturer. Manufacturer has not acknowledged problem, which appears to be general for E and C class vehicles from 2010 and the late teens."
Climate System
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
In-car Electronics
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
Hardware replacement
"GPS navigation continuously misdirects. Installed updated discs but problem persisted. No longer use it because of unreliability."
This has been the MB cycle for several decades now. 80s-90s some of the best quality $ could buy. 00-10ish complete garbage followed by 10-late teens uptick. Now we’re back to garbage again
Their “Premium Strategy” is not right
I just unlocked this car in FH5 last night.
It’s got Chince !!!! Best thing I’ve heard on TH-cam
Turtle Horse RULEZ
That master race bit had me on the floor 😂
All the dentists watching this 👁👄👁
Hey guys! Its so easy. To release the driving mode "Master Race" you only have to submit your 100% arian family tree to your local Mercedes dealer 😀
The panel gap between the rear seats deffers left and tright. 😁 The sound quality of your vid is top notch 🙂
Looking at these Guys vids at 2160p is crazy good
5:10 notice behind them the crooked gap in the convertible top.lol maybe a good old slap will fix it.
if so, then this means the car is poor quality.
I really like that new camera angle
LC500 all the way! F this thing.
I like the over the head angle, love to see whats going on out front.
Haha master race mode, funniest thing all evening.
James : '' Mercedes Be Quiet Please'' what a Gentleman
Master Race Mode has left the Chat
And that orange peel…yikes! Did they paint it with gloss truck bed liner?
They purposely paint it like that to protect the paint from rock chip@
They should paint it not like trash and then you just ppf it. It looks awful
@@nastystew6942 uhhh nope.
4:44 that was subtle. If they did notice, they would make quite an overhaul with its interface. This is 2024, you guys look like you were born in the 90s, it's time to evolve.
Good looking car
But the v8 lexus lc500 ❤❤❤
Looks mad 😮😮
Lc500 all day hands down
Thank you for the honest review.
AMG fell off
still not as bad as other amg's tho
Definitely did
AMG was never good
mercedes in general fell off, they're still good cars but overpriced compared to competition now. they used to be the best made cars in the world...not so much anymore
It’s like Toyota slapping TRD on every single thing and then having to replace it with GR because they watered it down too much
"I don't want ambient lighting in my fans", couldn't have explained it better!
The depreciation curve on this car is going to look like a brick dropped from a 12 story building
Of all the newer cars, this is the most beautiful
That Orange peeling is unacceptable.
But I have to say that when I saw the SL 63 AMG on the street for the first time (in matte brown) I stopped and looked for 2-3 minutes at the car. It’s one of the most beautiful new cars on the market and it looks really premium. I think it looks better in real life than in videos on TH-cam. Respect to the designers at Mercedes. 👍🏻
Look at James feeding tongue tied Thomas the “Power to Weight Ratio” moniker after Thomas pokes fun at James about remembering his lines. 😂
That's a nice looking Z4!
"You cannot be in master race mode"💀 that double meaning. Lol
Shouldn't SL be "super leicht" as in super light?
That monster weighs 2000kg.
What the heck is happening
they've been north of 1700kg for a looong time.
I love your videos so much! When I look at a vehicle I always look first to see if you guys have reviewed it first thing
LC 500 definitely a better/wiser choice.
The best line of the video was James’s “They learn that we are not German”
Haters can't afford an AMG
This video summarizes how I feel about most Mercedes products anymore. I just can’t find any of them desirable.
This video made me feel better. Thank you ❤
You guys are absolutely the best car channel on TH-cam. Although I can’t help but think sometimes you’re ripping off Throttle House a bit. I swear you guys try to look and act just like them.
“The laws through the government” was on point 😅
I love all the people judging this car meanwhile they’re driving corollas. Let’s be real, we all dream of owning something like this
That Master Race bit had me actually gobschamacked . I refuse to believe that no one at AMG saw that little historical Freudian slip. 😂😂😂
F-Type vert or coupe in AWD Supercharged V8 from right before the uglier refresh for ~$50k is a helluva bargain and makes the best noises and better handling?
That paint texture is for aerodynamics, just like a golf ball !
It's funny that yall have done this review. I was literally planning to comment on your next video that you should do a new SL vs a old SL, like a 2013, comparison. Especially since you can get one of those for the low 30k range
Nah they should do an R129 as that's the previous soft top. It would be a very eye-opening review though. A then vs now that would show how little our money is worth.
I have the 'old' SL R231 SL400, and most reliable car, and solid after all these years... longest I've owned a single car; terrified at the thought of trading it.
Thank you, I like the outside, but the cockpit looks bad, especially the iPad view is low deep bad:)! Anyway its just a dream car!!!
Always entertaining. I’d have to go with the Lexus route. Thanks for the video.
That price tag is insanity
+1 for comparing Power to weight ratios over HRSPRS
Also, rolling starts don't count for 0-60 time measurements (I'm looking at you, almost all US car brands)
So glad there is still amg cars with v8s
I have the LC and I really like the look of the new SL, especially in that light blue colour
I have the SL63 but the MY2022. Its crazy how many defects this car has despite having 2+ years of build time to iron out the issues. My SL is prestine, with none of the issues (I have matte paint and carbon fiber interior) but its insane to see this, the crooked interioe panels and more
I’ll never get tired of the German master race quips 😂
Good, honest, review.
Seeing James spin out in a Ford GT left Thomas with a salt and pepper look, lol
I have to say those camera angles look spicy.. well calculated angels... and most certainly amazing
4:45 I died 😑
Almost. From sheer laughter 🥲