You driven either? The fact that a well known and respected, (by quite a few), journo should tell you something.I'll take the SL.Why? Well, (disclaimer I prefer Mercs), but.............. 99% of the time you are on a public road and can't get to really stretch a car and check it's limits, therefore you're going to spend FAR more time experiencing it's luxuries. I'll go to a track if I want thrills.
Correct! But it really depends on what you look for. If you are on the market for a sports car - then you should be idiot to buy the SL over the 911... however, if you look for brilliant open top GT flavoured nice driving machine - there is pretty much only one choice and it is the SL. Most journalists are judging the fish for its ability to climb trees ...
And then Merc asked Porsche to build E500 for them. And Ferdinand family also ended up as the richest family in automobile industry. Greatness always starts from leaving.
If I had the money I wouldn't even doubt going for the 911 GTS because I value fun more than luxury, but this looks so good! ❤️ Also, great review as always fron AutoTrader ❤️
@@antonroux6737 no one is denying that, we just want to hear the car’s engine before everything is electric and boring. Throw a zoom H6 in the seat next to you and run lavaliers to the engine bay and exhaust while you can.
Post the SL with amoeba shaped headlamps, this looks like an absolute beaut. The discontinued GT came quite close to the 911 in terms of performance. With this SL and the upcoming GT, I hope Mercedes will be as formidable as the 911.
This will outdate much faster than the 2002 SL, which is elegant. This has too much boy-racer look at me youtuber vibe. I was shocked when I heard the exorbitant price. Rival to the 911? Peh.
Let’s be honest: this is clickbait. Don’t swear please. 911 is in Olympus. It’s ridiculous to even make a comparison. And this fancy big tv screen in the cockpit explains well the direction of the market. 😢😢😢😢😢
@@tatendalesliejambwa7081 I’m a 100% 911 guy, but I can see why someone would prefer this. First thing is the comfort. This would be definitely more comfortable than a 992.
But this targets the same buyer as the 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Not every Porsche buyer cares about the brand's heritage. Some just want an expensive luxury convertible.
Being an AMG owner, I waited and waited for the new SL in the hopes of trading in. But now that it's here, available only as SL63 in Canada at an eye watering price of $212k CAD starting price, I bought a V8 C8 Corvette convertible instead at half the price and given the performance, handling and attention I've been getting, I have not regretted it since. You guys NEED to test drive the right hand drive C8, especially the Z06 and especially given Rory's propensity for American muscle. Even at UK prices, I'm willing to bet it's a worldwide bargain!
@@GOINFINITI If you place a customer order, you'll get one at MSRP, but you'll have to wait. C8's that are over sticker are cars dealers buy for showroom stock and therefore they can charge whatever they want. They cannot do that for customer orders. That's how I got my C8 for MSRP, but I got lucky and only waited for 10 months because a tons of people jumped off the Stingray waiting list and onto the Z06 waiting list ... and are still waiting.
This was a fantastic review. She has a wonderful conversational quality along with a fun, yet professional demeanor. I’m genuinely impressed by this new version of the SL and glad the 55 moniker is back. Not sure I’d take it over a GTS, but she makes it a much tougher decision.
I remember about a decade ago with the new Aston Martin Vantage, it was dubbed a 911 beater and so was the first generation Audi R8. It saw all of them through. I suspect it won't be any different either with this new SL. I think if any one or any vehicle for that matter would want to "kill" the 911, start off by simply tainting its amazing storyline from the hearts of many a folk out there. Nevertheless, this has its own story too which is nothing short of stellar indeed. Smooth review Alex.
No one will cross shop this and a 911. They are similar in price, and that's it. The AMG GT is more of the 911 challenger. The SL has out lived it's usefulness and really has no place in MB's lineup. Want a luxurious GT coupe? Get the S class coupe. Want a performance GT capable coupe? Get the AMG GT. What purpose does the SL really serve?
@Shervin I don't think the SL should exist anymore since you now have the S coupe and the AMG GT. The AMG GT is closer to the original SL than the current SL. Plus the AMG GT comes in so many different flavors and states of tune and trim the SL doesn't have a place in the market.
No need for irritating distracting music. I just sold my Z3M roadster & replaced it with a low mileage R231 SL500 in hyacinth red with cream leather. It corners really well. Nice & flat hardly any body roll. No scuttle shake. I think Chris Harris knows his cars well & he loved the AMG63. Mine's not the AMG SL63 admittedly. But not much less power or performance. It's more than enough. In fact I'm in awe of it. The fact it takes an extra 200 or 300 milliseconds to reach the legal speed limit compared to the AMG is immaterial. 0-60 in 4.5s effortlessly is fine with me. It doesn't even feel like it's trying, there's so much torque. Sounds like I have 4 V twin superbike engines under the bonnet :-) I'm loving it to bits. I considered an SLK55. But they're almost as expensive. A great little V8 roadster, but less car for the money. Plus I'm 6 foot tall so it felt a a little cramped
A base 911 maybe. But a Turbo or GT3, they would struggle, especially on a track. The 911 is so much lighter and has more traction and braking ability with the engine at the back. They are all fantastic cars though. The 911 just has the most efficient dynamics for sports driving.
Against the cabriolet Carrera 4, fair enough, since like you've mentioned they're both of a similar price. But that's where the comparison ends re the other focused Porsche models. I would buy the Merc in such a case anyway, have it tuned to 600 bhp.
Looks like a Z4 taking on the boxster spyder. It does have tiny useless seats in the back though like the 911. I like the way it looks but I bet it feels heavy AF.
I haven't driven the 55 but I have driven the 63 and the new 911 Carrera 4 and I must say I would take the SL63 any day of the week, unless I was tracking the car then I would take the Porsche. As a weekender or an everyday drive the SL is so so much better
I think people in the comments are forgetting that this car and the 911 Carrera Cabriolet target the same buyer. Not every Porsche buyer cares about driving dynamics and the heritage of the brand. Some just want a luxury convertible.
It's really naiv to compere the two cars with each other. As you can see by my avatar photo i am from Stuttgart. I know both brands very good. The SL is a luxury roadster with a good drivability. The 911 is a complete different beast. It's like a 100m runner vs a shot putter. When you steer the SL into a curve you can hear the Porsche flat 6 Boxer screaming because he disapears with a big gap.
I pick mine up at Mercedes Benz of Ontario on Wednesday… I’m so excited since test driving it… had to have it wrapped to protect the paint… but, I’m so over the top with this brand and especially this new SL 55!!!
Kind of agree with most of the comments so far. The 911 was and is an icon, existing in that weird stratosphere where icons are more than the sum of its parts. Nothing can compete unless it is an icon in its own right. Many cheaper cars can out-perform a new basic 911…… but they are simply trying too hard. I have one but I would rather a basic Porsche…
and you comapre it to 911 carrera 4 gts cabrio but that on all makes over 500+hp porsche really understates their hp and porsche easily does 0 100 in 3.1 sec and merc their basic 3.9 not faster times like porsche states 3.5 but 3.1 is normal on these you compare 2 different worlds that are not the competitors becase porsche right now has no competition from any1
Good to see Alexandra on autotrader! A very engaging, well presented and entertaining video! Not to mention her pronunciation and enunciation are right on point in my opinion, I can listen to her for hours 😁🙏🏼🏎
Alex is amazing! But I have to ask, does Rory still make videos for AutoTrader? If not, at least the replacement is still able to capture the same magic he could
I've driven both and no, the 911 is still the king. Feels lighter, nicer steering and more linear power delivery. Looks better, too. The SL is great, but I'd take the 911 easily.
Agree the weight seems crazy but like you say, am sure its an awesome car to drive. But rationally, I expect that if you were buying this you’d be worrying about depreciation (vs the Porsche)? That said, if you’re spending that much on a car, I guess you’ve already leaned in to depreciation 😀
What a nice beautiful car. But I don´t think, that people will think about to buy a SL OR a Porsche. They are too different, especially the image of both brands.
Beautiful, high-performing vehicle, but the 911 is in a league of its own in my opinion.
You are correct!👍🏾
You driven either?
The fact that a well known and respected, (by quite a few), journo should tell you something.I'll take the SL.Why?
Well, (disclaimer I prefer Mercs), but.............. 99% of the time you are on a public road and can't get to really stretch a car and check it's limits, therefore you're going to spend FAR more time experiencing it's luxuries.
I'll go to a track if I want thrills.
@@gottliebdee263 therefor u confirm what he says: in a league of its own
Absolutely right. Take a 911 Carrera 4S to the track and It's gonna have the SL 55 for breakfast.
Correct! But it really depends on what you look for. If you are on the market for a sports car - then you should be idiot to buy the SL over the 911... however, if you look for brilliant open top GT flavoured nice driving machine - there is pretty much only one choice and it is the SL.
Most journalists are judging the fish for its ability to climb trees ...
Sincerely I see no similarities at all with the 911.. don’t see them competing
Yeah.. its so much better.
Yeah honestly I see the SL competing with the 911 Targa's or GT Cabriolets and the Ferrari California's
You don't think there's any similiarity between this and a Porsche 911 Targa 4s?
@@Tkcb2799 Only rear part they copy it Max they can yo look like Porsche.
@@Tkcb2799 this weights over 2000 kg.. zero similarities
I wouldn't even compare them. The 911 is more focused on being sporty while the sl combines performance and luxury
The normal 911 has always been luxurious. Don't compare it to a gt3
@@Tkcb2799 ?
@@sapnupuas7271 Read again.
@@sapnupuas7271 you don’t compare them because 911 is a sportscar and the sl is a grand tourer car
@@gold-6680 regular 911 is a gt car, they even have +seater for children
0:54
Ferdinand Porsche wasn't "sacked". He left of his own accord because he didn't like what Mercedes were doing.
He probably knew he was going to be sacked a decided to be ahead of the his employers.
And then Merc asked Porsche to build E500 for them. And Ferdinand family also ended up as the richest family in automobile industry. Greatness always starts from leaving.
As a child in the 80's I dreamt of having a 500SL and a Carrera. Unfortunately I'm still dreaming🙃
Start planning
If I had the money I wouldn't even doubt going for the 911 GTS because I value fun more than luxury, but this looks so good! ❤️ Also, great review as always fron AutoTrader ❤️
Buy 86,miata,boxter,cayman old
this wont age well. 911s are timeless.
Rory have a word! She didn't do a standing rev test once on this. We are interested in the noise the car makes as well 🙂
Haha... understood ;-)
@@legouix Don't hold back. We all expect standing rev tests and 0-60 times with launch control. It's all we know.
actually no, the narrative style of this was primo
@@antonroux6737 no one is denying that, we just want to hear the car’s engine before everything is electric and boring. Throw a zoom H6 in the seat next to you and run lavaliers to the engine bay and exhaust while you can.
Nice military jacket.
I’d still go with a 911 ❤
What an excellent review! Alex has been a great addition to the team, well done 👏👏
I wish I could afford one, I find it beautiful especially the interior - I love Mercedes tech.
Post the SL with amoeba shaped headlamps, this looks like an absolute beaut. The discontinued GT came quite close to the 911 in terms of performance. With this SL and the upcoming GT, I hope Mercedes will be as formidable as the 911.
The current 911 is timeless. This however will outdate in a few years..
This will outdate much faster than the 2002 SL, which is elegant. This has too much boy-racer look at me youtuber vibe. I was shocked when I heard the exorbitant price. Rival to the 911? Peh.
I wouldnt say any of the water cooled 911s are timeless. Now an air cooled one, definitely.
Sincerely the new 911 is unmatched , it is just in a category of its own
The 911 is more comparable ti the gt black series no ?
Not really. Just a face lift but performance wise, all 911 are just talk. If you know your cars you wouldn't be saying this.
Enjoying the calm well paced presentation, Good Review.
Next level commentating. The car, the lady, pure class. Thank you ❤☺️
Let’s be honest: this is clickbait. Don’t swear please. 911 is in Olympus. It’s ridiculous to even make a comparison. And this fancy big tv screen in the cockpit explains well the direction of the market. 😢😢😢😢😢
New SLs are sick! They aren’t destroying all of their designs like BMW… thank god
Excellent review!
But I'd still take a 911 all day long...in any variant!
4s cabrio manual for me, no other vehicle offer awd+manual+convertible+4 seats.
@@olofdaisler9121 Nice choice! Roof down and that flat six whaling in your ears, pure joy!
Shouldnt be compared to a 911, two different cars.
Underrated opinion: I would choose this
For real you would?
@@tatendalesliejambwa7081 I’m a 100% 911 guy, but I can see why someone would prefer this. First thing is the comfort. This would be definitely more comfortable than a 992.
Same
@@tatendalesliejambwa7081 yessir
The scenery is Gorgeous!
I believe their “response” to the 911 is the amg gt coupe, not the sl, the sl is more of a gt car, aimed at m8c
But this targets the same buyer as the 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Not every Porsche buyer cares about the brand's heritage. Some just want an expensive luxury convertible.
All I can take away from this is the the 911 is the bench mark!
I had a 2005 SL55 .. doesn’t really compete with the 911. It’s a heavy grand touring car not really a pure sports car 🤷♂️😢
Being an AMG owner, I waited and waited for the new SL in the hopes of trading in. But now that it's here, available only as SL63 in Canada at an eye watering price of $212k CAD starting price, I bought a V8 C8 Corvette convertible instead at half the price and given the performance, handling and attention I've been getting, I have not regretted it since. You guys NEED to test drive the right hand drive C8, especially the Z06 and especially given Rory's propensity for American muscle. Even at UK prices, I'm willing to bet it's a worldwide bargain!
VALUE PROPOSITION
That Z06 is a work of engineering art and performance - but good luck finding one available, let alone at sticker price :)
@@GOINFINITI If you place a customer order, you'll get one at MSRP, but you'll have to wait. C8's that are over sticker are cars dealers buy for showroom stock and therefore they can charge whatever they want. They cannot do that for customer orders. That's how I got my C8 for MSRP, but I got lucky and only waited for 10 months because a tons of people jumped off the Stingray waiting list and onto the Z06 waiting list ... and are still waiting.
Not fan of cars attached to a tablet, exterior looks nice though. I'd either go for used AMG GT or Porsche.
This was a fantastic review. She has a wonderful conversational quality along with a fun, yet professional demeanor. I’m genuinely impressed by this new version of the SL and glad the 55 moniker is back. Not sure I’d take it over a GTS, but she makes it a much tougher decision.
LOVE the new SL ❤️🔥🔥😍
Beautiful car inside and out. It is luxury and performance and that is what I love about it. I think this would be good competition for the Porsche.
She’s right it’s like Liverpool v everton there is no comparison 👌
I remember about a decade ago with the new Aston Martin Vantage, it was dubbed a 911 beater and so was the first generation Audi R8. It saw all of them through. I suspect it won't be any different either with this new SL. I think if any one or any vehicle for that matter would want to "kill" the 911, start off by simply tainting its amazing storyline from the hearts of many a folk out there. Nevertheless, this has its own story too which is nothing short of stellar indeed. Smooth review Alex.
The corvette is is now a legit contender
I miss Rory 😢
He's here in nearly every video lol
No one will cross shop this and a 911. They are similar in price, and that's it. The AMG GT is more of the 911 challenger. The SL has out lived it's usefulness and really has no place in MB's lineup. Want a luxurious GT coupe? Get the S class coupe. Want a performance GT capable coupe? Get the AMG GT. What purpose does the SL really serve?
The S class coupe should've been called SL actually
@Shervin I don't think the SL should exist anymore since you now have the S coupe and the AMG GT. The AMG GT is closer to the original SL than the current SL. Plus the AMG GT comes in so many different flavors and states of tune and trim the SL doesn't have a place in the market.
No need for irritating distracting music.
I just sold my Z3M roadster & replaced it with a low mileage R231 SL500 in hyacinth red with cream leather. It corners really well. Nice & flat hardly any body roll. No scuttle shake.
I think Chris Harris knows his cars well & he loved the AMG63. Mine's not the AMG SL63 admittedly. But not much less power or performance. It's more than enough. In fact I'm in awe of it.
The fact it takes an extra 200 or 300 milliseconds to reach the legal speed limit compared to the AMG is immaterial. 0-60 in 4.5s effortlessly is fine with me. It doesn't even feel like it's trying, there's so much torque. Sounds like I have 4 V twin superbike engines under the bonnet :-)
I'm loving it to bits. I considered an SLK55. But they're almost as expensive. A great little V8 roadster, but less car for the money. Plus I'm 6 foot tall so it felt a a little cramped
Technically it's very difficult for a front engine car to compete with a 911 in terms of performance.
I disagree. An M4/M8 or SL55/SL63 will all give a 911 Carrera a run for its money.
A base 911 maybe. But a Turbo or GT3, they would struggle, especially on a track. The 911 is so much lighter and has more traction and braking ability with the engine at the back. They are all fantastic cars though. The 911 just has the most efficient dynamics for sports driving.
@@ld9387 a 510 hp M4 comp can barely keep up with a 450hp carrera 4s...
@@olofdaisler9121 Porsche horsepower is just different. No car with around the same horsepower can compete with Porsche
@@victorhansen839 maybe only corvette C8, because of the rear engine
5:40 man, she makes that car look huge from this angle
Against the cabriolet Carrera 4, fair enough, since like you've mentioned they're both of a similar price. But that's where the comparison ends re the other focused Porsche models. I would buy the Merc in such a case anyway, have it tuned to 600 bhp.
@LEmaurE I don't know if thats a genuine question or if you're looking for a slap through your computer.
Comparing this just to 911 is like comparing the sun with the moon. Porsche is automotive geniuses. They are the Chef's Kiss.
Looks like a Z4 taking on the boxster spyder. It does have tiny useless seats in the back though like the 911. I like the way it looks but I bet it feels heavy AF.
I haven't driven the 55 but I have driven the 63 and the new 911 Carrera 4 and I must say I would take the SL63 any day of the week, unless I was tracking the car then I would take the Porsche. As a weekender or an everyday drive the SL is so so much better
Beautiful car review on the new SL, how awesome is that well done
I'd like to know how it drives compared to the 911. Rory?
I think people in the comments are forgetting that this car and the 911 Carrera Cabriolet target the same buyer. Not every Porsche buyer cares about driving dynamics and the heritage of the brand. Some just want a luxury convertible.
I don't think I will get any car with A/C controls on a screen😔
Probably packs some of the best design elements of modern MBs, front end from an AMG GT and rear end of CLS
No other Car Review Channel has Filmed a Video but thank you for doing this 😊
Give all the reviews to this woman! Breath of fresh air!
Needed Rory to review this 🙈
agreed.
Come on guys be nice, imagine if she reads this, this how the TraderGang treats people now ?
@@tatendalesliejambwa7081 so you want people to be quiet?
@@tatendalesliejambwa7081 she better read this and give it back to Rory. I'm unsubscribing
Rory presents best, don't want any other input. Otherwise it's just 5th Gear
Porsche all day every day !
It's really naiv to compere the two cars with each other. As you can see by my avatar photo i am from Stuttgart. I know both brands very good. The SL is a luxury roadster with a good drivability. The 911 is a complete different beast. It's like a 100m runner vs a shot putter. When you steer the SL into a curve you can hear the Porsche flat 6 Boxer screaming because he disapears with a big gap.
Usually, when a title ends with a question (like this), the answer is: no. Never fails.
I pick mine up at Mercedes Benz of Ontario on Wednesday… I’m so excited since test driving it… had to have it wrapped to protect the paint… but, I’m so over the top with this brand and especially this new SL 55!!!
This was beautifully filmed
Beautiful Mercedes SL55.
Sports Light - over 2 tons. That answer the question from header text
Rory!!!!!! where are You???
@@yvrytry5rc they’re both amazing but I’m just used to hearing Rory’s voice more indeed
Kind of agree with most of the comments so far. The 911 was and is an icon, existing in that weird stratosphere where icons are more than the sum of its parts. Nothing can compete unless it is an icon in its own right. Many cheaper cars can out-perform a new basic 911…… but they are simply trying too hard. I have one but I would rather a basic Porsche…
Where's Ro...?
This is one of the best car videos ever!
WOW, Alex - you have a really classy, engaging presentation style... such measured phrasing and intonation...
Brilliant work. 😎
Totally agree Jonathan Taylor.
Rory and Alex are both top notch presenters.
Consistently well filmed and edited videos by the AutoTrader team.
stop simping
@@bardia8225 don’t blame him
Simping hard 🤦♂️
8:26 what’re you on about? Audi has been taking on the Porsche 911 with its R8 for over a decade now.
This review is so Fancy it makes me feel rich lol great work Alex
“When I was a young man my father took me into the city to see a matching band….” came to mind with the jacket choice, great review!
That was a good episode!
Absolutely not a chance in hell, it’s a proverbial hairdresser’s car.
So elite by style and looks..... Just gorgius!
£15, 000 will buy you an original half decent used SL 55 AMG... Why anyone would pay nearly 150k for this is beyond me 🤷♂️
i wish my problem is which one of these cars to buy. but right now its where to get food that's cheaper. one step at time right?
and you comapre it to 911 carrera 4 gts cabrio but that on all makes over 500+hp porsche really understates their hp and porsche easily does 0 100 in 3.1 sec and merc their basic 3.9 not faster times like porsche states 3.5 but 3.1 is normal on these you compare 2 different worlds that are not the competitors becase porsche right now has no competition from any1
Wheres the man? Laday is trying to feed me SL is a 911 competitor 🤦♂️
No it isn't
2023 911 Turbo, same price ($180K+options), 0-60 mph in 2.1 sec vs 3.0, 1/4 mile in 9.9 sec vs 11.4. No contest.
Surely a BMW Z4 M40i (AC Snitzer pack 400+bhp) is the competitor not the 911.
What is the group clearance on that ?
Which roads are these? Which country?
Where's Rory?
And this makes no sense to compare 911 to this. Completely different categories.
Good to see Alexandra on autotrader! A very engaging, well presented and entertaining video! Not to mention her pronunciation and enunciation are right on point in my opinion, I can listen to her for hours 😁🙏🏼🏎
The beauty of the cars fade to meaninglessness against her beauty and grace.
This was funny!! Thanks for this. Lol Rory, powerful, good looking Benteyga
I’m surprised that the Sl 63 is available here in the US but not in the UK🤔
I own an R231 SL63, fully loaded. I would pick the 911 vs the new SL any day.
It’s going to be a great car but it’s never going to unseat the GOAT 911. 🙄
Which part of convertible vs not is the same ?
Please do not insult my 911 turbo S...on all fronts
These would be flying off from the dealership lots at $120k..at $150k not so much as therre is a lot of competition at this price level..
Alex is amazing! But I have to ask, does Rory still make videos for AutoTrader? If not, at least the replacement is still able to capture the same magic he could
you are not reviewing.
you are selling.
Thrilled with my new 55
Don’t see how this and a 911 are in the same conversation.
Great stuff Alex !!
Anyone knows the exact name of this color??? It's awesome!!
I've driven both and no, the 911 is still the king. Feels lighter, nicer steering and more linear power delivery. Looks better, too. The SL is great, but I'd take the 911 easily.
Agree the weight seems crazy but like you say, am sure its an awesome car to drive. But rationally, I expect that if you were buying this you’d be worrying about depreciation (vs the Porsche)? That said, if you’re spending that much on a car, I guess you’ve already leaned in to depreciation 😀
Will Rory do a video on this vehicle as well, please?
Where's Rory?
Is there gonna be a SL65 AMG?
No, I don't believe they are competing for the same market segment.
I have both, a Turbo S and SL 63. SL is way more tech and consort, but won’t even touch 911 driving experience.
I prefer the S class coupe that Mercedes killed than this. It’s neither luxury nor sport and it just doesn’t cut it for me.
This is a daft comparison, a better rival for the SL55 would be the M8 convertible
So where is the s class coupe?
@@Schervin That's be against the regular 8 Series Coupe
What a nice beautiful car. But I don´t think, that people will think about to buy a SL OR a Porsche. They are too different, especially the image of both brands.
Dies the 55 come in all wheel drive??