Hot! Merc SL Shock: Sales already down 34% in YTD Sales 2014

[jackywhatever]

I think the SL is caught in a strategy bind from a product planning perspective.

With the S-Class Coupe being launched right now the cabriolet version to be launched in other 16 months, I think Mercedes will delay the much needed facelift for the SL in order to avoid the two models cannibalising one another. The SL facelift will probably take another 24 months at least, and probably even longer, in order to give the S-Coupe/Cabriolet some space.

The downside of this is that the SL will have to soldier on in its current form much longer than desired and with the facelifted Ferrari California, the Porsche 911 and the BMW 6-series scheduled for their respective facelifts in the next 12-16 months, things are looking dire for the SL. But the upside is that Mercedes will now have ample time to restyle the SL (if not already signed off by the Mercedes Board) and pack it with the next generation technology to take it back above the S-Coupe to the top of the packing order.

How about this?

CL -> S coupe
SL -> S coupe convertible

 

[Wolfgang]

 

[Wunderkind]

I think the SL should always be at the top of the Mercedes line-up.

 

[Merc1]

When I looked at the C-Class again today, I noticed the dealer had about 5 or 6 SL400s in stock right off the truck. Sales should be on the uptick for September. You can now get a SL for under 100K, as none of them listed for more than 97K.


M

 

[ThroughandThrough]

Everyone's waiting for the AMG GT.

 

[Wunderkind]

When I looked at the C-Class again today, I noticed the dealer had about 5 or 6 SL400s in stock right off the truck. Sales should be on the uptick for September. You can now get a SL for under 100K, as none of them listed for more than 97K.


M

In Hong Kong, the Mercedes importer has dropped the SL350/SL400 and SL63 altogether due to the lack of demand. The only SL models sold in Hong Kong are now the SL500 and the SL65. I'm told many would-be SL350/400 buyers have chose the Porsche Boxster and many potential buyers for the SL63 have turned to the Porsche 911 turbo. The SL500 is not having it easy too with many buyers opting for the rarer and more stylish (but not better) Maserati Granturismo.

 

[Merc1]

^ That is interesting. There is no more SL600 and apparently no S600 coupe is coming either. Market preferences change and vary over the years.

M