STUD or DUD: Mercedes' SLS AMG, How Does It Look On The Road?

Wasn't that the whole point of this SLS? it was 300SL Gullwing inspired. I am going to hop on the other bandwagon and say I like it. Everyone finds different reasons to hate on a car but I think it's rather unique for a supercar. Sure it doesn't have the more exotic styling like the SLR did but I don't think Mercedes ever intended to be Lamborghini. While some style cues I disagree with I am certain the car is a great performer. It's an acquired taste in my opinion. Either you like it or you don't. Retro isn't a bad thing IMO. The domestic muscle cars can do it why can't Mercedes which was the company to make the first true super car? Deboost me all you want but I stand behind my comment.

Most of you don't like it because it doesn't look like a Ferrari or Lamborghini be realistic. Doesn't mean the SLS won't be a good car.

SC430 rear? I think some of you kids should look at a photo of an original 300SL Gullwing and then see where the design inspiration for the SLS rear came from.

the road presence is extremly awkward and not enough thought into the design ques to make it a little more modern looking and alot less dated looking

THIS IS WHAT THE SL SHOULD HAVE LOOKED LIKE OR SOMETHING CLOSE TO THIS:

http://benzinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/new_300sl_gullwing_side.jpg

Dud, as far as looks go I was really hoping for a true Mercedes Supercar... this thing looks more like it could be an $80,000 car slotted in between the SL and SLK.

I like it, looks like no other. Not that much retro.

I saw three of them road testing in Arizona south of the Grand Canyon in August. Very Viper-esque in real life.

It was because of MB that the Viper has that look not vice versa. So it belonged to MB anyways lol. Same goes for the 300 and the horrible Crossfire.

Those Chryslers were based off of Benzes, but the look was all-American.

Dud. Outgoing SLR looks lot better. Step back design wise.

JUGNU

I like it. I think it's a little late to the retro game though.

The details are nice - gullwing doors, some minor touches in the styling - but the overall design looks awkward and disproportionate.

Something looks off about the door panel gaps, other than that I neither love nor hate it. This car just reminds me of the Moen commercail where the people ask the guy to design a house around a faucet, only MB asked its designers to design a car based on gullwing doors. They are probably shooting themselves in the foot a bit because it is not really easy to make a convertable out of a gullwing car and most super cars take their tops off to sell more cars. So MB can you do a folding metal roof with hinges for the gullwing doors?

I like it, though I would not call it a stud.

The middle of the car (roof,doors) looks identical to a Mazda RX8' side profile. Weird.

I find it hilarious how so many people here, who've never seen the car up close and personal, base their comments on a bunch of rather poor photos. Seeing the car in person is everything. And even then, if YOU don't like it, it doesn't mean that it will be a dud.

It's also amusing to see so many people come out with their theories about why this vehicle will be a failure because of this and that. Really amusing. Really.

Mercedes-Benz has the market research data. They know what the prospective customers want in an SLS. This vehicle was also designed for a specific market, which might differ from the market who like the R8 or 911 Turbo etc.

Actually saw it yesterday on the A5 Autobahn, it looked good to me even though it raced past me. I was able to catch up to it somewhat and take a couple pics from behind. Wish I was driving the M3 and not the family vehicle, i probably could have taken some more pics.
The one thing I did notice/hear was the incredible sound the engine made!

I have mixed feelings about this car. I love the original Gullwing, thus the tie-in is cool, but the car is huge. I would like to have seen a smaller model, just a bit larger than the original would have suffice. Second, the gestation period and constant exposure in the print and web media makes it feel like its been on the market for a long time, I'm already use to the car and the excitement is gone. Its ok, I'm not thrilled about it and I truly was looking for this rendition to come to market.

Today, here in Dubai, i have seen my first SLS on the road, a white testing model. Only it's rear bumper was covered with camouflage tape and it had no badges. I was on the opposite direction of highway, from far it looked like R8 (low front end and daylight LEDs were on) but as it started coming nearer it looked like regular SL. The first thing i noticed was huge bonnet and grille. It was nice but still i think many other Supercars like Ferraris, Lambos even MB's own SLR look better and got more presence and wow factor.

JUGNU

You still saw a "partially covered" SLS and comment on the wow factor? How about commenting on it when you see the whole car without the rear bumper covered in camo?

Only the rear bumper was covered. You could clearly see the lines and especially profile which i didn't like very much.

JUGNU