Would you consider an SL55 exotic?

I was taking my S550 in today for its 3K service and was walking around MB of Houston North there was an SL55 that had a sticker of a little over 155K......it had some type of sport package I forgot what it was called but it was around 14K I think. The package included paddle shifters. With this in mind, would consider it an exotic. I know not by looks, but by the fact that with tax its close to 170K out the door, does that make it an exotic in your opinions?

 

Nop. IMO, its not the price that makes an exotic but the relative rarity..

The Paddle shifters are std on the 55 btw .

Ie : An Exige is more of an Exotic than an SL65 ..

 

If it's got over five hundred horses, looks like pure sweetness, and you don't see them everyday then it's an exotic IMO. An SL55 definitely falls into all three categories. Same for the S65, E63 and even the E63 wagon.

The SLK, not enough power, definitely not the R63 or whatever since it's fugly, and neither the ML63 nor the G55 since they're a little too everyday/boring.

The CLS63 and CLK63 are borderline exotic.

BMW M5 = Exotic. M3, not quite.

 

No

 

IMO not a single car you mention is exotic. Not even close.

Doesn't make the SL55 a bad car, just not exotic. By the way, I see 3 SL55's in my work parking lot... and several more in my neighborhood. Hardly exotic.

There is a difference between being powerful and Expensive, and being exotic.

 

I think it is a greak driver. I would say for the money (assuming $120k msrp) I'd call the M6 Convertible an exotic first.

 

Nope!!! Exotic to me is the body. That SL body too common.

 

I wouldn't consider it an exotic either. I drove one home last night, and was impressed by the car overall, though. When puttering around town on my way to the gym, it felt like any old SL, but when you put your right foot down all hell breaks loose. Very capable car, very comfortable, very fast. Makes a great daily driver that you can cut loose in once in a while.

As for that special package that put it up to $155k, that was probably the M030 package, which adds bigger wheels, different front bumper (both from the SL65), and some tweaks to the suspension and maybe brakes. Very cool package, but very pricey IIRC.

But why buy new when you can pick up a nice used '04 model with low miles for half that price? We're seeing those cars in the mid-$70k's right now.

 

I like how Simon said he sees 3 SL55's at work and therefore it isn't exotic. Simon I hate to break it you but you're a pretty succesful doctor, I'm sure your co workers are succesful too so it isn't too shabby that they have 125K+ cars for everyday use I think that would just be a testament to its practicality. I really did crack up a little though I loved your response too funny

 

Not an exotic. But it is a great car. It is bacically a Factory hot rod based on a production convertable. To common for an exotic. E55, S55 and SL55's are everywhere in this area.



Darrell.

 

If a SL55 is an exotic car than a Z06 must be a Hypercar.......

 

I don't think it is an exotic (and I have a SL600).

 

+1

Here in Southern California, SL500/55/600 are a dime a dozen. SL65's are still rare, but 99% of people don't know there is a difference between the 500 and 65.

 

my uncle has a brand new Z06 and a S65 and i was neckand nek with him until 130 mph. this coming from a huge s-class. made me think that MB lowered their speed limiter from 155 to 130 because it would go any faster. then i drove theZ06 which by the way is exactly 14 days old and he already has 8,000 miles on it. (he dive fromthe philly area to NYC and then to the poconos evryday. he knows hes fu(king up by doing that but he loves that car. so i have been driving the S65. let me tell you 8 MPG gets old REALLY quick

 

+ high-end luxury? YES. exotic? NO.

 

It all depends on your location if its my little town yes if its the OC then no.

 

Yes. I had to drive my biz partner S600 for 2 weeks..filling it up every 2 days is a PITA.

 

I have an SL65 and the only new Benz I would say is an exotic is an SLR. The SL body is just way too common.

 

Around my parts it's a pretty rare sight to see an SL, much less one of its AMG counterparts.

I suppose exotic is more of a term relative to the person using it. Many richfolk are, well, rich folks, and thus have different bases for judgement.

 

+1
Also have SL65 and do not consider it exotic for reasons listed above...

 

I'm with eveyone else on this. No, it is too common. The SLR is not an exotic either in my opinion.

 

I don't care where your at... the answer is no.
Nice car but not exotic.

 

What he said. I think the Mini Cooper has paddle shifters. And the Lotus is exotic literally to the core - that aluminum chassis is an amazing bit of engineering on its own.

+1

Horsepower and price don't make a car exotic.

No, it would make it a poor choice next to a used 575M, which is exotic in any way conceivable.

 

Not exotic.

Fast hair dresser's car.

 

I own a E55 amg, and i dont consider it an exotic, a fast sedan yes, but because its based off a E class i dont consider it an exotic. the SLR yes, but the E55, SL55, any 55 (besides the C and SLK) share the same engine. a "exotic" has to be unique to itself something most of the MB AMG lineup can not say.