So...finally got to see an SLS in flesh (last time was in 2011 in NYC)....
Here are my +/- impressions of '11 15K+ mile car:
This is not to be OCD, overly critical or knock the SLS; just a sober assessment as $150-175,000 is not a small sum, and once must evaluate quality, design aesthetics, and compare v. competition and collectible market standards.
Positives:
Gullwing doors; obvious presence/charisma
Elite heritage, taste, & class of model
Fit & finish of exterior, gaps, lines, and surfaces
Owning a flagship AMG-Mercedes sports cars
Details: finned wheels, Star/Wide grill; wide-stance and width
Negatives:
Seems small (even at 181")
Very truncated rear almost ovoid; bumpers are longest point and wheelbase edges are sharply rounded
Paint-quality; not deep, orange peel; somewhat flat color
Interior; use of plastic/fibreboard on thresholds, trunk interior valence; C-class quality seat switches; flimsy clicks of storage containers, glove-box, etc.
Seat doesnt feel solid; rocks/squeaks when adjusts
Leather seams thin; shows wear (red esp.) and appears shiny from use
Door shuts not classic M-B solid; rather hollow sound
Visibility OK; somewhat sunken.
OK-- realize all this sounds negative and like I am talking myself out of a SLS.
Rather, I'm just looking at pros/cons; feel buying any exotic with rose-colored glasses and not focusing on things that may annoy/irritate is not realistic. I think the SLS made some compromises in being a Supercar AND GT-Grand-Tourer; some of those are materials/execution and are reflected in price.
For example; felt the interior fit/finish was not on par with an Audi R8's flawless interior execution or a top of the line 911 or even Lambo Gallardo from 2011.
Those plastic switches, interior plastic covers, thresholds, lips/valence were closer to my Vette than say an Aston, R8 or Bentley for same money.
Now, this may not be reasonable. I had in the back of my mind the F GT's interior panels; granted the F GT is essentially a 'bespoke' super-car and every part was nearly custom made.
Never the less, the comparisons helped me to anchor my self and not get carried away into "Oh, what the heck I found the perfect SLS for $175K, I'll just buy it".
Rather, for $175K I would buy a Tungsten salvage/repaired Ford GT; thats a screaming 'value buy' v. a SLS at market.
For me, the SLS is a strong buy in the $135-150K range. Its a landmark design yes; its has shortcomings as expected for M-B to be able to produce it under $200K.
I'm still a motivated buyer; just more so, for the car I want and below a ceiling of $150K.