SLK55 to SL63?

[RussJ]

I have a 172 SLK 55 and after 3 years fancy a change.
I've always admired Boxsters but I think I'll miss the torque (in a 981) and sound of a V8 (in a 718).
My wife likes the folding hard top so the obvious choice could be an SL.
I'd be interested in comments from anyone who has made (or decided against) the change to an SL...
Russ

[BIRMA]

I went from a high spec Boxster S to the N/A SL63. The SL63 is a superb car in every way it has the ability to be a very comfortable long distance cruiser with the the hood up that my wife loved to drive. Then at the press of a few buttons it was an absolute beast that brought out the lunatic in you, and the exhaust sound on downshifts are something else, not farty or contrived as is the way with a lot of cars these days but real and barking.
One thing I will say though, in my ownership of the SL I did the four hour driving session at MB World in one of the later 5.5 twin turbo SL's it was pouring down with rain but the way the SL handled the circuit was something that surprised me, you would never drive that fast on the road but the SL stuck to the road in a way that reminded me of one of my past Lotus cars and for a heavy car that is some accolade.
If I were in the position to buy another I'd pay the bit extra and buy the later lighter 5.5 twin turbo car, and if you can get one with vented/cooled seats you'll love it on a hot day.

[CaptainRAVE]

I have considered exactly the same switch and like you have discounted the boxters - good looking cars, but lack the same kind of power. For me it is a between an SL63 and R8 V10 convertible (the latter being slightly more expensive, but better in most ways).