This edition of Auction Dilemma looks at the often-told tale of a sort-of upstart trying to take on the leading vehicle in its class. For our story, we’re looking at performance luxury convertibles with the leader represented by a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG up for auction on Bring a Trailer and the challenger embodied by a 2008 Cadillac XLR-V at Hemmings.
2008 Cadillac XLR-V
Regardless of what you might think about Cadillac or General Motors, you have to give GM credit to take on certain segment leaders in the automotive world. Case in point, the short-lived Cadillac XLR, and its powerful V-series variant. GM knew it would never outsell the Mercedes SL even with its lackluster sales experience of the Cadillac Allanté in the 80s and 90s. But, still, it soldiered on. In short, the XLR (and particularly the V-series) is a refined Corvette but with a different wrapper. In fact, it was built on the same assembly line as the Vette.
This Light Platinum 2008 XLR-V represents a near-perfect example of GM’s efforts to take on the SL. According to the owner, this Caddy is only one of 2,188 XLR-Vs made during a four-year production run. Add in less than 25,000 miles on the odometer and the car’s one-owner, accident-free history for an appealing “buy me” case.
Under the hood lurks a supercharged 4.4-liter Northstar DOHC V-8 engine, factory rated for 443 HP and 414 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission manages power heading to the rear wheels. Road & Track reports that the XLR-V only needs 4.3 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill.
The cabin features ebony leather and suede seats which show minimal wear. Other equipment includes Bulgari-branded gauges, power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, the usual power accessories, and a Bose audio system.
2005 Mercedes SL55 AMG
The Mercedes SL has a storied history that begins with the 1954 launching of the 300 SL Roadster and the iconic 300 SL Gullwing coupe. It’s hard to argue against the SL being the long-time leader in top-end drop-tops. Mix in some magic from AMG for the ideal balance of performance and luxury. Like its Auction Dilemma counterpart, this Mocha Black Metallic 2005 SL55 offers an immaculate and low-mileage (43,000 miles) example of what automotive engineering can produce.
And like the XLR-V, this SL55 is powered by a supercharged V-8. In this case, the Mercedes’ larger 5.4L engine makes 493 HP and a hefty 516 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel power is transferred through a five-speed automatic. Similarly, Road & Track tells that the SL55 can achieve the 0-60 run in 4.5 seconds, narrowly losing to its American challenger.
The designo sand leather upholstery appears to be in very clean condition, along with the coordinating instrument cluster hood and door panel inserts. In addition, maple accents are used on the center console and door panels. On-board equipment includes Distronic cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, power accessories, a Bose audio system, and power heated seats with memory.
Battle of the Hardtop Convertibles
What’s your preference for a high-performing luxury convertible. The Cadillac XLR-V has a $37,000 best offer. In the meantime, the auction for the Mercedes SL55 has a current high bid of $22,000 and ends in 3 days.
Sources: hemmings.com, bringatrailer.com, autoevolution.com