[Webfather]

I haven't bought a new Cadillac for 25 years until this year. They had a case of the uglies for about 15 years but have been fighting back the last few.

In June I bought an Escalade and I drive it more than my Mercedes S600

Yesterday I took delivery on the XLR....

I bought it on a whim, at ebay and my expectations were not high. Just something to play with until the clk500 gets here in March.

I have been pleasently surprised!!

I had a 1999 SL500 for 3 years. The XLR far exceeds that version of the SL but probably is not up to the standard of the new SL.....But NOTHING to be ashamed of. For me the SL is too low and I kill my knees and back getting in and out so I didn't drive it much.

The XLR leaves the Lexus 430 in the DUST. I see them as the big loser in the equation and knocks them right out of the second spot behind the SL.

For a first effort.....Cadillac built a stone fox!! It is good to see them finally trying to regain the crown they held for so many years.

Is it worth the extra $$$ to get it now? You bet! You can't pay for reactions and looks like that.

 

[alk3997]

Congratulations! Hope you enjoy the XLR for many years!!

Andy

 

[Quixotic]

I found the ride of the XLR to be far superior to the 2003 SL500. The new SL rides hard, where you feel every bump and crack in the road, and not at all what I want from a luxury car.

 

[Webfather]

The SL hard Ride

The ride on the 99 SL was hard and too stiff. If they did not fix that "Feature" on the 2003 SL, then the XLR wins cuz I find the ride to be EXACTLY what it should be.

The seats are comfortable, and so far there are only a few minor drawbacks.

The seats are a bit on the narrow side. The seat belt clasp is a little too large and has a habit of sticking me on the side gut.'

The top convertible control is a little too easy to accidentally hit and should be placed a bit better.

And worst is not even a place to put a sweater in the car cabin.

But with all that said, I think this baby is a keeper. It has looks and it is built solid.

Here in Boca every other car is an SL or a CLK so it is refreshing to have something a little more unique even if it is only for a few months or a year.

 

[ivan1111]

I think the XLR is an excellent car and is not very far behind the SL....

From what i have read there are several areas that the XLR must improve to catch up to the SL......

First is the finish the SL has leather all over the place dash and center console, in handling the testers have said that the SL has less body roll than the XLR and the SL also has larger tires.....

Does the XLR has a center console button like the Corvette C5? In the C5 with magnetic ride you can change the suspension setting from tour to sport i don't know if the Caddy has this also.....

If the Americans want to catch up to the SL i have no doubt that they can.......

The sky is the limit for this car that already in its very first year is a serious contender to the SL.........:flag

 

[Quixotic]

My understanding is that the computer adjusts the suspension by driver and their driving history and current driving actions. So, and correct me if I'm wrong, if you normally drive hard and take curves fast, it will adjust accordingly by recognizing the drive (by the fob). If you normally drive like an old fart (like me) and occasionally drive hard (when the wife is not around), it recognizes that and adjusts the suspension during those wonderful moments.

I still want to know if the car lowers at freeway speeds and raises at slower speeds and at standstill. It seems to, but the difference is subtle and difficult to measure at 70 mph!

 

[ivan1111]

Oh okay so in the Corvette C5 they added the button in the center console.....

I would imagine that if you change the button to Sport the ride should be much stiffer that the XLR in its stiffest mode that is adjust by the computer.....Probably they did this because of the C5 more sporty nature and better handling.......

 

[Quixotic]

But the ride in the XLR is soooo much smoother... which is exactly what I want in my luxury sports car.

 

[ivan1111]

I agree probably that is why they didn't add the button in the XLR center console....

The MB SL has a button that in sport it cancels about 95 to 98 percent of the body roll so no doubt it has better handling but at the same time the ride should be much stiffer than the XLR......

 

[Quixotic]

I hated the ride in the SL. After test driving the SL, I was sold on the XLR.

 

[ivan1111]

Really you tested the new SL?

 

[Webfather]

All I can say is the more I drive the XLR the more I like it.

I have a very bad back and the car just naturally fits and is comfortable.

The turning radius is barely acceptable but not horrible. My Escalade can make a u turn that is much sharper and compared to a Mercedes, perhaps it's #1 drawback.

But if the ride in the 2003-2004 SL is like the 1999 SL.....then they can keep it. If I wanted a car to drive like a vette with no shock absorbers I would have bought a vette. lol

As far as speed. No complaints there. Has plenty of balls and very impressive acceleration at 60 and above. It really screams!

When the word gets around about this baby.....it may become the new dream car.

And last thing....while the SL and others can be used as a full time vehicle, the XLR probably could not easily do that and that puts it in the "Toy" category. A very exclusive category that the SL used to belong to. So not a bad place to be.

 

[paulr44]

I use mine full time! Just try and pry it away frim me! :boxing :boxing

 

[Jerryfl]

ME TOO!!!!!

Jerryarty

 

[Webfather]

Well, it is hardly a "Family car".

But if you are single on the prowl......then.....lol

Seriously tho it is a terrific road car and I am enjoying it very much. This was an "Impulse" buy, but no buyer remorse here!

btw.....there is one on auction at ebay right now for $83k "Buy it now".

If you like a black one......$5k over retail is VERY reasonable. It was what my local dealer quoted me and I am repeat customer.

 

[paulr44]

I paid list and am surprised that GM is allowing their dealers to get away with their "shenanigans."
That's what gives them a bad name!!:jester

 

[tom62]

Took delivery of my Crimson Pearl XLR Nov 14th!

Sorry folks, the ONLY color for this car is Crimson Pearl as far as I'm concerned!

I am still learning about most of the features but am highly satisfied so far.

Given the season here in Northern Ohio, I have had only one opportunity to drive with the top down so far but will agree with the one comment I have seen about the need for wind deflection over about 40mph.

The overall quality is the best of any vehicle I have owned. (this is my third Cadillac and have owned Buicks, Olds, Fords in this country and VW, Mercedes, Volvo in Europe.

Unlike some other areas of the country, there are just no XLR's around here so the biggest problem I have is keeping other drivers from running into me while they try to get a closer look!

 

[Webfather]

Sorry folks, the ONLY color for this car is Crimson Pearl as far as I'm concerned!
**********************************************

I'd have to agree with that. arty

Cadillac did choose that color for their Christmas commercial as well. So I think they know it as well.

EVERYONE that sees mine, loves it.

When I see a kid look at it.....well this is a car that dreams are made of and you can see it as it happens.

This is like an exotic production car and I hope they decide not to make it anymore.

 

[paulr44]

Well, I guess I just think like Henry Ford.

You can have any colr car you want as long as it's BLACK!


:seeya