If was to purchase any new, reasonably practical car, it would be the Jaguar XKR roadster. By most accounts (including the JD Power survey) Jaguar (Ford) has eliminated most of the quality control problems for which it is infamous, and the XKR even uses an M-B transmission. Aside from that, it has reliable Eaton-supercharged V-8 power, very high performance, and absolutely stunning, timeless, and utterly tasteful design. As far as appeartance, an M-B SL looks absolutely dull by comparison. Make mine silver with the burgundy Connolly leather interior. Unfortunately, living in the city makes any new, really desirable car an impractical theft target, so I'll just have to wait until I settle down and move to the 'burbs!
Colin

'71 Triumph TR-6
'72 BMW 2002
'82 Volvo 245
'82 Moto Guzzi V-50 Monza