CAR WARS! The BMW M6 Goes Head-To-Head Against The Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG - Is It MORE Of The Same Story?

Whenever reviewers stack a BMW up against an Audi or Mercedes-Benz, it always seems to be much of the same story.

The BMW is the more engaging product to drive, it's lighter and it definitely turns a quicker lap time. But as BMW has aged, the times have changed. Its vehicles have new driving dynamics and its competition has refocused their goals after years of second -- or worse -- place.

You know what they say, second is the first loser.

That said, when AutoExpress put the all-new BMW M6 convertible up against the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, I wanted to see one thing: Would something finally change?

See for yourself.


Autoexpress puts two potent German convertibles to the test - the 2013 M6 Convertible (F12) against the 2013 Mercedes SL63 AMG.

On paper, the F12 M6 features a 4.4L V8 pushing 560hp/680 Nm torque [all specs], while the SL63 is powered by a 5.4L V8 with 556hp/800 Nm torque.

The 2013 M6 convertible carries an MSRP of $113,995 in the US, compared to the SL63's sticker price of $146,695. Watch Autexpress' impressions below.



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cidflekken - 8/31/2012 12:42:34 AM

+1 Boost

Very nice. good, fair comparison, I believe.

cidflekken - 8/31/2012 12:46:12 AM

+1 Boost

To add: it's interesting that it seems like MB's AMGs are bettering the BMW Ms, while the 'regular' versions from each marque are reversed (save the C63 vs M3..at least until the new M3/M4 arrives).

Holydude - 8/31/2012 5:26:05 AM

+4 Boost

I'm more surprised at the price difference, about 33k... woo hoo!!

stefx84 - 8/31/2012 6:09:45 AM

+4 Boost

Don't think the 2 cars are comparable

I thought the 6 Series rival was the E-Class cabrio / CLK . Both these feature 4 seat configuration. Currently there isn't an AMG version of the Merc E-Class Cabrio / CLK .

According to me, BMW is abscent in this segment, they should rather put the Merc up against a Porsche 911 turbo cabriolet.

Agent00R - 8/31/2012 9:25:12 AM

-2 Boost

I think it's as comparable as it's going to get in that relative price range.

V8s with twin-turbos and let's face it, no one's fitting in the M6s backseat.

And if the SL isn't a comparable vehicle then the Porsche definitely wouldn't be.

mclaren428 - 8/31/2012 10:54:25 AM

0 Boost

"no one's fitting in the M6s backseat."

I’m 6'1, and can fit in the back seat of a 3 series convertible, while it’s not the roomiest, I would not complain being back there on any ride under an hour. The 6 series being a larger car, I would assume the same would hold true, and then some.

Agent00R - 8/31/2012 11:01:30 PM

0 Boost

@Mclaren428

The 3-Series convertible has 32 inches of effective rear leg room while the all-new M6 has 30.5.

You know what they say about ASSuming...

dayday - 9/1/2012 10:28:52 AM

+3 Boost

You don't really compare cars based on just the price range, even if it is as close as it can be, they are still in 2 very different segments. Despite not having big space in the back, M6 is still a very large GT convertible and having those back seats plus relevant features really add a lot of weight. I'm not saying the M6 should win or SL AMG is a bad car, all I'm saying is that these 2 cars are not very comparable and it is very impressive for M6 to be able to keep up with SL AMG.

M5twinturbo - 8/31/2012 8:08:38 AM

+4 Boost

Both great cars, but not necessary directly comparable.

The M6 is a larger car by nature, it seats 4 people, and has a longer wheelbase. The Mercedes only seats 2 people max, has 200Nm of torque more than the M6, and had carbon ceramic breaks.

stefx84 - 8/31/2012 9:56:43 AM

+4 Boost

AgentOOR - I didn't say compare BMW M6 Cabrio VS Porche 911 Turbo Cabrio.
I said rather compare the Merc SL63AMG VS Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio. (These 2 are in a much tighter price margin if that is what you are after)

The Audi R8 Cabrio would also be more comparable than the M6 Cabrio.

ThierryHenry14 - 8/31/2012 10:34:35 AM

+1 Boost

Now I think you are getting it all mixed up. The R8 is definitely not a M6 segment car. Its more of an SL competitor if we had to choose between the SL and the M6. The M6 is kind of in a class of its own, much more of a class of the CL (M6 Coupe, that is)... the M6 Cab is a niche car that is sort of unrivaled by its peers...

Personally, I think that the SL was going to get the upper hand, though with both vehicles, there are no losers, just winners...

Agent00R - 8/31/2012 11:05:13 PM

0 Boost

@stex84

Whoops!

I'll agree with you that the SL and Turbo are closer in terms of price but it'll just boil down to one factor: Does the buyer want performance of luxury?

The BMW M6 vs. SL story is more interesting as they both have forced induction V8s and the BMW has become a softer, more luxurious product as the SL has been badged for YEARS now.

skytop - 8/31/2012 11:36:28 AM

+2 Boost

Very enjoyable and illustrative video. Well done, mate!

Yonder7 - 8/31/2012 7:11:11 PM

+3 Boost

No way, SL63 is always better cause the size and purpose. SL63 is for different customer than the M6. Both are great cars in their own way...