Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG vs. BMW M6 Convertible vs. Jaguar XKR-S Convertible - Auto Express Comparison Test!

We test the 556bhp Mercedes SL63 AMG against its BMW and Jaguar rivals

In 1952, a pair of Mercedes 300SL coupes scored a 1-2 finish at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours. They were the first chapter in the story of one of the world’s most famous roadsters.

The 300SL evolved into the legendary 1954 gullwing SL, which in turn led to the first SL roadster in 1957, starting a proud lineage that continues today with the latest, sixth-generation SL.

The standard version of the car is famed for style, image and comfort. It’s only the hot AMG versions that stay close to the performance ethos of the racers that first wore the SL (Sport Light) badge. With its 556bhp twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8, the latest SL63 promises a tantalising blend of horsepower and class.

But the new BMW M6 is also powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine and should be every bit as fast and dramatic. A four-seat cabin gives it extra practicality, and just like the Mercedes, it’s a technical tour de force. But if it’s a classy roadster with some serious punch you’re after, it’s hard to ignore the Jaguar XKR-S.
Read Article

GermanNut - 9/5/2012 9:22:25 AM

-4 Boost

Ouch! It's clear by now that the new BMW models, including the halo "M" performance models simply don't live up to their hype anymore.

Some quotes that summarize my point perfectly:

"However, M car purists may be a little disappointed with this car’s driving experience."

"Lateral body control is better than in the Jaguar, but the M6 just doesn’t feel as nimble as its rivals. And unless you specify £7,395 worth of optional ceramic discs, the BMW’s brakes feel a bit soft after hard use."

"Crucially, it simply isn’t as much fun to drive as its rivals and lacks the highly communicative controls you expect from an M car. Refinement and ride quality are okay, but a lack of driver engagement could be a crucial factor as the M6 faces up to the accomplished SL63 and lively Jaguar."

REMINDER: The BMW M6 Convertible is the most expensive BMW and M model available.

BMW is slipping down a steep slope. If the upcoming M3 is anything like the new M5 and M6, BMW will have officially fallen off a cliff.

94geo - 9/5/2012 9:46:09 AM

+4 Boost

Lol, you need to get a life..I guess it doesn’t matter that the M6 has the ability to seat 4 people making a much larger car, while the other two are strictly 2 seaters.

528i - 9/6/2012 3:10:04 AM

+3 Boost

LOL GermanNut, didn't you say the same thing about the M3 a few years ago, and the M3 end up the best in class.

http://www.autospies.com/news/BMW-M3-coupe-vs-Audi-RS4-cabrio-17374/

Yonder7 - 9/5/2012 10:56:12 AM

-1 Boost

94geo: I love MB but I agree with you. The M6 is heavier and bigger cause is a 4 seats..should be compared with E coupe If they were AMG versions. However is true that the new Ms are heavier. I hope the M3 keep the tradition of Lightweight Sport cars.

dayday - 9/7/2012 8:49:15 AM

+1 Boost

I agree with you. But I think the M division has done their best to deal with the weight issue. The problem lies within the standard BMW models which they can't afford to use as much light weight material as Audi and some other manufactures. BMW needs to design better platform for their standard models in order for the M models to shine, or just Let M division design their own halo car from scratch.

merc07 - 9/5/2012 6:55:21 PM

+1 Boost

Hmm what really is starting to get to me is all the bs from BMW and their fans. I drive a BMW 5 series. But come on the previous 6 and sl always were compared. I remember countless reviews where the 6 was still the better handling car. Never were their any complaints about the sl only seating 2 or the sl's weight. It was just all hail the ultimate driving machine. Then I remember the clk63 black came out and killed the m6. All of a sudden I heard the m6 isn't a track car, the m6 is a gt. Well it's getting a little old that every time the bmw loses in a comp. test it's always an excuse why it lost. Get over it. The sl out handles the m6, oh well. I would be happy with either.

GermanNut - 9/6/2012 11:05:19 AM

-1 Boost

528i, maybe you didn't see the final results. This time around, the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and NOT the BMW M6 was voted best-in-class.

The upcoming 2014 Audi A4 will be 200 lbs. lighter and more efficient. Audi has already made each successive A4, A6 and A8 better to drive than the previous generation and the new models including the A7 and Q5 are easily great driving cars from their first model generation.