Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs BMW M5: Used Luxury Car Comparison
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs BMW M5: Used Luxury Car Comparison
Posted on May 24, 2021
Mercedes-Benz and BMW are both iconic producers of high-performance vehicles that bring racetrack power to street-legal, luxurious cars. And while many of their more recent vehicles operate in the SUV segment of the market, plenty of performance fans love the traditional sport's appeal of the sedan or its shorter variant, the grand tourer.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the BMW M5 both offer exceptional performance and extreme levels of comfort, but in many other ways, they're very different cars. Which one should you choose if you're looking for a used luxury car? Read our comparison review to find out.
Style and Exterior
The SLS AMG's exterior leaves no doubt that this is a car with its roots firmly on the racetrack. Its low, sleek grand tourer profile is the very definition of an attention-grabbing sports car, with its aggressive lines, molded inlets, and high wheel arches. However, while the BMW M5 sedan might be a little less dramatic, it's still a great-looking car that balances aggression and poise to create a profile that will turn plenty of heads.
Under the Hood
Both of these cars exist at the highest end of the performance spectrum, offering serious power under the hood. Most of the Mercedes models are equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine pumping out an impressive 563 horsepower and 480lb-ft of torque passed through a seven-speed automatic transmission to rear-wheel drive. The result is a car with explosive performance to match its seductive looks.
However, the BMW M5 has even the SLS beaten for raw power. The 4.4L twin-turbo V8 gasoline mill makes an incredible 617 horsepower and 553lb-ft, powering the all-wheel-drive with aplomb. The transmission options are also more advanced, with the eight-speed automatic featuring a manual override and paddle-shift mode for a thrillingly hands-on driving experience. However, both the Merc and the Beamer offer a switchable sports mode for extra-aggressive driving capability.
Both cars have a searing performance to spare, but if driving at the very highest end appeals to you, the BMW makes the obvious choice.
Interior and Technology
As you'd expect from cars of this stature, the interiors are highly equipped with comfort features and are finished using upscale materials throughout. Heated power seats are standard on both, along with a fully automatic climate control system. However, the BMW takes climate control a step further with a separately controllable HVAC system for the rear seats.
Both cars offer smart device integration with the infotainment system, along with comprehensive instrumentation options. However, the BMW has a definite technological edge, with available options including voice-activated inbuilt navigation, where the Mercedes has a more stripped-down, track-oriented feel.
Used Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs Used BMW M5: The Verdict
Both of these cars are extremely attractive, and if you're lucky enough to find either one on the used market you should snap it up. If you have a choice between the two, the Mercedes has more aggressive looks and an outrageous sense of style, while the BMW is a little less showy but actually packs a bigger punch under the hood.