The AMG SL’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The McLaren GT doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.
The AMG SL has standard Active Brake Assist, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The McLaren GT doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.
The AMG SL has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The McLaren GT doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.
The AMG SL’s optional lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The McLaren GT doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.
The AMG SL has a standard Surround View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The McLaren GT only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.
The AMG SL’s blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The McLaren GT doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.
The AMG SL’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The McLaren GT doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.
The AMG SL has standard Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The McLaren GT doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.
Both the AMG SL and the McLaren GT have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.