Compare the2023 Lexus LCVS 2022 Mercedes AMG SL

The LC has standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The LC offers optional Auto Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The AMG SL doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The LC’s standard 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. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG SL.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the LC’s standard rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the LC and the AMG SL have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the LC 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the AMG SL. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the AMG SL ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The LC’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the AMG SL’s (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 32 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 20th.

On the EPA test cycle the LC Convertible gets better mileage than the AMG SL:

The LC can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for .6 miles. The AMG SL can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the LC Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The LC’s standard fuel tank has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG SL (21.7 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The LC Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG SL (22.2 vs. 18.5 gallons).

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus LC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a nine-speed automatic is available for the AMG SL.

The LC 500h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the LC’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG SL:

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the LC can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The AMG SL doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the LC’s wheelbase is 6.7 inches longer than on the AMG SL (113 inches vs. 106.3 inches).

For better maneuverability, the LC Active Rear Steering’s turning circle is 5.9 feet tighter than the AMG SL’s (34.8 feet vs. 40.7 feet). The LC’s turning circle is 5.3 feet tighter than the AMG SL’s (35.4 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

The LC Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The AMG SL doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The LC has 9.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the AMG SL (85.9 vs. 76).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 48% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

The Lexus LC comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Mercedes AMG SL isn’t available as a coupe.

The LC was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2018. The AMG SL has never been an “All Star.”

The Lexus LC outsold the Mercedes SL by 70% during the 2022 model year.