Compare the2023 BMW Z4VS 2022 Mercedes AMG SL

The Z4 has standard Post-Crash Braking, 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.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Z4’s optional 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 Z4 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, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear parking sensors.

The Z4’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG SL’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the Z4 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG SL.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 24 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 BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 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 BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 8 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

On the EPA test cycle the Z4 gets better mileage than the AMG SL:

Regenerative brakes improve the Z4’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Z4 stops shorter than the AMG SL:

For better maneuverability, the Z4’s turning circle is 4.7 feet tighter than the AMG SL’s (36 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

The BMW Z4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 1000 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG SL.

The Z4 is 1 foot, 2.5 inches shorter than the AMG SL, making the Z4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Z4 has a much larger trunk with its top down than the AMG SL with its top down (9.9 vs. 7.5 cubic feet). The Z4 has a much larger trunk than the AMG SL with its top up (9.9 vs. 8.5 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 17% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

In case of a sudden change of weather, the Z4 offers an optional remote convertible top that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. On a hot day the Z4 offers an optional remote opening feature, to lower the top from outside. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW Z4, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The BMW Z4 outsold the Mercedes SL by over two to one during the 2022 model year.