Compare the2023 BMW M4VS 2023 Mercedes AMG SL

The M4’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.

Both the M4 and the AMG SL have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head 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, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The M4’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG SL’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M4 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 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 24th.

In a Car and Driver race course test, the BMW M4 CSL was clocked 5.1 seconds faster than the Mercedes AMG SL 63 (167.5 sec. vs. 172.6 sec.).

On the EPA test cycle the M4 Convertible gets better mileage than the AMG SL:

Regenerative brakes improve the M4’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The M4 stops shorter than the AMG SL:

For better traction, the M4 has larger front tires than the AMG SL (275/40R18 vs. 265/40R20).

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the M4’s wheelbase is 6.2 inches longer than on the AMG SL (112.5 inches vs. 106.3 inches).

For better maneuverability, the M4’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the AMG SL’s (40 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

The BMW M4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 650 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG SL.

The M4’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the M4 Convertible a Subcompact car, while the AMG SL is rated a Minicompact.

The M4 Convertible has 8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the AMG SL (84 vs. 76).

The M4 Convertible has a much larger trunk with its top down than the AMG SL with its top down (10.6 vs. 7.5 cubic feet). The M4 Convertible has a much larger trunk with its top up than the AMG SL with its top up (13.6 vs. 8.5 cubic feet).

The M4’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The AMG SL doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

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.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the M4 has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The AMG SL doesn’t offer rear vents.

The BMW M4 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Mercedes AMG SL isn’t available as a coupe.

The M4 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The 4 Series was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2014. The AMG SL has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

The BMW 4 Series outsold the Mercedes SL by over 18 to one during 2022.