Compare the2025 Lexus LCVS 2025 Mercedes AMG SL

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.

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 and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

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 rated the LC first among compact premium sporty cars in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The AMG SL isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 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’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 83 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 21st.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 29th.

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.

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:

The LC stops shorter than the AMG SL:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LC has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the AMG SL 43.

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 55/63’s (34.8 feet vs. 40.7 feet). The LC’s turning circle is 7.3 feet tighter than the AMG SL 43’s (35.4 feet vs. 42.7 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 39% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 17th.

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

J.D. Power and Associates rated the LC first among compact premium sporty cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The AMG SL isn’t in the top three.