2007 BMW M6 Convertible vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

3:52 min

The Germans aren't known for being outrageous, but just take a look at the numbers on these two convertibles. The BMW M6 makes 500 hp and costs $108,000 � the Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG makes 604 hp and costs $189,000. Each of these cars makes more than double the power of your everyday Honda Accord. The engines are hand-built marvels assembled by the most skilled engineering departments on the planet. The M6 convertible�s 40 valve, 5-liter V10 revs to 8,250 RPM to make 500 hp and 383 lb ft of torque. The SL65�s twin turbo 6-liter V12 is good for an astonishing 604 hp and an equally staggering 738 lb-ft of torque. When you put your foot down in the SL, the fierce V12 gives you the feeling you�ve just been flung from a slingshot. Shifts from the SL�s 5-speed AMG transmission are almost imperceptible. Together, they help propel the car from 0-60 in an astonishing 3.9 seconds. It�s as if a Jet turbine has been strapped to the hood. The M6�s sublime, high-revving, V10 is a tribute to BMW's involvement in Formula 1 racing. It�s matched to an electro-hydraulically actuated, 7-speed sequential manual gearbox When you cut the engine loose, a tug on the steering wheel mounted shift paddles engages the next gear almost instantly. The M6 gets from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Quick for sure, but upshifts from the SMG transmission are abrupt and each gear change feels like you�re getting socked in the face and with 7 forward gears, you�re gonna catch a beating each time you get into the M6. Ultimately, it�s great for the track but in everyday use can be an uncomfortable hassle. These cars not only deliver extraordinary performance but also extraordinary luxury. Still, there are notable differences. For example, the M6 uses a soft top while the SL65 has a more secure folding hard top that quickly stows itself in the trunk with the flick of a switch. While both are quiet, the SL�s top is actually quicker to raise and lower. The M6�s soft top also means larger blind spots which can be a problem if you�re using that V10 for darting in and out of traffic. The interiors are also quite different. The M6 has an excellent stereo and an inviting interior while the more expensive Benz�s cabin seems as if it could have come straight from any Mercedes sedan. Our editors all agreed they'd prefer the SL65 to the M6 Convertible for their personal use, but were split on which they'd recommend to a person shopping in this elite segment. In the end the M6 edged out the Benz in our official scoring. The M6 is simply more engaging and involves the driver in the experience. On the other hand the SL65, despite being faster and more expensive, is almost sedate in comparison and is the easier car to live with everyday. There�s also the BMW�s lower price to consider. Still, each car is talented, charismatic and outrageously fast. But they�re not the same � the BMW M6 convertible and Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG may accomplish the same goal � but each goes about it in a much different way. And in this case, we like BMW's way better.