Compare the2026 McLaren GTSVS 2026 Mercedes AMG SL

Both the McLaren GTS and the AMG SL have standard driver and passenger frontal 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, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The GTS comes with a full 3-year/unlimited-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The AMG SL’s 50,000-mile basic warranty expires sooner.

The McLaren GTS’ corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the AMG SL’s (10 vs. 5 years).

McLaren pays for scheduled maintenance on the McLaren GTS for 3 years and unlimited miles. McLaren will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG SL.

The McLaren GTS’ 4.0 turbo V8 produces 210 more horsepower (626 vs. 416) and 96 lbs.-ft. more torque (465 vs. 369) than the AMG SL 43’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The McLaren GTS’ 4.0 turbo V8 produces 157 more horsepower (626 vs. 469) than the AMG SL 55’s standard 4.0 turbo V8. The McLaren GTS’ 4.0 turbo V8 produces 49 more horsepower (626 vs. 577) than the AMG SL 63/Maybach 680’s standard 4.0 turbo V8.

As tested in Car and Driver the McLaren GTS is faster than the AMG SL 43 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid:

The McLaren GTS has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the McLaren GTS higher (5 out of 10) than the Mercedes AMG SL (4). This means the McLaren GTS produces up to 5.2 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the AMG SL every 15,000 miles.

The McLaren GTS stops shorter than the AMG SL:

For better traction and acceleration, the McLaren GTS has larger rear tires than the AMG SL (295/30R21 vs. 285/40R19).

The McLaren GTS’ 225/35R20 front and 295/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG SL 43’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the McLaren GTS has standard 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the AMG SL 43.

The McLaren GTS has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For better maneuverability, the McLaren GTS’ turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the AMG SL 55/63’s (39.7 feet vs. 40.7 feet). The McLaren GTS’ turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the AMG SL 43’s (39.7 feet vs. 42.7 feet).

The McLaren GTS may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 1500 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG SL.