Comparison tests Chris Harris: BMW M6 vs Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

[Giannis]

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We are not sure whether Chris Harris, the BMW M6 or the MB SL63 AMG need an introduction. But to be on the safe side, Mr. Harris is a famous journalist with a great passion for cars and amazing driving skills, the BMW M6 is the M version of BMW's biggest coupe, the 6er and comes with a 555hp 4.4l turbocharged V8. Finally, the SL63 AMG is equipped with a 560hp 5.5l turbocharged V8, handbuilt in Affalterbach, Germany.

The question is, which one is Mr's Harris' choise. The answer can be found in the above video, which we recommend to be watched in high definition.

View the Post on the Blog

 

[donkeykong]

^ I believe Monkey Harris stated the SL having 560 hp. Other than that great post,and thanks for sharing!

 

[LaArtist]

Many things come to mind when i watch this.

1. Chris is the sh.. he rules the realm of motor journalism. Even the entertainment part of it now when TG has gone all meh.
2. He hit on every damn point correctly, exactly the way i feel about the 2 cars, including the conclusion.
3. Those god damn headlights, they ruin such a fantastic car, it is indeed an Epic car..probably one of the best MB has on sale now, from the interior down to the last wheel nut its perfect, its just those damn headlights that ruin it all.
4. This proves some points on the directions of AMG and M which are very interesting indeed.
5. I would to pic the M6 as im very weak for it, i love it. But then again it just wins by a margin of freaking headlights,if it wasent for them the SL would walk this test easy.

All in all great review

 

[Levi68]

Agree with everything Chris said. I enjoy looking his reviews.

 

[Wunderkind]

The SL63 AMG is the King this side of the 911 turbo. On the other side, it would be the Ferrari F12, not counting the Hypercars.

 

[martinbo]

Is Chris Harris a "famous automotive engineer"? I thought he was a journalist.

 

[Zafiro]

Chris is saying what I've been saying too. These cars are to powerful to use on public roads. Then there are coming cars like RS6+ with 600 hp and E63 AMG with 575 hp. Whats the point if you can't use it on public roads?
No, if the M5 got 560 hp or E63 with 575 hp, it doens't matter. Its just for bragging rights and looking good in a piece of paper. If I lived close to Autobahn and drove to and back from work everyday it might have make sense but even on Autobahn its not easy to explore all those +500 horsepower. Only reason why I would buy cars like M6 or SL63 is because they're great looking cars and exclusive.
Personally I rather buy myself a lighter and less powerful car than these two because they can do the same thing.

 

[Zonda]

No matter how different our opinions are, we petrolheads seem to unite and agree with anything Harris has to say. Either we're being brainwashed, or he's an astonishing journalist. My guess is with the latter!

 

[mini_cooper4]

Yes, I too agree with him on all accounts!
The SL63's roadster configuration, interior, sound and rigidity are making it one of the most perfect cars for me... BUT that exterior is ruining it all...

 

[Deckhook]

Chris is saying what I've been saying too. These cars are to powerful to use on public roads. Then there are coming cars like RS6+ with 600 hp and E63 AMG with 575 hp. Whats the point if you can't use it on public roads?
No, if the M5 got 560 hp or E63 with 575 hp, it doens't matter. Its just for bragging rights and looking good in a piece of paper. If I lived close to Autobahn and drove to and back from work everyday it might have make sense but even on Autobahn its not easy to explore all those +500 horsepower. Only reason why I would buy cars like M6 or SL63 is because they're great looking cars and exclusive.
Personally I rather buy myself a lighter and less powerful car than these two because they can do the same thing.

That statement isn't always correct in my opinion, in 2WD form I agree you have upwards on 280hp going through each driven wheel but split that again like with 4WD the power going to each wheel drops considerably plus you have the added assistance of a computer shuffling the power to the wheels best able to cope. It becomes a hell of a lot more manageable for the mere mortals among us.

 

[Levi68]

Chris is saying what I've been saying too. These cars are to powerful to use on public roads. Then there are coming cars like RS6+ with 600 hp and E63 AMG with 575 hp. Whats the point if you can't use it on public roads?
No, if the M5 got 560 hp or E63 with 575 hp, it doens't matter. Its just for bragging rights and looking good in a piece of paper. If I lived close to Autobahn and drove to and back from work everyday it might have make sense but even on Autobahn its not easy to explore all those +500 horsepower. Only reason why I would buy cars like M6 or SL63 is because they're great looking cars and exclusive.
Personally I rather buy myself a lighter and less powerful car than these two because they can do the same thing.

I don't disagree with you, but if I rated your post that way is because for you the GT86 is not enough powerful. That shows a lack of consistency.

 

[Gianclaudio]

I don't disagree with you, but if I rated your post that way is because for you the GT86 is not enough powerful. That shows a lack of consistency.

Lol. Butthurt

 

[Giannis]

^ I believe Monkey Harris stated the SL having 560 hp. Other than that great post,and thanks for sharing!

Yeap, you are right. Correcting it as we speak.

Is Chris Harris a "famous automotive engineer"? I thought he was a journalist.

I guess that the spelling checking function isn't good enough for correctly spelled wrong words. Correcting it as we speak, as well.

Thanks guys!

 

[Human]

Respect for both these Giants from Germany and Harris did his usual great review. My choice would be that Beemer yet the SL has some magic that just makes it an icon of which it has been ever since

 

[Zafiro]

I don't disagree with you, but if I rated your post that way is because for you the GT86 is not enough powerful. That shows a lack of consistency.

GT86 works fine but another 50-100 hp wouldnt hurt. Also, its big difference between car with 600 hp and a car with 200 hp.
A 300 hp car with 1600 kg is perfect and powerful enough and driving fun is just as good (if not better) than a 2000 kg car with 600 hp.

A 600 hp would be great if we lived in a world when we drive +200km/h everyday without risking lives or our driving license. Heck, even 300 hp is too much.

Anyway, Chris said its to powerful for public roads and he should know what he is talking about since he life is about cars and experienced more cars than anyone else here.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

SL for me all day everyday.

The SL appeared to garner the most praise and yet he selected the BMW and then prophesied he would lament the decision. lol. Go figure. British journalists! Great review though, entertaining but without all the crap (Jeremy Clarkson) that comes with TG reviews.

I didn't seem to pick up on any comment about the SL's ride quality in the review. Did anyone catch this?

 

[Zafiro]

That statement isn't always correct in my opinion, in 2WD form I agree you have upwards on 280hp going through each driven wheel but split that again like with 4WD the power going to each wheel drops considerably plus you have the added assistance of a computer shuffling the power to the wheels best able to cope. It becomes a hell of a lot more manageable for the mere mortals among us.

Sounds like you spend a lot of time driving in speeds around 160-300 km/h?
A 300 hp AWD car can take you to A to B as quick as a car with 600 hp and AWD and being just as fun. Those 600 hp will help you when you drive +200 km/h but how often do you drive like that.

Remember, you don't have to go fast to enjoy.......

I keep asking myself, how is the power in Rs6 more accessible (or more manageable) than Rs4 and when are those extra 200 hp going to help me?

 

[Zafiro]

I didn't seem to pick up on any comment about the SL's ride quality in the review. Did anyone catch this?

Yes. He mentioned chassi and its not as comfortable as M6.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Ok. I noticed he mentioned the SL is 'stiff and agile' and he did use the terms 'float and looser' when describing the M6, but I didn't notice him make a specific reference to the SL's ride quality or comparison about the comfort level between the two.

 

[Zafiro]

Ok. I noticed he mentioned the SL is 'stiff and agile' and he did use the terms 'float and looser' when describing the M6, but I didn't notice him make a specific reference to the SL's ride quality or comparison about the comfort level between the two.

He didnt say it out loud but considering he said he would go for long trip (+ those words you wrote above) in the M6 you have to assume he found the M6 to be more comfortable.