Aston Martin DB12 vs Mercedes-AMG SL 63
Compare the Aston Martin DB12 vs Mercedes-AMG SL 63. The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is £20,000 cheaper. The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is 0.0s quicker to 60mph. The Aston Martin DB12 is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Aston Martin DB12 is priced from £185,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 671 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.6 s, a top speed of 202 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is priced from £165,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 577 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.6 s, a top speed of 196 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive.
The Aston Martin DB12 offers a 262-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23.2 mpg (combined), is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty. The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 offers a 213-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 21.9 mpg (WLTP combined), is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is £20,000 cheaper than its rival, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 costs less in annual maintenance (£3,500 versus £1,500), the Aston Martin DB12 is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Aston Martin DB12 has 78 L fuel tank, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 has 70 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Aston Martin DB12 vs Mercedes-AMG SL 63
The DB12 marks a decisive shift in Aston Martin’s philosophy, moving away from the wallowing nature of its predecessor to embrace true sporting agility. The 671hp AMG-sourced V8 provides muscular, linear power that feels perfectly harnessed by the new nine-speed wet-clutch transmission. While the chassis balance is significantly sharpened, the car retains a sophisticated grand tourer core that isolates occupants from road imperfections. It behaves with composure on winding B-roads, offering steering that feels more connected and precise than previous models, ensuring that while it is an aggressive performer, it remains deeply comfortable over long distances.
The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 transitions the lineage toward a sophisticated grand tourer profile, prioritising compliance over the surgical precision of its predecessor. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 delivers a relentless surge of torque, managed by an all-wheel-drive system that ensures composure in challenging UK conditions. While the AMG Active Ride Control suspension offers remarkable poise for a heavy convertible, the steering feel remains somewhat insulated compared to pure sports cars. It excels as a high-speed cruiser rather than a track-day weapon, favouring long-distance refinement and effortless pace over the frantic, razor-sharp feedback once associated with the AMG brand.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — 671hp AMG V8; more powerful and responsive than the DB11 it replaces; the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 — SL 63 AWD with active rear steering; more dynamic than SL predecessors. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Nine-speed wet-clutch gearbox; quickest shifts in Aston Martin history. For the Mercedes-AMG SL 63: 577hp V8 with characteristic AMG torque delivery across the rev range. In outright terms it is 671 hp against 577 — a 94 hp gap — and the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 reaches 60 mph 0.0s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin DB12 vs Mercedes-AMG SL 63
Stepping inside the DB12 reveals a transformative leap for the marque, shedding the dated systems of old for a fully contemporary cockpit. The centrepiece is the curved 10.25-inch touchscreen, which offers responsive software and logical navigation, finally bringing the tech suite up to current luxury standards. Materials remain premium, with supple hides and high-quality finishes throughout. However, some traditionalists may lament that the cabin feels less like a bespoke, hand-crafted space and more like a modern, technology-focused office. Despite this evolution, the overall fit and finish are of an exceptionally high order for this segment.
Inside, the SL 63 feels thoroughly modern, dominated by a portrait-oriented MUX interface that dictates the cabin aesthetic. The digital cockpit is crisp, though the heavy reliance on touch-sensitive surfaces can feel counterintuitive when pressing on. Material quality is excellent, with high-grade leathers and metals, yet the ergonomics are compromised by the vestigial rear seats, which serve more as shelf space than viable seating. It lacks the intimate, driver-focused cocoon of the previous AMG GT, opting instead for a broad, open-air cockpit design that prioritises perceived luxury and connectivity over raw, tactile immersion.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — Completely redesigned interior; most contemporary Aston cabin to date; the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 — Soft-top roadster with genuine 2+2 rear seats returned to SL range. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Curved 10.25-inch touchscreen; significantly improved tech versus DB11. For the Mercedes-AMG SL 63: MBUX Hyperscreen available; most technology-forward SL interior ever.
Daily Usability: Aston Martin DB12 vs Mercedes-AMG SL 63
Practicality in the DB12 is framed by its 2+2 layout and a functional 300-litre boot, which makes it a surprisingly viable option for weekend excursions. While the interior is more ergonomic than earlier Astons, the car’s significant 76.7-inch width demands vigilance in tighter urban environments or narrow parking bays. The ride quality is expertly calibrated, allowing it to glide over broken road surfaces in GT mode without bruising its occupants. It is clearly built for the open road, where its combination of power and usable space makes it a highly capable companion for cross-continental travel.
Daily utility is remarkably improved, largely due to the transition to a fully variable fabric roof that saves significant boot space and lowers the centre of gravity. The 213-litre capacity remains tight, though it accommodates soft luggage better than the old hard-top systems. Parking remains a chore; the wide, low-slung bodywork requires cautious navigation through tight urban gaps, and the extensive bonnet length demands foresight. Nevertheless, the sophisticated suspension tuning allows it to soak up poorly maintained road surfaces with grace, making it a viable, albeit thirsty, companion for regular motorway commutes and long-distance touring.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — 300L boot and 2+2 seating balance sports car focus with GT practicality; the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 — Roof mechanism reliable and rapid; usable as open-top grand tourer. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Comfortable GT modes well calibrated for real-world road quality. For the Mercedes-AMG SL 63: AWD enables year-round use in all climates; better versatility than predecessors. that means 262 litres of boot space against 213, and everyday running costs that favour the Aston Martin DB12 at the pumps.
Ownership: Aston Martin DB12 vs Mercedes-AMG SL 63
Ownership of the DB12 represents the most polished experience in the history of the DB lineage, with expected reliability levels that finally match its rivals. While the annual maintenance costs remain firmly in the premium category, the backing from the Aston Martin Works network provides extensive support that mitigates the risks of high-performance motoring. As the current benchmark for the brand, it holds a strong position in the market, though prospective owners should factor in high insurance premiums and the inevitable expenses associated with maintaining such a sophisticated, high-output drivetrain over time.
Ownership is bolstered by the vast, well-integrated Mercedes-Benz dealer network, which provides consistent support for the complex AMG powertrain. Maintenance costs are steep, with annual services reflecting the performance-oriented nature of the twin-turbo V8, and the intricate soft-top mechanism introduces a long-term servicing variable that owners must anticipate. While depreciation is generally mitigated by the enduring prestige of the SL moniker, the market is competitive. Reliability is generally predictable, provided the rigid servicing intervals are respected, ensuring the complex electronics and drivetrain remain within optimal operating parameters throughout the ownership period.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — Latest generation Aston; best reliability expectation of any DB model; the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 — Mercedes SL has decades of reliability history; latest generation expected to continue. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Aston Martin Works and wider network both support DB12 comprehensively. For the Mercedes-AMG SL 63: Broad dealer network and long-running support programmes. On the wallet the two diverge at £185,000 versus £165,000 — a £20,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £1,500.