Aston Martin
DBS
Mercedes-Benz
SLS AMG
Aston Martin DBS vs Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Aston Martin DBS comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
DBS
Overall
Extremely positive sentiment focused on timeless design, emotional appeal, and the naturally aspirated V12 engine. The DBS is consistently described as "automotive art," "stunning," and "one of the most beautiful cars," with its design praised for aging gracefully over a decade. The 6.0L V12 is highlighted for its sound, character, and "Bond mystique," creating a powerful sense of occasion.
Best version to buy
Manual Transmission models (2008-2012 generation) are strongly favored for collectibility and driving engagement. A specific mention highlights the 2012 model year DBS as a car Aston Martin "got right." For the VH platform generation, the manual coupe is considered the most desirable variant, with only 984 units produced.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs ("Aston tax") – labor costs for repairs like oil leaks can be high. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Depreciation – significant value loss is expected, especially for automatic transmission models. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Historical interior quality concerns (2008-2012 generation) – references to cheaper plastic components and insultingly bad interiors for the price point when new. Frequency: isolated.
SLS AMG
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment characterized by deep appreciation for its design, status as a modern icon, and its naturally aspirated V8 engine. The vehicle is consistently praised for its unique gullwing doors, which are seen as a direct homage to the 300SL, and its distinctive, muscular proportions. It is widely regarded as a special, collectible car that represents a peak era for AMG, often described as having a unique soul and character missing from later turbocharged models.
Best version to buy
GT Final Edition: This limited-run model is specifically highlighted and appreciated for its unique badging, increased power output (591 hp), and its status as the pinnacle of the SLS production run. The "Final Edition" is recognized as a particularly collectible variant.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high transmission repair costs: The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (referred to as a DSG) is cited as having repair or replacement costs reaching approximately $40,000 USD. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠General high maintenance costs: Acknowledged as an expensive vehicle to maintain, with complex systems like the transmission, lifters, and head bolts on the M156 engine requiring vigilant and costly care. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Aston Martin DBS, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG are a dealbreaker, the Aston Martin DBS is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Aston Martin DBS or the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG than the Aston Martin DBS. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Aston Martin DBS or the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG?
The Aston Martin DBS seats more passengers than the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Aston Martin DBS is classed as a Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Aston Martin DBS or the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Aston Martin DBS or the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG than the Aston Martin DBS. See the known issues comparison above.