Mercedes-Benz SL or AMG® GT: which two-seater fits Austin drivers?

Choose the SL if you want an open-roof roadster for Austin weekends, and the AMG® GT if you want a fixed-roof coupe. The roof and the seating layout are what split them. Mercedes-Benz of South Austin sells both new, so you can compare them on one visit.

Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Austin. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.

How do the SL and AMG® GT compare on power and speed?

The AMG® SL 43 Roadster and the AMG® GT 43 Coupe list the same 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, so the entry trims match on power. The AMG® SL 55 Roadster is the step up in the SL line, with 469 hp and 516 lb-ft. These are Mercedes-Benz’s published figures, with the model year for each shown in the table.

Say you want the roof down and the same 416 hp as the fixed-roof coupe. The SL 43 gives you both. If you want more than that from an SL, the SL 55 is the step up, and it lists 53 hp and 147 lb-ft more than the SL 43 does. Anyone who wants the GT’s power without the open roof has the match in the table.

What does the Mercedes-Benz SL cost compared with the AMG® GT?

The AMG® SL 43 Roadster starts at $112,550 for the 2026 model year, and the AMG® SL 55 Roadster starts at $145,250 for the same year. The AMG® GT 43 Coupe starts at $108,850 for the 2027 model year. So the open-roof SL starts higher than the fixed-roof GT, and the SL 55 is the most expensive of the three.

Price is the first filter for most buyers, so start there. If the budget starts at the GT 43’s price, the SL 43 is the open-roof car that sits above it. If the budget is set by the SL 55, the choice narrows to the SL, since the GT figures in this comparison are for the 43 Coupe.

Which has the figures you need, the SL or the AMG® GT?

Both AMG® SL Roadsters list 41.5 inches of first-row legroom for the 2026 model year. The AMG® GT 43 Coupe lists 42.7 inches of first-row legroom for the 2027 model year. On seat room alone, the GT is the roomier car.

Seat room favors the GT. The roof is what the SL offers that the GT does not. For a buyer who puts the roof first, legroom is a secondary check: 41.5 inches in the SL is still the number to test against your own seating position. Sit in both cars before you decide, and let the roof and the seat decide the car.

When is the SL or the AMG® GT the wrong pick on cargo space?

The SL is the wrong pick when the trip needs cargo room. Both AMG® SL Roadsters list 7.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo for the 2026 model year. The AMG® GT 43 Coupe lists 23.8 cubic feet for the 2027 model year.

A weekend with two bags fits either car. A trip with a cooler and a stack of bags points to the GT. If your trips need the roof down and a light load, the SL covers them. If the trunk has to hold more than that, the GT is the car to choose, and the roof is the one thing you give up.

What warranty comes with the new SL and the new AMG® GT?

Both carry the same basic warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles (Mercedes-Benz, 2026). Because the term is the same on both, warranty does not separate the SL from the AMG® GT. The decision rests on the roof, the seats and the cargo space.

FAQ

What taxes and fees apply when you buy a new car in Texas?

When you buy a new car in Texas, the state taxes the sales price at 6.25% after any trade-in allowance is subtracted (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2026). The title application fee is $28 or $33, depending on the county (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 2026). The base registration fee for a passenger vehicle is $50.75, plus applicable local county fees (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 2026).

How do I start a finance application online for a Mercedes-Benz?

We offer a secure finance application online.

Where can I see current financing and leasing specials?

We offer both financing specials and leasing specials. Ask about each for the SL or the AMG® GT you want, so you can compare a loan and a lease on the same car.

Can I start a purchase online and pick it up at the Austin showroom?

Yes. You can start an online purchase and pick up the car at our Austin showroom.

What do buyers say about the sales process at Mercedes-Benz of South Austin?

In a June 2026 5-star Google review, Bob B. wrote: “They were professional and honest, didn’t make me wait for a sales manager and treated us well. Sid, our sales person went out of his way to be helpful, delivered our car to us and brought the product specialist to help set things up. I hate car dealers but really liked these guys.” That reviewer describes one visit, with no wait for a sales manager.

When can I visit Mercedes-Benz of South Austin to see an SL or AMG® GT?

We are at 10900 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78748. Sales opens at 8:30 AM Monday to Saturday, closing at 7:00 PM Monday to Friday and at 6:00 PM on Saturday, and sales is closed Sunday. Service and parts run Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and both are closed Sunday.

Why compare the SL and AMG® GT at Mercedes-Benz of South Austin?

Mercedes-Benz of South Austin sells the SL and the AMG® GT new, so both cars can be compared in one visit. Service is on site as well. We offer same-day service and 48 service bays, and parts can be ordered online for pickup, with a call from us when the order is ready.

On Google, we have 4.6 stars across 830 reviews (Google, 2026), and 89 in 100 of them are five-star. In a June 2026 5-star Google review, S. S. wrote: “Tim G., my sales person, was great and communicative. Lee the general manager was very helpful and friendly. Carrie in finance provided a smooth pressure free purchasing process. Overall, the staff and the facilities made it a great buying experience.”

In a July 2026 5-star Google review, Katie O. wrote: “Uriel J, was phenomenal! We had such a long day by the time we got there and he took such great care of us! He made sure the process was smooth and very quick. The car was pre-owned that we bought but they took such great care of it and made sure it was beautiful, nice and cool and full of gas before we got there. 10/10 recommend this dealership and 11/10 recommend Uriel! Ask for him! Thank you guys!”

To start, browse the new Mercedes-Benz inventory, then visit Mercedes-Benz of South Austin to see the SL and the AMG® GT in person.

Mercedes-Benz of South Austin answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Austin showroom, or call 512-646-6699.

Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Mercedes-Benz of South Austin for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.