BMW i8 vs. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: BMW i8 vs. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

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Model Year	2015	2015
Model	i8	SLS AMG
Trim	Base	GT Final Edition
Engines (hide)
turbocharged 1.3L I3 Plug-in Hybrid DOHC-4v 357 hp 420 lb-ft
6.2L V8 DOHC-4v 583 hp@6800 479 lb-ft@4750
Transmissions (hide)
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
7-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
AWD
RWD
Tires (hide)
245/40WR20 tires
215/45WR20 tires
265/35YR19 tires
295/30YR20 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Harman/Kardon, 360W, 11 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 6 speakers
Bang & Olufsen, 1000W, 11 speakers (with subwoofer)
Accessories (hide)
Cruise control
First-aid kit
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power locks
Proximity keyEnter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.   [?]
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.
Remote appCheck on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee.   [?]
Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Remote window/roof operationOperate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Around view camerasSmall external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking.   [?]
Small external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking.
Automatic braking, low-speedAutomatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions.   [?]
Automatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions.
Blind spot warning systemMirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.   [?]
Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Ceramic brake rotorsCeramic composite brake rotors.   [?]
Ceramic composite brake rotors.
Driver drowsiness monitorWarns when driver is drowsy and needs to pull over.   [?]
Warns when driver is drowsy and needs to pull over.
Forward collision warningAlerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.   [?]
Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Knee airbag, driver
Knee airbag, passenger
Lane departure collision mitigationApplies the brakes to reduce the severity of a likely collision due to wandering out of lane.   [?]
Applies the brakes to reduce the severity of a likely collision due to wandering out of lane.
Lane departure warningAlerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.   [?]
Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.
Obstacle detection, frontBeeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Pedestrian detectionWarns driver of pedestrians in path of car.   [?]
Warns driver of pedestrians in path of car.
Rearview cameraRearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.   [?]
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Wide-view front cameraWide angle camera allows the driver to see well to each side from the very front of the car when pulling out of parking spaces or side streets.   [?]
Wide angle camera allows the driver to see well to each side from the very front of the car when pulling out of parking spaces or side streets.
Cargo Management (hide)
Cargo net
Console with shifter
Storage compartment under front seat(s)
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic air recirculationAutomatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.   [?]
Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Heated windshield washer nozzles
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rain-sensing wipersWipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.   [?]
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Rear air vents with manual controlsFan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.   [?]
Fan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.
Rear defrost
Residual heatProvides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.   [?]
Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.
Wiper de-icerHeating elements defrost area where front wipers rest.   [?]
Heating elements defrost area where front wipers rest.
Drivetrain (hide)
Limited-slip rear differentialWhen one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction.   [?]
When one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction.
Engine / Motor (hide)
3.3 kW onboard chargerBasic level charger.   [?]
Basic level charger.
7 kWh battery pack
Automatic start / stopAutomatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system.   [?]
Automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system.
Mid-engine configurationThe engine is located behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle.   [?]
The engine is located behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle.
Exterior (hide)
Bright-finished exhaust tip(s)Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.   [?]
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Bright-finished fuel doorChrome or satin-painted fuel door.   [?]
Chrome or satin-painted fuel door.
Carbon fiber body structureStrong and light, but could be very expensive to repair.   [?]
Strong and light, but could be very expensive to repair.
Carbon fiber front splitter spoiler
Carbon fiber hood
Carbon fiber mirror housings
Carbon fiber wing-type rear spoiler
Paint, special white
Painted brake calipers (optional)
Gas Guzzler Tax (hide)
-3793
2100
Infotainment (hide)
App supportTouchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.    [?]
Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth audio streamingUses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.   [?]
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD changer, in-dashIncludes CD player.   [?]
Includes CD player.
Concierge Services - 3 year subscriptionTypically can help with hotel and restaurant reservations.   [?]
Typically can help with hotel and restaurant reservations.
DVD-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data.
Handwriting recognitionTouchpad that interprets handwritten inputs.   [?]
Touchpad that interprets handwritten inputs.
HD radioHigh-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.   [?]
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
In-vehicle InternetConnects car to the Internet to update systems, download information, and/or browse. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee.   [?]
Connects car to the Internet to update systems, download information, and/or browse. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee.
iPod integrationIntegrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.   [?]
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.
Media driveBuilt-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.   [?]
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
S Voice supportAccess S Voice features of a Samsung Galaxy phone (III and up) using the car's voice controls.   [?]
Access S Voice features of a Samsung Galaxy phone (III and up) using the car's voice controls.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
Satellite radio - one year subscriptionXM or Sirius with one-year subscription.   [?]
XM or Sirius with one-year subscription.
SD Card slotSD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader.   [?]
SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader.
Siri Eyes Free supportActivate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher.    [?]
Activate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher.
Smartphone integrationIn BMWs includes baseplate in center console that provides a connection to an external antenna, but that requires an additional adapter.   [?]
In BMWs includes baseplate in center console that provides a connection to an external antenna, but that requires an additional adapter.
SMS text-to-speech readerConverts text messages to speech.   [?]
Converts text messages to speech.
Surround sound
Telematics service, such as OnStarIn-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.   [?]
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
Text dictationDictate text for messages and/or emails. Annual fee.   [?]
Dictate text for messages and/or emails. Annual fee.
Traffic + travel informationInformation about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
Traffic informationInformation about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
USB portOften permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.   [?]
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.
Voice control for external devicesPhone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported.   [?]
Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Voice recorder
Weatherband radioIncludes frequencies for weather channels. Only listed when pricing a single model because incomplete data for all model.   [?]
Includes frequencies for weather channels. Only listed when pricing a single model because incomplete data for all model.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming driver-side mirrorDriver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirrorPassenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
Cornering lightsLights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.   [?]
Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.
Fog light, rearMake it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog.   [?]
Make it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog.
Head-up display (HUD)Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road.   [?]
Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road.
Headlight washers
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
Interior ambient lighting, configurableLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. Can change the colors of the lights.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. Can change the colors of the lights.
Large color reconfigurable instrument cluster displayThe information displayed by the instruments can be customized. Color display(s) of at least 20 square inches.   [?]
The information displayed by the instruments can be customized. Color display(s) of at least 20 square inches.
LED headlightsLED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types.   [?]
LED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types.
LED tail lightsOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Mirror tilt-down in reverseOne or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.   [?]
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.
Outside temperature display
Performance meterMeasures and displays lateral acceleration. Some also measure and display 0-60, quarter mile, etc.   [?]
Measures and displays lateral acceleration. Some also measure and display 0-60, quarter mile, etc.
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.   [?]
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
Rear reading lights
Speed limit informationDisplays the current speed limit. Included with nav on an increasing number of cars. No feature value here because incomplete info on availability.   [?]
Displays the current speed limit. Included with nav on an increasing number of cars. No feature value here because incomplete info on availability.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.   [?]
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Second-row buckets
Carbon fiber door sill trim plates
Carbon fiber engine cover
Carbon fiber trimWon't be listed in conjunction with wood or aluminum trim even if they are available together.   [?]
Won't be listed in conjunction with wood or aluminum trim even if they are available together.
Center armrest(s), front row
Dark-colored headliner (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Floor mats
Heated front seats
Leather door panel trim
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Memory system, driver seat
Memory system, passenger seat
Metal pedals
No leather in second row
Partial leather seating sufacesEither only the front seats are leather or the upholstery is a mix of cloth and leather.   [?]
Either only the front seats are leather or the upholstery is a mix of cloth and leather.
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power recliner, driver seat
Power recliner, passenger seat
Power seatback bolsters, driver seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.   [?]
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.
Power seatback bolsters, passenger seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.   [?]
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Synthetic suede headlinerUsually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars.   [?]
Usually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars.
Synthetic suede inserts in leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.   [?]
Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.
Synthetic suede steering wheelSynthetic suede steering wheel rim.   [?]
Synthetic suede steering wheel rim.
Upholstered instrument panel, leather
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Adaptive dampers - electricalShocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting.   [?]
Shocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting.
Alloy wheels
Electronic systems calibration selectorVaries throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration.   [?]
Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration.
Polished alloy wheelsAlloy wheels highly polished to yield an almost chrome-like finish. In the past valued more highly than regular alloy wheels. But the term is used so broadly lately, often meaning that only some of the wheel face is machined, that they have the same defau   [?]
Alloy wheels highly polished to yield an almost chrome-like finish. In the past valued more highly than regular alloy wheels. But the term is used so broadly lately, often meaning that only some of the wheel face is machined, that they have the same defau
Sport suspension (upgrade)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Summer tires (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Wheels, dark finish
Transmission (hide)
Launch controlElectronically controls engine and transmission for perfect launch.   [?]
Electronically controls engine and transmission for perfect launch.
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controlsPaddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.   [?]
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.

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