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BMW 8 Series Coupé vs Mercedes SL Class - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (625 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (90000 £ vs 112700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 8 Series Coupé or Mercedes SL Class?

BMW 8 Series Coupé

Mercedes SL Class

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

8 Series Coupé

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 8 Series Coupé has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 90000 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 22704 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: BMW 8 Series Coupé manages with 6.70 L and is therefore noticeable more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L. The difference is about 2.30 L per 100 km.

SL Class

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes SL Class has a noticeable edge – offering 816 HP compared to 625 HP. That’s roughly 191 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes SL Class is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 2.90 s, while the BMW 8 Series Coupé takes 3.20 s. That’s about 0.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes SL Class performs noticeable better – reaching 317 km/h, while the BMW 8 Series Coupé tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 67 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes SL Class pulls clearly stronger with 1420 Nm compared to 750 Nm. That’s about 670 Nm difference.

8 Series Coupé

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: BMW 8 Series Coupé offers slightly more seating capacity – 5 vs 4.

In curb weight, BMW 8 Series Coupé is barely noticeable lighter – 1805 kg compared to 1810 kg. The difference is around 5 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW 8 Series Coupé offers significantly more room – 440 L compared to 240 L. That’s a difference of about 200 L.

When it comes to payload, BMW 8 Series Coupé clearly perceptible takes the win – 545 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 170 kg.

Who wins the race?

The BMW 8 Series Coupé proves to be leads convincingly overall and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
BMW 8 Series Coupé is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £90,000
8 Series Coupé

BMW 8 Series Coupé

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 333 - 625 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 6.7 - 11.5 L
BMW 8 Series Coupé
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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BMW 8 Series Coupé

The BMW 8 Series Coupé blends elegant, low-slung coupé looks with a purposeful, athletic stance that hints at both comfort and serious driving fun. Inside it feels indulgent and driver-focused, the sort of car that turns motorway miles into a breeze while quietly daring you to chase a twisty back road — and yes, it photographs magnificently.

details

Mercedes SL Class

The Mercedes SL blends timeless elegance with a cheeky sense of occasion, its retractable roof turning any commute into a small celebratory parade. Behind the wheel it behaves like a grown-up sports car that prefers comfort and presence over headline-grabbing bravado, making it a tempting choice for buyers who want to arrive in style.

details
BMW 8 Series Coupé
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption

Price
90000 - 158900 £
Price
112700 - 219300 £
Consumption L/100km
6.7 - 11.5 L
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
12 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
176 - 263 g/km
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
66 - 68 L
Fuel tank capacity
70 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Coupe
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
4 - 5
Seats
4
Doors
2 - 4
Doors
2
Curb weight
1805 - 2085 kg
Curb weight
1810 - 2195 kg
Trunk capacity
420 - 440 L
Trunk capacity
110 - 240 L
Length
4851 - 5098 mm
Length
4697 - 4705 mm
Width
1902 - 1943 mm
Width
1915 mm
Height
1346 - 1420 mm
Height
1354 - 1359 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
370 - 545 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
333 - 625 HP
Power HP
381 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.2 - 5.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.9 s
Max Speed
250 km/h
Max Speed
260 - 317 km/h
Torque
500 - 750 Nm
Torque
480 - 1420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
245 - 460 kW
Power kW
280 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
2993 - 4395 cm3
Engine capacity
1991 - 3982 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Is the BMW 8 Series Coupé offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include All-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.