VS

BMW Z4 vs Mercedes SL Class comparison

Compare performance (340 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (43500 £ vs 112700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW Z4 or Mercedes SL Class?

BMW Z4 vs Mercedes SL Class: Key differences

BMW Z4

  • significantly cheaper
  • evident more efficient
  • slightly lighter

Mercedes SL Class

  • convincingly more power
  • decisively quicker from 0–100 km/h

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

Z4

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BMW Z4 has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 43500 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 69247 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: BMW Z4 manages with 6.90 L and is therefore evident more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L. The difference is about 2.10 L per 100 km.

SL Class

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes SL Class has a convincingly edge – offering 816 HP compared to 340 HP. That’s roughly 476 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes SL Class is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 2.90 s, while the BMW Z4 takes 4.50 s. That’s about 1.60 s faster.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes SL Class pulls significantly stronger with 1420 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 920 Nm difference.

Z4

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Mercedes SL Class offers clearly more seating capacity – 4 vs 2.

In curb weight, BMW Z4 is slightly lighter – 1510 kg compared to 1810 kg. The difference is around 300 kg.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes SL Class noticeable takes the win – 375 kg compared to 235 kg. That’s a difference of about 140 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes SL Class sits well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes AMG GT
Mercedes SL Class
VS
The Mercedes AMG GT and Mercedes SL Class compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
BMW 4 Series Convertible
BMW Z4
VS
When it comes to choosing between the BMW 4 Series Convertible and the BMW Z4, enthusiasts are presented with two distinctly appealing options. The 4 Series Convertible offers a blend of luxury and practicality, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a spacious interior without compromising …
BMW Z4
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £112,700
SL Class

Mercedes SL Class

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 381 - 816 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 9 - 13.6 L
  • Electric Range : 12 km
details

BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 is a taut, road-hugging roadster that pairs elegant, low-slung styling with a roof you can drop on a sunny whim, delivering that pure, wind-in-your-hair driving thrill few cars manage to match. It’s an ideal weekend companion for drivers who prefer engagement over practicality — bring good shoes rather than a lot of luggage, and you’ll get a grin every time you turn the wheel.

details
P90479448_highRes_bmw-z4-m40i-09-2022
P90479454_highRes_bmw-z4-m40i-09-2022
P90479457_highRes_bmw-z4-m40i-09-2022
P90479470_highRes_bmw-z4-m40i-09-2022
P90479471_highRes_bmw-z4-m40i-09-2022

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
15C1119_012
15C1119_029
15C1119_120
15C1119_004

Reviews BMW Z4

Reviews Mercedes SL Class

BMW Z4
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
43500 - 65300 £
Price
112700 - 219300 £
Consumption L/100km
6.9 - 8.5 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
157 - 191 g/km
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Roadster
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
2
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1510 - 1640 kg
Curb weight
1810 - 2195 kg
Trunk capacity
281 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1864 mm
Width
1915 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
215 - 235 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 340 HP
Power HP
381 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 6.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
320 - 500 Nm
Torque
480 - 1420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
145 - 250 kW
Power kW
280 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
1998 - 2998 cm3
Engine capacity
1991 - 3982 cm3

General
Model Year
2025 - 2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz

Similar Comparisons

Mercedes CLE Coupe
Mercedes SL Class
VS
Unsure whether the Mercedes CLE Coupe or the Mercedes SL Class is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Mercedes CLE Convertible
Mercedes SL Class
VS
The Mercedes CLE Convertible and Mercedes SL Class compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Mercedes SL Class
Porsche Boxster
VS
Mercedes SL Class and Porsche Boxster go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
BMW 2 Series
BMW Z4
VS
Unsure whether the BMW 2 Series or the BMW Z4 is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
BMW 4 Series Coupe
BMW Z4
VS
BMW 4 Series Coupe and BMW Z4 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
BMW Z4
Mazda MX-5 Roadster
VS
The BMW Z4 and Mazda MX-5 Roadster compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
BMW Z4
Mercedes CLE Convertible
VS
Unsure whether the BMW Z4 or the Mercedes CLE Convertible is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
BMW Z4
Subaru BRZ
VS
BMW Z4 and Subaru BRZ go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
What drive types are available for the BMW Z4?

The BMW Z4 is offered with 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.