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DS Automobiles DS 4 vs Mercedes SL Class comparison

Compare performance (130 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (34,000 £ vs 112,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 4 or Mercedes SL Class?

DS Automobiles DS 4 vs Mercedes SL Class: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 4

  • considerably cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • somewhat lighter
  • clearly more trunk space
details

Mercedes SL Class

  • significantly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

DS 4

Costs and Efficiency:

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

DS Automobiles DS 4 is considerably cheaper – starting at 34,000 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 78,727 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the DS Automobiles DS 4 uses 5.2 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L/100km. The difference is about 3.8 L/100km.

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 offers significantly more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 130 HP. That’s roughly 686 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes SL Class is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 2.9 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 4 takes 10.9 s. That’s about 8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes SL Class delivers clearly more torque with 1,420 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 1,120 Nm more.

DS 4

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: DS Automobiles DS 4 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 4 is somewhat lighter – 1,558 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 252 kg.

Looking at boot space, the DS Automobiles DS 4 offers clearly more boot space – 430 L compared to 240 L. That’s a difference of about 190 L.

When it comes to payload, the DS Automobiles DS 4 carries slightly more – 442 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 67 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes SL Class holds a decisive overall lead 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.

from £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 435 - 816 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 9 - 13.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 12 km
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Frequently compared as well

DS Automobiles DS 4
Peugeot 408
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In the competitive landscape of compact executive cars, the DS 4 and Peugeot 408 showcase distinctive styles and advanced technologies that cater to different tastes. While the DS 4 emphasizes luxury and refinement with its upscale materials and design elements, the Peugeot 408 offers a more …
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DS Automobiles DS 4
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

DS Automobiles DS 4

The DS 4 is a striking compact that wears couture-inspired styling like a tailored suit, and its cabin feels more boutique hotel than ordinary hatchback with premium materials and clever detailing. On the road it mixes poise with comfort, rewarding drivers who want a refined, characterful alternative to the usual suspects — and enjoy the odd admiring glance at the lights.

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2020_DS4_V0061
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2020_DS4_V0057

Reviews DS Automobiles DS 4

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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.

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15C1119_029
15C1119_120
15C1119_004

Reviews Mercedes SL Class

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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DS Automobiles DS 4
Peugeot 2008
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Mercedes SL Class
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DS Automobiles DS 4
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DS Automobiles DS 4
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
34,000 - 41,700 £
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
12 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
137 g/km
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
53 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,558 kg
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Trunk capacity
430 L
Trunk capacity
110 - 240 L
Length
4,400 mm
Length
-
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Height
1,470 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,240 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
442 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
130 HP
Power HP
435 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.7 s
Max Speed
203 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
300 Nm
Torque
500 - 1,420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
96 kW
Power kW
320 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Is the DS Automobiles DS 4 offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.