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Kia Ceed vs Mercedes SL Class comparison

Compare performance (140 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (23,500 £ vs 112,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Ceed or Mercedes SL Class?

Kia Ceed vs Mercedes SL Class: Key differences

Kia Ceed

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • markedly lighter
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Mercedes SL Class

  • significantly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Ceed

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Kia Ceed is considerably cheaper – starting at 23,500 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 89,227 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Kia Ceed uses 6 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L/100km. The difference is about 3 L/100km.

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 offers significantly more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 140 HP. That’s roughly 676 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 Kia Ceed takes 9.5 s. That’s about 6.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes SL Class delivers significantly more torque with 1,420 Nm compared to 253 Nm. That’s about 1,167 Nm more.

Ceed

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: Kia Ceed offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Ceed is markedly lighter – 1,298 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 512 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Ceed carries visibly more – 490 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 115 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes SL Class comes out modestly ahead 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

Kia Ceed
Kia XCeed
VS
If you want a sharper, more practical hatchback that still feels engaging behind the wheel, the Kia Ceed is the sensible, better-value pick with crisper handling and lower running costs. But if you crave a bit of SUV swagger, higher ride height and extra street presence for town runs and weekend …
Kia Ceed
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Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Kia Ceed

The Kia Ceed is a sensible, stylish hatchback that gives buyers more than they'd expect for the money, blending practical space with crisp, modern looks. It drives with measured confidence and comes loaded with user-friendly kit, so you can enjoy daily life behind the wheel without breaking into a sweat.

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Kia_Ceed_GT_Line_MJ22_02
Kia_XCeed_MJ2023_Innen

Reviews Kia Ceed

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
Jesús
20 May 2026, 12:34:47

Because I have one with 500,000 km with no problems, and because it has a timing chain.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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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Reviews Mercedes SL Class

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

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Kia Ceed
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Kia Ceed
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
23,500 - 26,300 £
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Consumption L/100km
6 - 6.4 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 - 146 g/km
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,298 - 1,372 kg
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
110 - 240 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
478 - 490 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
100 - 140 HP
Power HP
435 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.5 - 13.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
172 - 253 Nm
Torque
500 - 1,420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
74 - 103 kW
Power kW
320 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
998 - 1,482 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Kia
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the Kia Ceed?

The Kia Ceed is available as 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.