@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
VS

Mercedes SL Class vs Porsche Boxster – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Mercedes SL Class or Porsche Boxster fits your lifestyle better.

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

SL Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Mercedes SL Class has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 112700 £, while the Porsche Boxster costs 136000 £. That’s a price difference of around 23324 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes SL Class manages with 9 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Porsche Boxster with 12.70 L. The difference is about 3.70 L per 100 km.

SL Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 clearly perceptible edge – offering 816 HP compared to 500 HP. That’s roughly 316 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 Porsche Boxster takes 3.40 s. That’s about 0.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes SL Class performs slight better – reaching 317 km/h, while the Porsche Boxster tops out at 308 km/h. The difference is around 9 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes SL Class pulls decisively stronger with 1420 Nm compared to 450 Nm. That’s about 970 Nm difference.

SL Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Space and Everyday Use:

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

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

In curb weight, Porsche Boxster is distinct lighter – 1485 kg compared to 1810 kg. The difference is around 325 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes SL Class offers clearly more room – 240 L compared to 122 L. That’s a difference of about 118 L.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes SL Class distinct takes the win – 375 kg compared to 270 kg. That’s a difference of about 105 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Mercedes SL Class proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Mercedes SL Class is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £112,700
SL Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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

Mercedes SL Class

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class embodies a perfect fusion of performance and luxury, offering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. Its sleek and aerodynamic design ensures a commanding presence on the road, while the sumptuous interior provides unparalleled comfort and cutting-edge technology. With a heritage of engineering excellence, this model stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

details
15C1119_012 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
15C1119_029 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
15C1119_120 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
15C1119_004 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Porsche Boxster

The Porsche Boxster epitomizes the essence of a pure, open-top driving experience with its mid-engine roadster design. Known for its agile handling and dynamic performance, the Boxster seamlessly blends luxury with thrilling precision on the road. Its unmistakable styling and superior engineering continue to captivate automotive enthusiasts who crave a visceral connection to the art of driving.

details

Top Car Comparisons

@ BMW Group Press
BMW 8 Series Convertible
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
Mercedes SL Class
VS
The BMW 8 Series 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-Benz Group Media
Mercedes SL Class
Porsche Cayman
VS
Mercedes SL Class and Porsche Cayman 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.
Mercedes SL Class
Porsche Boxster
SL Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Consumption
Price
112700 - 219300 £
Price
136000 £
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L
Consumption L/100km
12.70 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
12 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
206 - 309 g/km
co2
288 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
70 L
Fuel tank capacity
54 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Roadster
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
4
Seats
2
Doors
2
Doors
2
Curb weight
1810 - 2195 kg
Curb weight
1485 kg
Trunk capacity
110 - 240 L
Trunk capacity
122 L
Length
4697 - 4705 mm
Length
4418 mm
Width
1915 mm
Width
1822 mm
Height
1354 - 1359 mm
Height
1252 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
145 - 375 kg
Payload
270 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
381 - 816 HP
Power HP
500 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.40 s
Max Speed
260 - 317 km/h
Max Speed
308 km/h
Torque
480 - 1420 Nm
Torque
450 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Number of Cylinders
6
Power kW
280 - 600 kW
Power kW
368 kW
Engine capacity
1991 - 3982 cm3
Engine capacity
3996 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Porsche

Similar Comparisons

@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
Mercedes AMG GT
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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.
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW ID.3
Porsche Boxster
VS
The VW ID.3 and Porsche Boxster 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.
MG Cyberster
Porsche Boxster
VS
MG Cyberster 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.
@ Audi AG
Audi A3 Sportback
Porsche Boxster
VS
Audi A3 Sportback 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.
Lexus LC Convertible
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
Mercedes SL Class
VS
Unsure whether the Lexus LC Convertible 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.
@ Audi AG
Audi Q3
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
Mercedes SL Class
VS
Audi Q3 and Mercedes SL Class 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.
@ Mazda Motor Corporation
Mazda CX-60
Porsche Boxster
VS
The Mazda CX-60 and Porsche Boxster 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-Benz Group Media
Mercedes SL Class
@ Subaru Corporation
Subaru BRZ
VS
Mercedes SL Class 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 Mercedes SL Class?

The Mercedes SL Class is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.