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Mercedes SL Class vs VW Grand California comparison

Compare performance (816 HP vs 163 HP), boot space and price (112,700 £ vs 70,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes SL Class or VW Grand California?

Mercedes SL Class vs VW Grand California: Key differences

Mercedes SL Class

  • considerably more power
  • clearly lighter
  • significantly more trunk space
details

VW Grand California

  • significantly cheaper
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

SL Class

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Grand California is significantly cheaper – starting at 70,200 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 42,468 £.

Grand California

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 considerably more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 163 HP. That’s roughly 653 HP more horsepower.

SL Class

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Both vehicles offer seating for 4 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes SL Class is clearly lighter – 1,810 kg compared to 3,052 kg. The difference is around 1,242 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes SL Class offers significantly more boot space – 240 L compared to 0 L. That’s a difference of about 240 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Grand California carries a bit more – 448 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 73 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes SL Class is decisively 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
details

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Mercedes SL Class
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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
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VW Grand California

The Grand California is Volkswagen's remarkable take on the camper van, blending practicality with comfort for the ultimate road trip experience. With ample space for both living and storage, it's designed for adventure seekers who don't want to compromise on amenities. Whether you're exploring coastal roads or setting up camp in the mountains, the Grand California offers a perfect home away from home.

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Reviews VW Grand California

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Mercedes SL Class
VW Grand California

Costs and Consumption
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Price
70,200 - 77,900 £
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
12 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
206 - 309 g/km
co2
-
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
75 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Roadster
Body Type
Bus
Seats
4
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
4
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Curb weight
3,052 - 3,354 kg
Trunk capacity
110 - 240 L
Trunk capacity
0 L
Length
-
Length
5,986 - 6,836 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Width
2,040 mm
Height
-
Height
2,839 - 2,971 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
145 - 375 kg
Payload
146 - 448 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
435 - 816 HP
Power HP
163 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
500 - 1,420 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
320 - 600 kW
Power kW
120 kW
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3
Engine capacity
1,968 cm3

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

The Mercedes SL Class is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive or All-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.