Aston Martin DB12 vs Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Aston Martin DB12: we're still completing price, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$386,500RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Aston Martin DB12 & Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Aston Martin DB12
None open on our record
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- REC-003905 · published 20 Nov 2019The front passenger airbag may not have been sewn in accordance with the specifications.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Aston Martin DB12 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Aston Martin DB12 stands out with Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Aston Martin DB12 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers nappa leather.
Drivetrain
The Aston Martin DB12 uses a Twin-turbo petrol producing 500kW and 800Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class responds with a Petrol making 430kW and 800Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The Aston Martin DB12 has the clear power advantage at 500kW vs 430kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Aston Martin DB12 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Aston Martin DB12 measures 4,725mm long on a 2,805mm wheelbase, 20mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at 4,705mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Aston Martin DB12 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 206L in the Aston Martin DB12 and 213L in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class a 7L advantage. The Aston Martin DB12 seats 4 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m diameter
Average
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,506/year for the Aston Martin DB12 and $3,962/year for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Aston Martin DB12.
Warranty: 3 years (Aston Martin DB12) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Aston Martin DB12 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Aston Martin's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Aston Martin DB12: Top CarSorted Score, 53 vs 49
The Aston Martin DB12 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (53 vs 49), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: value (Aston Martin DB12 ahead by 17), fuel economy (Aston Martin DB12 ahead by 15), reliability (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class ahead by 13). The Aston Martin DB12 will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Aston Martin DB12 and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the cheapest at $386,500 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Aston Martin DB12 uses the least fuel at 12.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Aston Martin DB12 and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has the largest boot at 213L with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Aston Martin DB12 makes the most power at 500kW. The Aston Martin DB12 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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