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.
Aston Martin DB12
Price TBC
Convertible
Petrol
Twin-turbo petrol
500kW
12.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
200L
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
From $239,900
Convertible
Petrol
Petrol
280kW
9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
213L
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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.
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 that you will not find on 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 280kW and 480Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
The Aston Martin DB12 has the clear power advantage at 500kW vs 280kW. In the real-world sprint, the Aston Martin DB12 is 1.2s 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 200L in the Aston Martin DB12 and 213L in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class a 13L 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,506/year for the Aston Martin DB12 and $2,565/year for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. That is a $941 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Estimated annual total: $3,506 (Aston Martin DB12) vs $2,565 (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class saves you roughly $941 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
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, or prefer Aston Martin's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class will save you roughly $941 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Aston Martin DB12 and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the cheapest at $239,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class uses the least fuel at 9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz SL-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has the largest boot at 213L.
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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