Audi RS6 vs Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Audi RS6 starts from $241,500 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class opens at $239,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class the more affordable entry point by $1,600.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $265,650 and $263,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by roughly $3,990 in fuel alone.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that the Audi RS6 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi RS6 uses a Petrol producing 463kW and 850Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed tiptronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class responds with a Petrol making 220kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds.
The Audi RS6 has the clear power advantage at 463kW vs 220kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS6 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
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 $3,363/year for the Audi RS6 and $2,565/year for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. That is a $798 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Estimated annual total: $3,363 (Audi RS6) vs $2,565 (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class saves you roughly $798 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi RS6 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Audi RS6 and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class will save you roughly $798 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi RS6 and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the cheapest at $239,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi RS6 by $1,600.
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 is the most powerful?
The Audi RS6 makes the most power at 463kW. The Audi RS6 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.4s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
