Audi RS7 vs Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The Audi RS7 starts from $248,500 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 $8,600.

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 $273,350 and $263,890 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by roughly $3,705 in fuel alone.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Audi RS7 features a 10.1-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.

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 RS7 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi RS7 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers nappa leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi RS7 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

The Audi RS7 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 280kW and 480Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The Audi RS7 has the clear power advantage at 463kW vs 280kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS7 is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi RS7 measures 5,009mm long on a 2,929mm wheelbase, 304mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at 4,705mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi RS7 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 535L in the Audi RS7 and 213L in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, giving the Audi RS7 a 322L advantage. The Audi RS7 seats 5 vs 2.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,306/year for the Audi RS7 and $2,565/year for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. That is a $741 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

Estimated annual total: $3,306 (Audi RS7) vs $2,565 (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class saves you roughly $741 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years (Audi RS7) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). Both match on warranty length.