Audi RSQ8 vs Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The Audi RSQ8 starts from $239,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class opens at $239,900. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.

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 $263,890 and $263,890 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by roughly $4,560 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 RSQ8 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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi RSQ8 stands out with Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen 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 Audi RSQ8 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers nappa leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi RSQ8 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

The Audi RSQ8 uses a Petrol producing 471kW and 850Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.6 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 RSQ8 has the clear power advantage at 471kW vs 280kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RSQ8 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi RSQ8 measures 5,012mm long on a 2,998mm wheelbase, 307mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at 4,705mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi RSQ8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 605L in the Audi RSQ8 and 213L in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, giving the Audi RSQ8 a 392L advantage. The Audi RSQ8 seats 5 vs 2.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,477/year for the Audi RSQ8 and $2,565/year for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. That is a $912 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

Estimated annual total: $3,477 (Audi RSQ8) vs $2,565 (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class saves you roughly $912 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RSQ8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). Both match on warranty length.