BMW M4 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 BMW M4 starts from $168,700 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class opens at $239,900. That makes the BMW M4 the more affordable entry point by $71,200.
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 $185,570 and $263,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by roughly $1,570 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW M4 and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the BMW M4.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW M4 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M4 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class gets a 11.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M4 stands out with ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW M4 uses a Petrol producing 353kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 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 BMW M4 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 220kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M4 is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M4 measures 4,801mm long on a 2,857mm wheelbase, 96mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at 4,705mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BMW M4 and 213L in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, giving the BMW M4 a 227L advantage. The BMW M4 seats 4 vs 2.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 $2,879/year for the BMW M4 and $2,565/year for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,879 (BMW M4) vs $2,565 (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class saves you roughly $314 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M4 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M4 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M4 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW M4 and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
The BMW M4 is the cheapest at $168,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by $71,200.
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 — BMW M4 and 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 BMW M4 has the largest boot at 440L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M4 makes the most power at 353kW. The BMW M4 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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