BMW M8 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.
BMW M8
From $377,000
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
460kW
10.7 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
440L
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
From $239,900
Convertible
Petrol
Petrol
280kW
9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
213L
Track the BMW M8 & Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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Price Breakdown
The BMW M8 starts from $377,000 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 $137,100.
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 $414,700 and $263,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by roughly $2,425 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
The BMW M8 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 BMW M8 stands out with 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 Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW M8 gets merino leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers nappa leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW M8 uses a Petrol producing 460kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.2 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 BMW M8 has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 280kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M8 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M8 measures 5,098mm long on a 3,027mm wheelbase, 393mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at 4,705mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BMW M8 and 213L in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, giving the BMW M8 a 227L advantage. The BMW M8 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 $3,050/year for the BMW M8 and $2,565/year for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Estimated annual total: $3,050 (BMW M8) vs $2,565 (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class saves you roughly $485 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M8 if: You 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 the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M8 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class will save you roughly $485 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M8 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 M8 and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the cheapest at $239,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M8 by $137,100.
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 BMW M8 has the largest boot at 440L.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M8 makes the most power at 460kW. The BMW M8 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.2s.
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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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