Mercedes-Benz E-Class 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.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
From $105,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
150kW
7.2 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
540L
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
From $239,900
Convertible
Petrol
Petrol
280kW
9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
213L
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts from $105,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class opens at $239,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the more affordable entry point by $134,000.
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 $116,490 and $263,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz E-Class by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class features a 14.4-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 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class counters with heated front seats and Burmester audio that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers nappa leather.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.3 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 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class measures 4,949mm long on a 2,961mm wheelbase, 244mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at 4,705mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 540L in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 213L in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a 327L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class seats 5 vs 2.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and $2,565/year for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) vs $2,565 (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). The Mercedes-Benz E-Class saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 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, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the cheapest at $105,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by $134,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz E-Class 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the largest boot at 540L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class makes the most power at 280kW. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 4.9s.
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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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