Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vs BMW i7
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 SL-Class
From $386,500
Convertible
Petrol
Petrol
430kW
13.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
213L
BMW i7
From $319,900
Sedan
Electric
Electric
400kW
—
ANCAP: no data
500L
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class starts from $386,500 before on-road costs, while the BMW i7 opens at $319,900. That makes the BMW i7 the more affordable entry point by $66,600.
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 $425,150 and $351,890 respectively.
The BMW i7 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
101.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 195kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 195kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW i7 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the BMW i7. The BMW i7 counters with ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class gets nappa leather upholstery while the BMW i7 offers merino leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and 4-zone in the BMW i7.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class uses a Petrol producing 430kW and 800Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds.
The BMW i7 responds with a Electric making 400kW and 745Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has the clear power advantage at 430kW vs 400kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class measures 4,705mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 686mm shorter than the BMW i7 at 5,391mm (3,215mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 213L in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and 500L in the BMW i7, giving the BMW i7 a 287L advantage. The BMW i7 seats 5 vs 2.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 12.5m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i7). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i7 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i7 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BMW i7 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 SL-Class and BMW i7?
The BMW i7 is the cheapest at $319,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by $66,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class uses the least fuel at 13.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and BMW i7 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW i7 has the largest boot at 500L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i7 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class makes the most power at 430kW. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 3.9s.
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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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