Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class vs BMW Z4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles 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.
Data checked: specs 12 Aug 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class: we're still completing price, kerb weight, seat count, warranty and ground clearance, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$99,200RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class & BMW Z4
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
- REC-003790 · published 6 Jun 2017The left window airbag may not have been manufactured to specifications.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-003788 · published 1 Jun 2017The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software does not correspond to specifications.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-003712 · published 9 Jun 2016Incorrectly sized nuts may have been fitted to the tie rods on the rear axle.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- 2 more on the model page.
BMW Z4
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006539 · published 17 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- REC-006446 · published 8 Oct 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, inadequate sealing of the starter motor may allow moisture to enter into the unit.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2020
- 3 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class stands out with heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the BMW Z4. The BMW Z4 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a 7g-tronic plus 7-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The BMW Z4 responds with a Petrol making 145kW and 320Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.
The BMW Z4 has the clear power advantage at 145kW vs 135kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW Z4 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class measures 4,134mm long on a 2,430mm wheelbase, 190mm shorter than the BMW Z4 at 4,324mm (2,470mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW Z4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 225L in the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class and 281L in the BMW Z4, giving the BMW Z4 a 56L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.5m to 11.0m
Based on 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,967/year for the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class and $1,853/year for the BMW Z4. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the BMW Z4.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW Z4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (50 vs 62). The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class and BMW Z4 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW Z4 will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW Z4 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 SLC-Class and BMW Z4?
The BMW Z4 is the cheapest at $99,200 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW Z4 uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class and BMW Z4 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW Z4 has the largest boot at 281L with the seats up.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW Z4 makes the most power at 145kW. The BMW Z4 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.6s.
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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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