Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
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 $239,900
Convertible
Petrol
220kW
9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
213L
Mercedes-Benz GLC
From $89,900
SUV
Petrol
150kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
600L
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class starts from $239,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC the more affordable entry point by $150,000.
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 $263,890 and $98,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLC by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 SL-Class and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class stands out with heated front seats and Burmester audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class uses a Petrol producing 220kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has the clear power advantage at 220kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is 3.1s 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, 11mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 213L in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 387L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLC seats 5 vs 2.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 11.9m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.9m 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 $2,565/year for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and $2,309/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Estimated annual total: $2,565 (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class) vs $2,309 (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Mercedes-Benz GLC saves you roughly $256 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). 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 Mercedes-Benz GLC 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.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLC will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the cheapest at $89,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by $150,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 GLC has the largest boot at 600L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class makes the most power at 220kW. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 5.1s.
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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