VS
At a Glance
Power
500 kW
430 kW
Torque
930 Nm
800 Nm
Fuel
10.3 combined l/100km
13.4 l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
3.7 s
3.6 s
Engine
3996 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Bentley Continental and the Mercedes-AMG SL is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Bentley Continental delivers 500 kW while the Mercedes-AMG SL produces 430 kW. On fuel, the Continental returns 10.3 combined l/100km while the SL uses 13.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R5 269 000 for the Continental and R3 982 166 for the SL. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
500 kW
430 kW
Torque
930 Nm
800 Nm
0-100 kph
3.7 s
3.6 s
Top Speed
270 Km/h
315 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.3 combined l/100km
13.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 litre + 25.9 kWh l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
93 combined g/km
334 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4895 mm
4705 mm
Width
1966-2187 mm
1915-2100 mm
Height
1397 mm
1354 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2700 mm
Kerb Weight
2459 EU Kg
1895 DIN / 1970 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
2+2
Load Volume
260 l
213 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
—
350 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6 (opt 8)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
Optional
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Continental
Fuel Economy
Continental
Value
SL
Practicality
SL
Pros & Cons
Bentley Continental
More powerful engine (500 kW)
Better fuel economy (10.3 combined l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-AMG SL
Lower starting price (R3 982 166)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (430 kW vs 500 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Continental or SL?
The Continental uses 10.3 combined l/100km and the SL uses 13.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Continental is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Continental or SL?
The Continental produces 500 kW and 930 Nm of torque while the SL delivers 430 kW and 800 Nm of torque. The Continental is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Continental and SL?
The Continental starts from R5 269 000 and the SL from R3 982 166. The SL is cheaper by R1 286 834 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Continental or SL?
The Continental has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the SL can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Continental or the SL?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.