VS
At a Glance
Power
390 kW
430 kW
Torque
650 Nm
800 Nm
Fuel
10.4 l/100km
13.4 l/100km
Towing
-
-
0-100 km/h
3.7 s
3.6 s
Engine
2993 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the BMW M4 and the Mercedes-AMG SL is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW M4 delivers 390 kW while the Mercedes-AMG SL produces 430 kW. On fuel, the M4 returns 10.4 l/100km while the SL uses 13.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 353 842 for the M4 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
390 kW
430 kW
Torque
650 Nm
800 Nm
0-100 kph
3.7 s
3.6 s
Top Speed
280 Km/h
315 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993 cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
petrol
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
10.4 l/100km
13.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
237 g/km
334 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4801 mm
4705 mm
Width
1887-2081 mm
1915-2100 mm
Height
1399 mm
1354 mm
Wheelbase
2857 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance
121 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1925 DIN / 2000 EU Kg
1895 DIN / 1970 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
2+2
Load Volume
300-385 l
213 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
-
Load Capacity
425 lkg
350 lkg
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
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
SL
Fuel Economy
M4
Value
M4
Practicality
SL
Pros & Cons
BMW M4
Better fuel economy (10.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 353 842)
Less power than rival (390 kW vs 430 kW)
Mercedes-AMG SL
More powerful engine (430 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M4 or SL?
The M4 uses 10.4 l/100km and the SL uses 13.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The M4 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the M4 or SL?
The M4 produces 390 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the SL delivers 430 kW and 800 Nm of torque. The SL is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M4 and SL?
The M4 starts from R2 353 842 and the SL from R3 982 166. The M4 is cheaper by R1 628 324 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the M4 or SL?
The M4 has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the SL can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the M4 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.
Also Consider