VS
At a Glance
Power
430 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
800 Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
13.4 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Towing
-
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.6 s
7.4 s
Engine
3982 cc
1999 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-AMG SL and the Mercedes-Benz CLE is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mercedes-AMG SL delivers 430 kW while the Mercedes-Benz CLE produces 150 engine kW. On fuel, the SL returns 13.4 l/100km while the CLE uses 7.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 982 166 for the SL and R1 324 515 for the CLE. 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
430 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
800 Nm
320 Nm
0-100 kph
3.6 s
7.4 s
Top Speed
315 Km/h
240 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3982 cc
1999 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
9
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.4 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
334 g/km
160 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4705 mm
4850 mm
Width
1915-2100 mm
1861-2042 mm
Height
1354 mm
1423 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2865 mm
Kerb Weight
1895 DIN / 1970 EU Kg
1715 DIN / 1790 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
2+2
4
Load Volume
213 l
420 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
350 lkg
475 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
Optional
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz CLE
2 / 4 categories
Performance
SL
Fuel Economy
CLE
Value
CLE
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
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
Mercedes-Benz CLE
Better fuel economy (7.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 324 515)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Less power than rival (150 engine kW vs 430 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SL or CLE?
The SL uses 13.4 l/100km and the CLE uses 7.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CLE 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 SL or CLE?
The SL produces 430 kW and 800 Nm of torque while the CLE delivers 150 engine kW and 320 Nm of torque. The SL is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the SL and CLE?
The SL starts from R3 982 166 and the CLE from R1 324 515. The CLE is cheaper by R2 657 651 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SL or CLE?
The SL has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the CLE can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SL or the CLE?
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