VS
At a Glance
Power
430 kW
160 kW
Torque
800 Nm
330 Nm
Fuel
13.4 l/100km
15.1 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
-
—
0-100 km/h
3.6 s
6.7 s
Engine
3982 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-AMG SL and the MINI Cooper is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mercedes-AMG SL delivers 430 kW while the MINI Cooper produces 160 kW. On fuel, the SL returns 13.4 l/100km while the Cooper uses 15.1 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 982 166 for the SL and R806 000 for the Cooper. 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
160 kW
Torque
800 Nm
330 Nm
0-100 kph
3.6 s
6.7 s
Top Speed
315 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3982 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
8
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
-
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.4 l/100km
15.1 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
54.2 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
334 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4705 mm
3858 mm
Width
1915-2100 mm
1756-1967 mm
Height
1354 mm
1460 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2526 mm
Kerb Weight
1895 DIN / 1970 EU Kg
1605 DIN / 1680 EU Kg
Doors
2
3
Seats
2+2
4
Load Volume
213 l
210-800 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
—
Load Capacity
350 lkg
450 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
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-AMG SL
3 / 4 categories
Performance
SL
Fuel Economy
SL
Value
Cooper
Practicality
SL
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-AMG SL
More powerful engine (430 kW)
Better fuel economy (13.4 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Higher starting price
MINI Cooper
Lower starting price (R806 000)
Higher fuel consumption (15.1 kWh/100km l/100km)
Less power than rival (160 kW vs 430 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SL or Cooper?
The SL uses 13.4 l/100km and the Cooper uses 15.1 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The SL 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 Cooper?
The SL produces 430 kW and 800 Nm of torque while the Cooper delivers 160 kW and 330 Nm of torque. The SL is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the SL and Cooper?
The SL starts from R3 982 166 and the Cooper from R806 000. The Cooper is cheaper by R3 176 166 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SL or Cooper?
The SL has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the Cooper can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SL or the Cooper?
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