Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vs BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $600 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the BMW Z4 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Two Seaters · 40 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | BMW Z4 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 23 mpg | 28 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 21 mpg | 25 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 28 mpg | 33 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,300 | $2,700 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 379 g/mi | 312 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 6.0 | SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd | Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity | Premium |
| EPA class | Two Seaters | Two Seaters |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 40 | 25 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
SL-Class vs Z4: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class or the BMW Z4?
The BMW Z4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $600 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW Z4 runs about $2,700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,300 for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class — a difference of roughly $600 per year.
What engines do the SL-Class and Z4 offer?
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 6.0. BMW Z4: SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and the BMW Z4 as Two Seaters, so they compete directly.
More SL-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-sl-class-vs-bmw-z4