Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vs MINI John Cooper Works
The MINI John Cooper Works is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $750 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the MINI John Cooper Works leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Two Seaters · 40 configurations
2015–2026
MINI John Cooper Works
Subcompact Cars · 56 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | MINI John Cooper Works |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 23 mpg | 30 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 21 mpg | 27 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 28 mpg | 37 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,300 | $2,550 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 379 g/mi | 288 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 6.0 | SIDI & PFI, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity | Premium |
| EPA class | Two Seaters | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 40 | 56 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
SL-Class vs John Cooper Works: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class or the MINI John Cooper Works?
The MINI John Cooper Works is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $750 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the MINI John Cooper Works runs about $2,550 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,300 for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class — a difference of roughly $750 per year.
What engines do the SL-Class and John Cooper Works offer?
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 6.0. MINI John Cooper Works: SIDI & PFI, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class as Two Seaters and the MINI John Cooper Works as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More SL-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-sl-class-vs-mini-john-cooper-works