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