A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Mazda CX-3 vs Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach SL: the short answer
Mercedes-Maybach SL has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CX-3 remains close.
CX-3 starts ZAR 4,652,000 cheaperCX-3 from ZAR 440,000 · Mercedes-Maybach SL from ZAR 5,092,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Maximum Power
CX-3115 kW @ 6000 rpm
Mercedes-Maybach SL430 kW
Maximum Torque
CX-3206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
Mercedes-Maybach SL800 Nm
Engine Size
CX-31998 cc
Mercedes-Maybach SL3982 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
CX-315.9 km/l
Mercedes-Maybach SL7.7 km/l
Ground Clearance
CX-3155 mm
Mercedes-Maybach SL115 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mazda CX-3
2.0 Individual Auto FWD
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Specification evidence leader
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Model Introduced Year
2015
2026
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Current South African Mercedes-Maybach SL generation represented by derivative SL 680 Maybach
Facelift History
The CX-3 has received successive equipment and design updates since its 2015 debut; Carbon and Individual now sit together at the top of the South African range.
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2015
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Convertible
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
Current South African retail range
Segment
Compact crossover
Luxury convertible
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Convertible
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Length
4275 mm
4705 mm
Width
1765 mm
1915 mm
Height
1542 mm
1359 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2900 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
115 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
70 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
213 l
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
2050 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
465 kg
400 kg
Towing Capacity
850 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
4 seats
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
6.25 m
Front Legroom
1058 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
888 mm
900 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
120 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
960 mm
Rear Headroom
-
960 mm
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Yes
Keyless Entry
Smart
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Standard
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
-
AC Type
Automatic
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
3982/V8
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
M177
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
3982 cc
Cylinders
4
8
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
8.6:1
Bore
83.5 mm
83.0 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
430 kW
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
800 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
430 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
800 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
197 km/h
260 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
4.1 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Sport
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
No
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
AWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Permanent AWD transfer system
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
6
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
4x2
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
6
9
LSD Available
-
No
Clutch Type
-
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
7.7 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
7.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
7.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
48
66
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
0 km
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
7.7 km/l
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
AEB
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Brake Override System
-
Ventilated disc brakes
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
-
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Seat Material
Black Leather
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
64-colour ambient lighting
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Infotainment System
Standard
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
7
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
2
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
8-Inch
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
LED Headlamps
Standard
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED daytime running lights
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic + Machining
-
Exterior Colour Options
Aero Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, Platinum Quartz and Soul Red Crystal are listed, with Carbon availability limited to selected finishes.
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Standard
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Fog Lamps
-
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
-
No
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
-
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
-
Not Applicable
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Tyre Size
215/50R18
275/45 R21
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
21-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
21
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
309 g/km
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
5092000 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
551600
5500000
Starting Price Zar
551600
5500000
Spec
CX-3
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CX-3 and Mercedes-Maybach SL comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: CX-3 47 vs Mercedes-Maybach SL 100.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs Mercedes-Maybach SL 38.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs Mercedes-Maybach SL 95.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs Mercedes-Maybach SL 46.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored vs Mercedes-Maybach SL not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
CX-3 and Mercedes-Maybach SL image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Mercedes-Maybach SL leads by 12 points
Mercedes-Maybach SL has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CX-3 remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
38/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
46/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach SL
leads the specification evidence index with 72 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Mercedes-Maybach SL leads. However, CX-3 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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