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.
LEPAS L4 vs Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster: the short answer
SL Roadster has a modest catalogue-index lead, while L4 remains close.
L4 starts ZAR 3,648,350 cheaperL4 from ZAR 299,900 · SL Roadster from ZAR 3,948,250
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
L4
SL Roadster
Maximum Power
L4108 kW @ 5500 rpm
SL Roadster430 kW
Maximum Torque
L4225 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm
SL Roadster800 Nm
Engine Size
L41499 cc
SL Roadster3982 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
L414.3 km/l
SL Roadster7.7 km/l
Ground Clearance
L4160 mm
SL Roadster115 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.
LEPAS L4
1.5T Pantera 6DCT
Hagalu editorial rating
4.3/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
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)
L4
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
SL Roadster
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?
L4
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
SL Roadster
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
L4
SL Roadster
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
First-generation LEPAS L4 compact SUV
Current South African SL Roadster generation represented by derivative SL 63
Facelift History
The L4 launched as the first LEPAS model in South Africa in 2026.
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2026
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 SUV
Luxury convertible
Vehicle Type
SUV
Convertible
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Length
4406 mm
4705 mm
Width
1820 mm
1915 mm
Height
1635 mm
1359 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
160 mm
115 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
170 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
70 l
Boot/Cargo Space
458 l
240 l
Kerb Weight
1346 kg
1970 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1844 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
498 kg
420 kg
Towing Capacity
1200 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.275 m
6.25 m
Front Headroom
1005 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
975 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1040 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
890 mm
900 mm
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
3982/V8
Engine Code
SQRE4T15C
M177
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1499 cc
3982 cc
Cylinders
4
8
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
8.6:1
Bore
77.0 mm
83.0 mm
Stroke
80.5 mm
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
108 kW @ 5500 rpm
430 kW
Maximum Torque
225 Nm @ 2000-4000 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 DCT
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
185 km/h
315 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.2 sec
3.6 sec
Quarter Mile
17.6 sec
12.0 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
No
Yes
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
80.2 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
167.2 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
L4
SL Roadster
Gearbox
6-speed dual-clutch automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
AWD
LSD Available
No
Yes
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Permanent AWD transfer system
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
4.13:1
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
6
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Dual clutch
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
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
Not Available
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
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Claimed Mileage
14.3 km/l
7.7 km/l
City Mileage
11.5 km/l
7.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
16.8 km/l
7.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6B
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Real-world Mileage
14.3 km/l
7.7 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
51
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
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
No
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
AEB
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes - front seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Yes
Auto Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Park Assist
No
Yes
Around View Monitor
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Yes
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Seat Material
Faux leather
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
No
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
Yes
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Faux leather
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way power
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Faux leather
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Climate Control
Climate control
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Front and rear
Yes
Keyless Entry
Standard
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
AC Type
Climate control
Automatic climate control
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Infotainment System
13.2-inch
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
8-inch segment display
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
2
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
13.2-inch
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
13.2-inch
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
LED Headlamps
Standard
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Rear
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Standard
No
Exterior Colour Options
LEPAS South Africa colour availability varies by derivative and launch allocation.
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Standard
LED High Performance headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Approach Angle
20.0 deg
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
28.0 deg
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
400 mm
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
No
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Breakover Angle
18.5 deg
Not Applicable
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Tyre Size
215/60 R17
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary T-type spare tyre
20-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
17-inch
20
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut independent suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam semi-independent suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
CO2 Emissions
159 g/km
334 g/km
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Service Plan
5 years / 75,000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Ownership Role
safety and comfort flagship 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
419900 ZAR
3948250 ZAR
Pricing Role
safety and comfort flagship derivative
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
419900
4725000
Starting Price Zar
419900
4725000
Spec
L4
SL Roadster
Warranty
5 years / 150,000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This L4 and SL Roadster 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: L4 47 vs SL Roadster 100.
Efficiency index: L4 56 vs SL Roadster 38.
Safety-equipment index: L4 92 vs SL Roadster 95.
Practicality index: L4 59 vs SL Roadster 47.
Ownership-cover index: L4 not separately scored vs SL Roadster 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
L4 and SL Roadster 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
SL Roadster leads by 9 points
SL Roadster has a modest catalogue-index lead, while L4 remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
SL Roadster
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
38/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
47/100
L4
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
59/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz SL Roadster
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 64 pts for L4
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, SL Roadster leads. However, L4 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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