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.
Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach SL vs GWM ORA 5: the short answer
Mercedes-Maybach SL and ORA 5 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
ORA 5 starts ZAR 4,727,100 cheaperMercedes-Maybach SL from ZAR 5,092,000 · ORA 5 from ZAR 364,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Maximum Power
Mercedes-Maybach SL430 kW
ORA 5150 kW
Maximum Torque
Mercedes-Maybach SL800 Nm
ORA 5260 Nm
Engine Size
Mercedes-Maybach SL3982 cc
ORA 5Not Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
Mercedes-Maybach SL7.7 km/l
ORA 5Not Applicable
Ground Clearance
Mercedes-Maybach SL115 mm
ORA 5175 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.
Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach SL
SL 680 Maybach
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)
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
ORA 5
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
ORA 5
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
Current South African Mercedes-Maybach SL generation represented by derivative SL 680 Maybach
First-generation ORA 5; South African launch specification
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
No facelift; first South African model year
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Not Applicable
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not Applicable
Body Style
Convertible
Compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
On sale
Segment
Luxury convertible
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
Convertible
Passenger vehicle
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Length
4705 mm
4471 mm
Width
1915 mm
1833 mm
Height
1359 mm
1641 mm
Wheelbase
2900 mm
2720 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
115 mm
175 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
115 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
213 l
228 l
Kerb Weight
2050 kg
1555 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
1970 kg
Payload Capacity
400 kg
415 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.25 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
900 mm
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Engine
3982/V8
Battery-electric powertrain
Engine Code
M177
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Electric
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
3982 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
8
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
V
Not Applicable
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Twin Turbocharged
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
8.6:1
Not Applicable
Bore
83.0 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
92.0 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
430 kW
150 kW
Maximum Torque
800 Nm
260 Nm
Combined Power
430 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
800 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
1
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
AWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
260 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
4.1 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Eco, Well Being, Standard, Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
58.33 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
0
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
520 km (NEDC)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
FWD
LSD Available
No
No
Transfer Case
Permanent AWD transfer system
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Open differential with electronic traction control
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
3.73
Number of Gears
9
1
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Electronic automatic gear selector
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Electronic column shifter
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
No
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
No
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Yes
Front Differential Lock
No
Open differential with electronic traction control
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Front driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
No
Open differential with electronic traction control
Transmission Speeds
9
1
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Claimed Mileage
7.7 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
7.7 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
7.7 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Zero tailpipe emissions
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
7.7 km/l
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Charging Type
Not Applicable
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Fuel Tank Litres
66
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
0
520 km NEDC
Electric Consumption
0
16.5
Range Real World Highway
0 km
420 km
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
420 km
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Manual
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
No
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front-row reminder
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
No
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
No
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Alert and braking
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front row
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Integrated Brake Control
-
Yes
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Alert and braking
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
360-degree panoramic view
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
360-degree panoramic view
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Auto Hold
-
Yes
Steering Modes
-
Light, Comfort, Sport
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Seat Material
Nappa leather
Synthetic leather
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Front
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Front seat and backrest
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Multi-colour rhythmic
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Microfibre leather
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
6-way electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
4-way electric
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Grey synthetic leather
Driver Seat Memory
-
Yes
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Climate Control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Automatic
Power Windows
Yes
Four-door one-touch
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Driver door
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
50 W
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Panoramic glass roof
Electric Tailgate
No
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Automatic front wiper
AC Type
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Automatic
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Heated Mirrors
-
Yes
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Rear Air Vents
-
Yes
Rear Shelf Board
-
Yes
Heat-pump Air Conditioning
-
Yes
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
14.6-inch touchscreen with voice control
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
13
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
10.25-inch
USB Ports
USB-C ports
3 (front Type-A and Type-C; rear Type-C)
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
14.6-inch
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
14.6-inch
Voice Control
-
Yes
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
LED Headlamps
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
LED
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Rear LED
Roof Rails
No
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Emerald Green, Matte Grey, Ayers Grey, Hamilton White, Sterling Silver, Night Black, Brilliant Rose with a black roof, and Lake Blue with a black roof
Headlights
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Yes
Rear Wiper
-
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
-
LED
LED Tail Lamps
-
Yes
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Normal | Eco | Sport
Locking Differential
No
Open differential with electronic traction control
4WD System Type
No
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Tyre Size
275/45 R21
225/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
21-inch alloy wheels
Temporary T135/90 D17
Wheel Rim Size
21
18-inch alloy
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electronic parking brake
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
MacPherson independent
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Multi-link independent
Electric Power Steering
-
Yes
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
CO2 Emissions
309 g/km
0 g/km tailpipe
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
7 years / 75,000 km; 12 months / 15,000 km intervals
Service Interval
-
12 months / 15,000 km
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Ownership Role
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
A home-charging buyer who wants the ORA 5 electric powertrain and every locally listed comfort, convenience and driver-assistance feature.
Price Zar
5092000 ZAR
599900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
the electric flagship and highest-priced ORA 5
Starting Price
5500000
R599,900
Starting Price Zar
5500000
599900
Spec
Mercedes-Maybach SL
ORA 5
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
7 years / 200,000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
7 years / unlimited km
High-voltage Battery Warranty
-
8 years / 150,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mercedes-Maybach SL and ORA 5 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: Mercedes-Maybach SL 100 vs ORA 5 56.
Efficiency index: Mercedes-Maybach SL 38 vs ORA 5 90.
Safety-equipment index: Mercedes-Maybach SL 95 vs ORA 5 88.
Practicality index: Mercedes-Maybach SL 46 vs ORA 5 54.
Ownership-cover index: Mercedes-Maybach SL not separately scored vs ORA 5 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
Mercedes-Maybach SL and ORA 5 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 1 points
Mercedes-Maybach SL and ORA 5 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Mercedes-Maybach SL +44
Efficiency
ORA 5 +52
Safety
Mercedes-Maybach SL +7
Practicality
ORA 5 +8
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Mercedes-Maybach SL
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
38/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
46/100
ORA 5
Performance
56/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach SL
leads the specification evidence index with 72 pts
vs 71 pts for ORA 5
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Mercedes-Maybach SL leads. However, ORA 5 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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