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 SL Roadster vs Ford Transit Van: the short answer
SL Roadster and Transit Van are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Transit Van starts ZAR 2,936,750 cheaperSL Roadster from ZAR 3,948,250 · Transit Van from ZAR 1,011,500
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Maximum Power
SL Roadster430 kW
Transit Van121 kW
Maximum Torque
SL Roadster800 Nm
Transit Van390 Nm
Engine Size
SL Roadster3982 cc
Transit Van1996 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
SL Roadster7.7 km/l
Transit Van10.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
SL Roadster115 mm
Transit Van147 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 SL Roadster
SL 63
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
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
Transit Van
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?
SL Roadster
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Transit Van
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
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Model Introduced Year
2026
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Current South African SL Roadster generation represented by derivative SL 63
Current South African Transit Van listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Convertible
Van
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
active
Segment
Luxury convertible
Commercial van
Vehicle Type
Convertible
Van
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Gross Weight Class
-
470 series
Wheelbase Type
-
Extra-long wheelbase
Tare Mass Kg
-
2355 kg
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Length
4705 mm
6704 mm
Width
1915 mm
2059 mm
Height
1359 mm
2781 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
3750 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
115 mm
147 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
50 l
Boot/Cargo Space
240 l
490 l
Kerb Weight
1970 kg
2355 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
4700 kg
Payload Capacity
420 kg
2270 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
1600 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
3 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
998 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
959 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1042 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
899 mm
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Engine
3982/V8
2.0L EcoBlue diesel
Engine Code
M177
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Diesel
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
3982 cc
1996 cc
Cylinders
8
4
Cylinder Layout
V
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Twin Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Common-rail direct injection
Compression Ratio
8.6:1
10.5:1
Bore
83.0 mm
82.0 mm
Stroke
92.0 mm
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
430 kW
121 kW
Maximum Torque
800 Nm
390 Nm
Combined Power
430 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
800 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
RWD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
315 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
3.6 sec
7.8 sec
Quarter Mile
12.0 sec
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
Yes
No
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
51.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
165.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
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
No
Not Applicable
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
RWD
LSD Available
Yes
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Permanent AWD transfer system
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
No
Paddle Shifters
Yes
No
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
9
6
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Manual
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Dry single-plate clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Manual gear lever
Drivetrain
AWD
RWD
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
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
No
No
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Manual
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Rear driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Speeds
9
6
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Claimed Mileage
7.7 km/l
10.8 km/l
City Mileage
7.7 km/l
8.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
7.7 km/l
12.6 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
7.7 km/l
10.8 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
0
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
0
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
0 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
Not Applicable
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Airbags
7
Driver airbag
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Not Available
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
BA
Yes
Not Available
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Seat Material
Nappa leather
Fabric upholstery
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
No
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
No
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
No
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Urethane
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Manual adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Manual adjustment
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Fabric upholstery
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Transit Van grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Manual air conditioning
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
No
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
No
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Not Available
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Manual air conditioning
Load Bed Length
-
4217 mm
Load Bed Width
-
1392 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
4217 mm
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
1392 mm
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
transit-van
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
top
Variant Role
-
Core range derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
SYNC 4 infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
13
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
Multi-information instrument display
USB Ports
USB-C ports
USB-A and USB-C
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
8
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
8
Infotainment Screen Size
MBUX multimedia system
8
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Not Available
Roof Rails
No
No
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Multiple Ford South Africa factory exterior colours
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
No
Body Type
-
Van
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
No
4WD System Type
No
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
147 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
147 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
20-inch alloy wheels
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
20
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
CO2 Emissions
334 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Maintenance Plan
-
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Duration
5 Years / 100000 km
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Distance
5 Years / 100000 km
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
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.
Top
Price Zar
3948250 ZAR
1062000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current listed price
Starting Price
4725000
1062000
Starting Price Zar
4725000
1062000
Spec
SL Roadster
Transit Van
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Years
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 years / unlimited km
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This SL Roadster and Transit Van 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: SL Roadster 100 vs Transit Van 65.
Efficiency index: SL Roadster 38 vs Transit Van 48.
Safety-equipment index: SL Roadster 95 vs Transit Van 90.
Practicality index: SL Roadster 47 vs Transit Van 63.
Ownership-cover index: SL Roadster not separately scored vs Transit Van 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
SL Roadster and Transit Van 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 5 points
SL Roadster and Transit Van are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
SL Roadster +35
Efficiency
Transit Van +10
Safety
SL Roadster +5
Practicality
Transit Van +16
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
Transit Van
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
48/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
63/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz SL Roadster
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 68 pts for Transit Van
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, SL Roadster leads. However, Transit Van 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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