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 BMW X6: the short answer
X6 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while SL Roadster remains close.
X6 starts ZAR 2,031,250 cheaperSL Roadster from ZAR 3,948,250 · X6 from ZAR 1,917,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
SL Roadster
X6
Maximum Power
SL Roadster430 kW
X6390 kW
Maximum Torque
SL Roadster800 Nm
X6750 Nm @ 1800-4600 rpm
Engine Size
SL Roadster3982 cc
X64395 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
SL Roadster7.7 km/l
X612.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
SL Roadster115 mm
X6140 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)
SL Roadster
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
X6
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
SL Roadster
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
X6
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
X6
Model Introduced Year
2026
2019
Generation
Current South African SL Roadster generation represented by derivative SL 63
Five-door coupé-style luxury SUV, with the separate X6 M retained outside the regular family.
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Current G06-generation X6 range in South African specification.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Convertible
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
active
Segment
Luxury convertible
Premium SUV
Vehicle Type
Convertible
Car
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Length
4705 mm
4960 mm
Width
1915 mm
2004 mm
Height
1359 mm
1700 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2975 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
115 mm
140 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
83 l
Boot/Cargo Space
240 l
580 l
Kerb Weight
1970 kg
2390 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
3085 kg
Payload Capacity
420 kg
770 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
3500 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
997 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
956 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1043 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
884 mm
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Engine
3982/V8
BMW 48V mild-hybrid turbocharged engine
Engine Code
M177
B48
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
3982 cc
4395 cc
Cylinders
8
6
Cylinder Layout
V
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Twin Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
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
390 kW
Maximum Torque
800 Nm
750 Nm @ 1800-4600 rpm
Combined Power
430 kW
1 kW
Combined Torque
800 Nm
1 Nm
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Number of Motors
1
1
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Integrated transmission electric motor
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
315 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
3.6 sec
4.3 sec
Quarter Mile
12.0 sec
12.2 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
Yes
No
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
220 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
1 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
64.8 kWh
Battery Type
0
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
400 V
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
Yes
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
All-wheel drive
LSD Available
Yes
M sport differential
Transfer Case
Permanent AWD transfer system
Yes
Differential Lock
No
Yes
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Yes
Number of Gears
9
8
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
No
Electronically controlled AWD
4WD Hi Range
0
Yes
4WD Lo Range
0
Yes
4WD Selector
No
Yes
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Yes
Front Differential Lock
No
Yes
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
Yes
Low Range
0
Yes
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Yes
Rear Differential Lock
No
Yes
Transmission Speeds
9
8
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Claimed Mileage
7.7 km/l
12.5 km/l
City Mileage
7.7 km/l
10.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
7.7 km/l
15.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
83 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Real-world Mileage
7.7 km/l
12.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
83
Combined Driving Range
0
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
0
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
0 km
360 km
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
420 km
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
No
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Yes
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
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
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
Standard
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Standard
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Seat Material
Nappa leather
BMW Individual extended leather trim 'Merino' Black
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Front
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Yes
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel M Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Electric with driver memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Electric multi-way
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Standard
Power Windows
Yes
Standard
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Comfort Access
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Yes
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Standard
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
13
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
USB Ports
USB-C ports
2
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
14.9
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
14.9
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Standard
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Yes
Roof Rails
No
BMW Individual roof rails high-gloss Shadow Line
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Multiple manufacturer colours
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Yes
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
25 deg
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
23 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
500 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Auto; Sport; Eco
Locking Differential
No
Yes
4WD System Type
No
All-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
20 deg
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
Runflat tyres
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
20-inch alloy wheels
Emergency spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
20
Y-spoke Styling 741 M, Bicolour, Mixed Tyres, 21"
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electronic
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
CO2 Emissions
334 g/km
269 g/km
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
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.
Private, business and fleet
Price Zar
3948250 ZAR
2266000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current recommended retail price
Starting Price
4725000
2266000
Starting Price Zar
4725000
2266000
Spec
SL Roadster
X6
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
Yes
In depth: how these cars differ
This SL Roadster and X6 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 X6 100.
Efficiency index: SL Roadster 38 vs X6 52.
Safety-equipment index: SL Roadster 95 vs X6 92.
Practicality index: SL Roadster 47 vs X6 78.
Ownership-cover index: SL Roadster not separately scored vs X6 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 X6 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
X6 leads by 10 points
X6 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while SL Roadster remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
X6
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
52/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
78/100
SL Roadster
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
38/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
47/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW X6
leads the specification evidence index with 83 pts
vs 73 pts for SL Roadster
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, X6 leads. However, SL Roadster 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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