VS
At a Glance
Power
313kW@4000
430 kW
Torque
875Nm@2200
800 Nm
Fuel
22.1
13.4 l/100km
Towing
2450
—
0-100 km/h
5.9
3.6 s
Engine
6750
3982 cc
Choosing between the BENTLEY CONTINENTAL and the Mercedes-AMG SL is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BENTLEY CONTINENTAL delivers 313kW@4000 while the Mercedes-AMG SL produces 430 kW. On fuel, the CONTINENTAL returns 22.1 while the SL uses 13.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R9 000 000 for the CONTINENTAL and R3 982 166 for the SL. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
313kW@4000
430 kW
Torque
875Nm@2200
800 Nm
0-100 kph
5.9
3.6 s
Top Speed
270
315 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
6750
3982 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
4
9
Drive Wheels
REAR
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
22.1
13.4 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
31.19
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
16.95
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
108
70 l
CO2 Emissions
—
334 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5222
4705 mm
Width
2058
1915-2100 mm
Height
1462
1354 mm
Wheelbase
2961
2700 mm
Ground Clearance
—
—
Kerb Weight
2450
1895 DIN / 1970 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
2+2
Load Volume
—
213 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2450
—
Load Capacity
347
350 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
—
6 (opt 8)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
Optional
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-AMG SL
3 / 4 categories
Performance
SL
Fuel Economy
SL
Value
SL
Practicality
CONTINENTAL
Pros & Cons
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL
Higher towing capacity (2450)
Higher fuel consumption (22.1)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-AMG SL
Better fuel economy (13.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R3 982 166)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CONTINENTAL or SL?
The CONTINENTAL uses 22.1 and the SL uses 13.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The SL is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the CONTINENTAL or SL?
The CONTINENTAL produces 313kW@4000 and 875Nm@2200 of torque while the SL delivers 430 kW and 800 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CONTINENTAL and SL?
The CONTINENTAL starts from R9 000 000 and the SL from R3 982 166. The SL is cheaper by R5 017 834 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CONTINENTAL or SL?
The CONTINENTAL has a braked towing capacity of 2450 and the SL can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CONTINENTAL or the SL?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.