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BMW Z4 vs Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

2026 BMW Z4 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW Z4

2026 BMW Z4

Two Seaters
VS2 – 1BMW Z4 wins 2 of 3 categories
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Minicompact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The BMW Z4 is more fuel-efficient: 28 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $800 a year less in fuel for the BMW Z4 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (1 vs 23).

The two cars

The 2026 BMW Z4 is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive. It measures about 171 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 97-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,464 lb (M40i 2dr Convertible).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a minicompact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 8% better than the 2026 minicompact car average of 20.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.

Buying used? The 2024 Z4 and the 2024 SL-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 Z4.

Basics

Two Seaters
Class
Minicompact Cars
Premium Gasoline
Fuel
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

28 MPG
Best combined MPG
22 MPG
25 city
City / highway MPG (best)
19 city
$2,950
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,750

Performance & space

170.9 in
Length
–
73.2 in
Width
–
51.6 in
Height
–
3,296 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
–

Safety & reliability

0
Recalls (2026)
0
23
Recalls, all years since 2005
1
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

9,896
Wikipedia views, 30 days
15,394

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
2019
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the BMW Z4 if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (28 vs 22 MPG)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class if…

  • You need AWD or 4WD
  • You want a hybrid or electric option
  • You put reliability history first (1 vs 23 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 BMW Z4

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 50% better than the average 2026 two seaters (18.7 MPG).
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 BMW Z4 specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →