Car Buyer's Guide

Mercedes-Benz AMG SL vs MINI Convertible

Mercedes-Benz AMG SL

Mercedes-Benz AMG SL

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL costs RM999,888, a RM681,000 step up from the MINI Convertible, and its 375 hp, 480 Nm mild-hybrid powertrain cuts the 0-100 km/h run to 4.9 seconds against 6.9 seconds. It is also a much larger grand tourer at 4,705 mm long, with a 240-litre boot and 17-speaker Burmester audio. The MINI is the more manageable B-segment convertible: 826 mm shorter, 171 mm narrower and fitted with four parking sensors up front versus the AMG’s two extra gears, rear-drive layout and stronger driver-assistance suite. Curiously, annual road tax is RM379 for the MINI and RM376 for the AMG.

AMG SL

Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG SL if 375 hp, 480 Nm, rear-wheel drive and a 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time matter more than the RM681,000 price gap.

Convertible

Pick the MINI Convertible if you want a far smaller 3,879 mm convertible with 204 hp performance, front-wheel drive and the same four-seat layout.

Key differences

  • Price: Mercedes-Benz AMG SL RM999,888; MINI Convertible RM318,888
  • Power and torque: Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 375 hp and 480 Nm; MINI Convertible 204 hp and 300 Nm
  • 0-100 km/h and top speed: Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 4.9 seconds and 275 km/h; MINI Convertible 6.9 seconds and 237 km/h
  • Length and width: Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 4,705 mm and 1,915 mm; MINI Convertible 3,879 mm and 1,744 mm
  • Transmission and drive: Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 9-speed wet dual-clutch, rear-wheel drive; MINI Convertible 7-speed wet dual-clutch, front-wheel drive
  • Boot and fuel tank: Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 240 litres and 70 litres; MINI Convertible 215 litres and 44 litres

AMG SL

  • 375 hp and 480 Nm, with 4.9-second 0-100 km/h performance
  • Rear-wheel drive, 9-speed transmission and multi-link front suspension
  • 17-speaker Burmester audio, powered memory front seats and adaptive cruise control with steering assist
  • RM681,000 dearer
  • 826 mm longer and 171 mm wider
  • Only front-passenger ISOFIX, versus front and outer-rear ISOFIX in the MINI

Convertible

  • Much lower purchase price
  • 826 mm shorter and 171 mm narrower for tighter spaces
  • ISOFIX on the front passenger and both outer rear seats, plus six front parking sensors
  • 204 hp and 300 Nm trail the AMG’s 375 hp and 480 Nm
  • 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time is two seconds slower
  • Manual front seats and lane-keeping warning only
Price & overview
PriceRM999,888RM318,888
Body typeConvertibleConvertible
SegmentGrand TourerB-Segment
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM376RM379
Powertrain
Engine Tech12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing with Mild Hybrid Assistance16 valve, DOHC, variable intake and exhaust cam timing, variable intake valve lift, twin-scroll turbo
Capacity1,991 cc1,998 cc
Horsepower375 hp204 hp
Torque480 Nm300 Nm
FuelPetrol Hybrid/REVPetrol
Number of Motors1
Motor Horsepower13 hp
Drivetrain
TransmissionDual-clutch Automatic (Wet)Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet)
Transmission NameAMG Speedshift MCT 9G7-speed Steptronic Transmission
Gears97
Transmission ManufacturerDaimler
DrivelineRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h4.9 seconds6.9 seconds
Top Speed275 km/h237 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,705 mm3,879 mm
Width1,915 mm1,744 mm
Height1,359 mm1,431 mm
Wheelbase2,700 mm2,495 mm
Weight1,810 kg
Fuel Tank70 litres44 litres
Doors22
Seats44
Boot Space240 litres215 litres
Front Tyre275/35R21215/40R18
Rear Tyre305/30R21215/40R18
Spare TyreTyre Repair Kit
Factory TyresMichelin Pilot Sport 4 SHankook Ventus s1 Evo 3
Chassis
AssemblyGermany (CBU)United Kingdom (CBU)
Front SuspensionMulti-LinkMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionMulti-LinkMulti-link
Front Wheels21" AMG 10-Twin-Spoke Forged Alloys18" Night Flash Alloys
Rear Wheels21" AMG 10-Twin-Spoke Forged Alloys18" Night Flash Alloys
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist)
Chassis NotesSports Suspension
Crash Safety Ratings
EuroNCAP5 stars
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Front Passenger, Curtain Airbags, Front Centre AirbagDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Seat Belts4 Three-point4 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable on Front Passenger SeatAvailable on Front Passenger and Outer Two Rear Seat
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionWarning Only
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderBoth SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsDigital Light LED ProjectorLED Projector
TaillampsFull LED with Dynamic Light Design and Sequential IndicatorsFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsDriver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory SettingsManual Adjustable
Rear Seats50:50 Split-folding50:50 Split-folding
Front Air-conDual-Zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Power Sockets1 Front, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB, 1 Wireless Charger1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front
Interior LightingMap Lights & Ambient LightingMap Lights and Ambient Lights
Cup Holders2 Front2 Front, 2 Rear
Audio11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 17-Speaker Burmester Sound System9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsTwo Windows, Driver Side Auto Up & DownFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Flip Switch
LocksKeyless Operation with Pop-out Door HandlesKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and GoActive Cruise Control
Paddle Shift
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Electric Steering Adjustment
Boot OperationPowered BootRemote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Front4 Sensors6 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors6 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, 360-degree View MonitorYes, with 360-degree View Monitor
Auto ParkingYesYes
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Navigation
Head-up Display
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Mileage ExtendedUnlimited
Warranty Manufacturer4 years2 years
Warranty Extended2 years
Warranty NotesRepair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

AMG SL vs Convertible FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG SL or MINI Convertible better?

The AMG SL is better for outright pace, grand-touring space and equipment, with 375 hp, 480 Nm and a 240-litre boot. The MINI Convertible is the better fit for buyers prioritising a compact 3,879 mm footprint and lower entry cost.

What is the price difference?

The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL costs RM681,000 more than the MINI Convertible.

Which is easier to park in Malaysia?

The MINI Convertible is easier to place in tight bays: it is 3,879 mm long and 1,744 mm wide, versus 4,705 mm and 1,915 mm for the AMG SL. It also has six front parking sensors; both cars have a 360-degree camera and auto parking.

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