VS
At a Glance
Power
412kW@6100
285 kW
Torque
650Nm@1600
500 Nm
Fuel
16.6L/100km
8.0 l/100km
Towing
-
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.8s
4.5 s
Engine
5998cc
2998 cc
Choosing between the Bentley Continental and the BMW 4 Series is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Bentley Continental delivers 412kW@6100 while the BMW 4 Series produces 285 kW. On fuel, the Continental returns 16.6L/100km while the 4 Series uses 8.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R9 000 000 for the Continental and R1 512 107 for the 4 Series. 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
412kW@6100
285 kW
Torque
650Nm@1600
500 Nm
0-100 kph
4.8s
4.5 s
Top Speed
318km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5998cc
2998 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL W 12
inline
Cylinders
12
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
16.6L/100km
8.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
25.3L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
11.6L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
90L
59 l
CO2 Emissions
410g/km
182 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4804mm
4770 mm
Width
1916-2102mm
1852-2081 mm
Height
1390mm
1393 mm
Wheelbase
2745mm
2851 mm
Ground Clearance
-
129 mm
Kerb Weight
2350kg
1735 DIN / 1810 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Load Volume
—
440 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
370kg
485 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
FRONT + REAR
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
ENTRY + IGNITION
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
2
Warranty Distance
-
unlimited Km
Service Plan
-
—
Service Intervals
16000
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 4 Series
4 / 4 categories
Performance
4 Series
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
4 Series
Practicality
4 Series
Pros & Cons
Bentley Continental
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (16.6L/100km)
Higher starting price
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (8.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 512 107)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.5 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Continental or 4 Series?
The Continental uses 16.6L/100km and the 4 Series uses 8.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 4 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Continental or 4 Series?
The Continental produces 412kW@6100 and 650Nm@1600 of torque while the 4 Series delivers 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Continental and 4 Series?
The Continental starts from R9 000 000 and the 4 Series from R1 512 107. The 4 Series is cheaper by R7 487 893 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Continental or 4 Series?
The Continental has a braked towing capacity of 0kg and the 4 Series can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Continental or the 4 Series?
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.
Also Consider