VS
At a Glance
Power
500 kW
463kW@4800
Torque
930 Nm
1000Nm@2300
Fuel
—
14.3
Towing
—
2035
0-100 km/h
3.9 s
4.4
Engine
3996 cc
5980
Choosing between the Bentley Flying Spur and the MERCEDES S-CLASS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Bentley Flying Spur delivers 500 kW while the MERCEDES S-CLASS produces 463kW@4800. Pricing starts at R5 960 000 for the Flying Spur and R2 432 000 for the S-CLASS. 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
500 kW
463kW@4800
Torque
930 Nm
1000Nm@2300
0-100 kph
3.9 s
4.4
Top Speed
270 Km/h
250
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
5980
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 12
Cylinders
8
12
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
all
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
14.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
21.8
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.9
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 litre + 25.9 kWh l
90
CO2 Emissions
—
334
Dimensions
Length
5316 mm
5252
Width
1987-2187 mm
1871-2120
Height
1474 mm
1478
Wheelbase
3194 mm
3165
Ground Clearance
—
150
Kerb Weight
2646 EU Kg
2270
Doors
4
4
Seats
4+1 (opt 4)
5
Load Volume
346 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2035
Load Capacity
—
550
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
9
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
SPEEDTRONIC
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Bentley Flying Spur
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Flying Spur
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
S-CLASS
Practicality
Flying Spur
Pros & Cons
Bentley Flying Spur
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.9 ss)
Higher starting price
MERCEDES S-CLASS
Lower starting price (R2 432 000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Flying Spur or S-CLASS?
The Flying Spur produces 500 kW and 930 Nm of torque while the S-CLASS delivers 463kW@4800 and 1000Nm@2300 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Flying Spur and S-CLASS?
The Flying Spur starts from R5 960 000 and the S-CLASS from R2 432 000. The S-CLASS is cheaper by R3 528 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Flying Spur or S-CLASS?
The Flying Spur has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the S-CLASS can tow 2035. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Flying Spur or the S-CLASS?
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.