VS
At a Glance
Power
575 kW
368kW@5000
Torque
1000 Nm
800Nm@1800
Fuel
10.7 combined / 29.3 kWh/100km l/100km
—
Towing
—
2035
0-100 km/h
3.5 s
—
Engine
3996 cc
5513
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 575 kW while the MERCEDES S-CLASS produces 368kW@5000. On fuel, the Flying Spur returns 10.7 combined / 29.3 kWh/100km l/100km while the S-CLASS uses 0 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R6 720 000 for the Flying Spur and R3 800 000 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
575 kW
368kW@5000
Torque
1000 Nm
800Nm@1800
0-100 kph
3.5 s
—
Top Speed
285 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
5513
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
10.7 combined / 29.3 kWh/100km l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
88
CO2 Emissions
33 combined g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5316 mm
5163
Width
1987-2187 mm
1855
Height
1474 mm
1447
Wheelbase
3194 mm
3085
Ground Clearance
—
150
Kerb Weight
2646 EU Kg
2135
Doors
4
4
Seats
4+1 (opt 4)
5
Load Volume
346 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2035
Load Capacity
—
500
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
ALL
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
15000
30000
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
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (10.7 combined / 29.3 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
MERCEDES S-CLASS
Lower starting price (R3 800 000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Flying Spur or S-CLASS?
The Flying Spur uses 10.7 combined / 29.3 kWh/100km l/100km and the S-CLASS uses 0 on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Flying Spur or S-CLASS?
The Flying Spur produces 575 kW and 1000 Nm of torque while the S-CLASS delivers 368kW@5000 and 800Nm@1800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Flying Spur and S-CLASS?
The Flying Spur starts from R6 720 000 and the S-CLASS from R3 800 000. The S-CLASS is cheaper by R2 920 000 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.