VS
At a Glance
Power
285 kW
103 kW
Torque
500 Nm
142+e Nm
Fuel
8.0 l/100km
4.0 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
4.3 s
—
Engine
2998 cc
1798 cc
Choosing between the BMW 2 Series and the Toyota Corolla is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 2 Series delivers 285 kW while the Toyota Corolla produces 103 kW. On fuel, the 2 Series returns 8.0 l/100km while the Corolla uses 4.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 222 611 for the 2 Series and R601 100 for the Corolla. 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
285 kW
103 kW
Torque
500 Nm
142+e Nm
0-100 kph
4.3 s
—
Top Speed
250 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
1798 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.0 l/100km
4.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
52 l
43 l
CO2 Emissions
185 g/km
91 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4548 mm
4375 mm
Width
1838-2068 mm
1790 mm
Height
1404 mm
1480 mm
Wheelbase
2741 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
128 mm
150 mm
Kerb Weight
1690 DIN / 1765 EU Kg
1375 Kg
Doors
2
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
390 l
305- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
—
Load Capacity
475 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
7
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
2 Series
Fuel Economy
Corolla
Value
Corolla
Practicality
2 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 2 Series
More powerful engine (285 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota Corolla
Better fuel economy (4.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R601 100)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (103 kW vs 285 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 2 Series or Corolla?
The 2 Series uses 8.0 l/100km and the Corolla uses 4.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Corolla is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 2 Series or Corolla?
The 2 Series produces 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the Corolla delivers 103 kW and 142+e Nm of torque. The 2 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 2 Series and Corolla?
The 2 Series starts from R1 222 611 and the Corolla from R601 100. The Corolla is cheaper by R621 511 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 2 Series or Corolla?
The 2 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the Corolla can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 2 Series or the Corolla?
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.