VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
575 kW
Torque
300 Nm
1000 Nm
Fuel
6.6 l/100km
2.1 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
8.2 s
2.9 s
Engine
1998 cc
3996 cc
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the Porsche Panamera is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 135 kW while the Porsche Panamera produces 575 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 6.6 l/100km while the Panamera uses 2.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 156 070 for the 4 Series and R4 896 000 for the Panamera. 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.
Specification
BMW 4 Series420i Convertible M Sport A/T (g23) 2024 - From R1 156 070
Porsche PanameraTurbo S E-Hybrid (g3) 2026 - From R4 896 000
Performance
Power Output
135 kW
575 kW
Torque
300 Nm
1000 Nm
0-100 kph
8.2 s
2.9 s
Top Speed
236 Km/h
325 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
3996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
4
8
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6 l/100km
2.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
152 g/km
47 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4768 mm
5054 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1937-2165 mm
Height
1384 mm
1423 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2950 mm
Ground Clearance
—
126 mm
Kerb Weight
1690 DIN / 1765 EU Kg
2365 DIN / 2440 EU Kg
Doors
2
5
Seats
4
4 (opt 4+1)
Load Volume
300-385 l
421-1255 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
—
Load Capacity
495 lkg
430 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8 (opt 10)
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2 vehicle / 6 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 120000 hybrid batterkm
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Porsche Panamera
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Panamera
Fuel Economy
Panamera
Value
4 Series
Practicality
Panamera
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Lower starting price (R1 156 070)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (135 kW vs 575 kW)
Porsche Panamera
More powerful engine (575 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.1 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (2.9 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or Panamera?
The 4 Series uses 6.6 l/100km and the Panamera uses 2.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Panamera 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 4 Series or Panamera?
The 4 Series produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Panamera delivers 575 kW and 1000 Nm of torque. The Panamera is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and Panamera?
The 4 Series starts from R1 156 070 and the Panamera from R4 896 000. The 4 Series is cheaper by R3 739 930 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 4 Series or Panamera?
The 4 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the Panamera can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 4 Series or the Panamera?
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