VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
405kW@6000
Torque
300 Nm
800Nm@2250
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
12.2L/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
-
0-100 km/h
7.5 s
3.8s
Engine
1998 cc
4806cc
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 405kW@6000. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 6.4 l/100km while the Panamera uses 12.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 005 063 for the 4 Series and R2 231 000 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 Coupe M Sport A/T (g22) 2024 - From R1 005 063
Porsche Panamera4.8 Turbo S PDK 2012 - From R2 231 000
Performance
Power Output
135 kW
405kW@6000
Torque
300 Nm
800Nm@2250
0-100 kph
7.5 s
3.8s
Top Speed
240 Km/h
306km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
4806cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE V 8
Cylinders
4
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
rear
REAR
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
12.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
18L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.9L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
100L
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
286g/km
Dimensions
Length
4768 mm
4970mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1931-2114mm
Height
1383 mm
1418mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2920mm
Ground Clearance
127 mm
-
Kerb Weight
1525 DIN / 1600 EU Kg
1995kg
Doors
2
4
Seats
4
4
Load Volume
440 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
-
Load Capacity
490 lkg
1250kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
Optional
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
90000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 4 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Panamera
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
4 Series
Practicality
4 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (6.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 005 063)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Porsche Panamera
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8ss)
Higher fuel consumption (12.2L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or Panamera?
The 4 Series uses 6.4 l/100km and the Panamera uses 12.2L/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 4 Series or Panamera?
The 4 Series produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Panamera delivers 405kW@6000 and 800Nm@2250 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 005 063 and the Panamera from R2 231 000. The 4 Series is cheaper by R1 225 937 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 0kg. 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