VS
At a Glance
Power
285 kW
210 kW
Torque
500 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
8.4 l/100km
8.2 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
5.2 s
Engine
2998 cc
1618 cc
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the Toyota GR Yaris is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 285 kW while the Toyota GR Yaris produces 210 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 8.4 l/100km while the GR Yaris uses 8.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 658 786 for the 4 Series and R951 600 for the GR Yaris. 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
210 kW
Torque
500 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
5.2 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
230 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
1618 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.4 l/100km
8.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
192 g/km
186 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4770 mm
3995 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1805 mm
Height
1394 mm
1455 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2560 mm
Ground Clearance
—
124 mm
Kerb Weight
1890 DIN / 1965 EU Kg
1305 Kg
Doors
2
3
Seats
4
4
Load Volume
300-385 l
174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
—
Load Capacity
500 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
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
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
9 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
4 Series
Fuel Economy
GR Yaris
Value
GR Yaris
Practicality
4 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
More powerful engine (285 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota GR Yaris
Better fuel economy (8.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R951 600)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (210 kW vs 285 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or GR Yaris?
The 4 Series uses 8.4 l/100km and the GR Yaris uses 8.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GR Yaris 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 4 Series or GR Yaris?
The 4 Series produces 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the GR Yaris delivers 210 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The 4 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and GR Yaris?
The 4 Series starts from R1 658 786 and the GR Yaris from R951 600. The GR Yaris is cheaper by R707 186 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 4 Series or GR Yaris?
The 4 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the GR Yaris can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 4 Series or the GR Yaris?
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.