VS
At a Glance
Power
285 kW
260 kW
Torque
500 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
5.0 (4.8 with opt Sport Chrono Package)
Engine
2998 cc
2894 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 285 kW while the Porsche Panamera produces 260 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 7.8 l/100km while the Panamera uses 9.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 511 100 for the 4 Series and R2 431 000 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 SeriesM440i Xdrive GRAN Coupe (g26) 2024 - From R1 511 100
Porsche Panamera4 PDK 2026 - From R2 431 000
Performance
Power Output
285 kW
260 kW
Torque
500 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
5.0 (4.8 with opt Sport Chrono Package)
Top Speed
250 Km/h
270 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
2894 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
176 g/km
226 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4783 mm
5052 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1937-2165 mm
Height
1442 mm
1423 mm
Wheelbase
2856 mm
2950 mm
Ground Clearance
129 mm
132 mm
Kerb Weight
1825 DIN / 1900 EU Kg
1920 DIN / 1995 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4 (opt 4+1)
Load Volume
470-1290 l
494-1328 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
—
Load Capacity
555 lkg
620 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
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 4 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
4 Series
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
4 Series
Practicality
Panamera
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
More powerful engine (285 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 511 100)
Few notable weaknesses
Porsche Panamera
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (9.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (260 kW vs 285 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or Panamera?
The 4 Series uses 7.8 l/100km and the Panamera uses 9.9 l/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 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the Panamera delivers 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The 4 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and Panamera?
The 4 Series starts from R1 511 100 and the Panamera from R2 431 000. The 4 Series is cheaper by R919 900 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 1800 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