VS
At a Glance
Power
145 kW
300 engine kW
Torque
400 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
5.6 l/100km
9.1 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.3 s
4.6 s
Engine
1995 cc
1991 cc
Choosing between the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-AMG C-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 5 Series delivers 145 kW while the Mercedes-AMG C-Class produces 300 engine kW. On fuel, the 5 Series returns 5.6 l/100km while the C-Class uses 9.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 286 731 for the 5 Series and R1 714 255 for the C-Class. 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 5 Series520d M Sport 2023 - From R1 286 731
Mercedes-AMG C-ClassAMG C43 4matic (w206) 2023 - From R1 714 255
Performance
Power Output
145 kW
300 engine kW
Torque
400 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
7.3 s
4.6 s
Top Speed
233 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995 cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.6 l/100km
9.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
201 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5060 mm
4791 mm
Width
1900-2156 mm
1824-2033 mm
Height
1515 mm
1450 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
154 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1775 DIN / 1850 EU Kg
1840 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
520 l
455 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
630 lkg
510 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6 (opt 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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 5 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
C-Class
Fuel Economy
5 Series
Value
5 Series
Practicality
5 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 5 Series
Better fuel economy (5.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 286 731)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Less power than rival (145 kW vs 300 engine kW)
Mercedes-AMG C-Class
More powerful engine (300 engine kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 5 Series or C-Class?
The 5 Series uses 5.6 l/100km and the C-Class uses 9.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 5 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 5 Series or C-Class?
The 5 Series produces 145 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the C-Class delivers 300 engine kW and 500 Nm of torque. The C-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 5 Series and C-Class?
The 5 Series starts from R1 286 731 and the C-Class from R1 714 255. The 5 Series is cheaper by R427 524 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 5 Series or C-Class?
The 5 Series has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the C-Class can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 5 Series or the C-Class?
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