VS
At a Glance
Power
400kW@5250
380kW@5000
Torque
750Nm@1500
830Nm@1800
Fuel
12.9L/100km
14.2L/100km
Towing
2100kg
2035kg
0-100 km/h
4.6s
-
Engine
5972cc
5513cc
Choosing between the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 7 Series delivers 400kW@5250 while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 380kW@5000. On fuel, the 7 Series returns 12.9L/100km while the S-Class uses 14.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 824 276 for the 7 Series and R6 865 600 for the S-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 7 Series760li Steptronic 2012 - From R1 824 276
Mercedes-Benz S-Class600l B6/7 Guard 7g-Tronic 2009 - From R6 865 600
Performance
Power Output
400kW@5250
380kW@5000
Torque
750Nm@1500
830Nm@1800
0-100 kph
4.6s
-
Top Speed
250km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5972cc
5513cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 12
LONGITUDINAL V 12
Cylinders
12
12
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
REAR
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.9L/100km
14.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
19.8L/100km
21.7L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.9L/100km
9.9L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80L
90L
CO2 Emissions
303g/km
332g/km
Dimensions
Length
5219mm
5226mm
Width
1902mm
1871-2120mm
Height
1481mm
1479mm
Wheelbase
3210mm
3165mm
Ground Clearance
152mm
150mm
Kerb Weight
2250kg
3680kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
4
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100kg
2035kg
Load Capacity
500kg
550kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
9
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
✓ Standard
SPEEDTRONIC
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
24
Warranty Distance
-
—
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 7 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
7 Series
Fuel Economy
7 Series
Value
7 Series
Practicality
S-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW 7 Series
Better fuel economy (12.9L/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 824 276)
Higher towing capacity (2100kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (14.2L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 7 Series or S-Class?
The 7 Series uses 12.9L/100km and the S-Class uses 14.2L/100km on the combined cycle. The 7 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 7 Series or S-Class?
The 7 Series produces 400kW@5250 and 750Nm@1500 of torque while the S-Class delivers 380kW@5000 and 830Nm@1800 of torque. The 7 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 7 Series and S-Class?
The 7 Series starts from R1 824 276 and the S-Class from R6 865 600. The 7 Series is cheaper by R5 041 324 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 7 Series or S-Class?
The 7 Series has a braked towing capacity of 2100kg and the S-Class can tow 2035kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 7 Series or the S-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