VS
At a Glance
Power
400kW@5250
230 kW
Torque
750Nm@1500
650 Nm
Fuel
12.9
6.3 l/100km
Towing
2100
2100 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.6
5.6 s
Engine
5972
2989 cc
Choosing between the BMW 7 SERIES and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 7 SERIES delivers 400kW@5250 while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 230 kW. On fuel, the 7 SERIES returns 12.9 while the S-Class uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 824 276 for the 7 SERIES and R2 662 146 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.
Performance
Power Output
400kW@5250
230 kW
Torque
750Nm@1500
650 Nm
0-100 kph
4.6
5.6 s
Top Speed
250
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5972
2989 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 12
inline
Cylinders
12
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
REAR
rear
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.9
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
19.8
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.9
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
65 (opt 76) l
CO2 Emissions
303
169 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5219
5289 mm
Width
1902
1954-2109 mm
Height
1481
1503 mm
Wheelbase
3210
3216 mm
Ground Clearance
152
—
Kerb Weight
2250
2110 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
4
5 (opt 4)
Load Volume
—
540 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100
2100 Kg
Load Capacity
500
655 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7 (opt 9 / opt 11)
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator (max 20000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Class
Fuel Economy
S-Class
Value
7 SERIES
Practicality
S-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW 7 SERIES
Lower starting price (R1 824 276)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6s)
Higher fuel consumption (12.9)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 7 SERIES or S-Class?
The 7 SERIES uses 12.9 and the S-Class uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The S-Class 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 7 SERIES or S-Class?
The 7 SERIES produces 400kW@5250 and 750Nm@1500 of torque while the S-Class delivers 230 kW and 650 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
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 R2 662 146. The 7 SERIES is cheaper by R837 870 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 2100 and the S-Class can tow 2100 Kg. 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.