VS
At a Glance
Power
400kW@5250
250 kW
Torque
750Nm@1500
430 Nm
Fuel
12.9L/100km
15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
2100kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.6s
6.0 s
Engine
5972cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BMW 7 Series and the BMW I5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 7 Series delivers 400kW@5250 while the BMW I5 produces 250 kW. On fuel, the 7 Series returns 12.9L/100km while the I5 uses 15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 824 276 for the 7 Series and R1 812 000 for the I5. 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
BMW I5Edrive40 M Sport 2024 - From R1 812 000
Performance
Power Output
400kW@5250
250 kW
Torque
750Nm@1500
430 Nm
0-100 kph
4.6s
6.0 s
Top Speed
250km/h
193 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5972cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 12
—
Cylinders
12
—
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
electric
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
8
-
Drive Wheels
REAR
rear
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.9L/100km
15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
19.8L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.9L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80L
81.2 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
303g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
5219mm
5060 mm
Width
1902mm
1900-2156 mm
Height
1481mm
1515 mm
Wheelbase
3210mm
2995 mm
Ground Clearance
152mm
154 mm
Kerb Weight
2250kg
2130 DIN / 2205 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
—
490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
500kg
610 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
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 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
-
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 7 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
7 Series
Fuel Economy
7 Series
Value
Tied
Practicality
7 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 7 Series
Higher towing capacity (2100kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6ss)
Higher starting price
BMW I5
Lower starting price (R1 812 000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 7 Series or I5?
The 7 Series uses 12.9L/100km and the I5 uses 15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/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 I5?
The 7 Series produces 400kW@5250 and 750Nm@1500 of torque while the I5 delivers 250 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The 7 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 7 Series and I5?
The 7 Series starts from R1 824 276 and the I5 from R1 812 000, a difference of just R12 276, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 7 Series or I5?
The 7 Series has a braked towing capacity of 2100kg and the I5 can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 7 Series or the I5?
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