VS
At a Glance
Power
442 kW
310 kW
Torque
795 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
17.1 kWh/100km l/100km
8.9 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.7 s
3.9 s
Engine
electric cc
1991 cc
Choosing between the BMW i4 and the Mercedes-AMG A-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW i4 delivers 442 kW while the Mercedes-AMG A-Class produces 310 kW. On fuel, the i4 returns 17.1 kWh/100km l/100km while the A-Class uses 8.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 750 000 for the i4 and R1 837 590 for the A-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
442 kW
310 kW
Torque
795 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
3.7 s
3.9 s
Top Speed
225 Km/h
270 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
17.1 kWh/100km l/100km
8.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
83.9 kWh l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
—
210 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4783 mm
4453 mm
Width
1852-2073 mm
1850-1992 mm
Height
1448 mm
1414 mm
Wheelbase
2856 mm
2729 mm
Ground Clearance
125 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2210 DIN / 2285 EU Kg
1605 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
470-1290 l
370-1210 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
520 l
450 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7 (opt 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
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator max 20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW i4
3 / 4 categories
Performance
i4
Fuel Economy
A-Class
Value
i4
Practicality
i4
Pros & Cons
BMW i4
More powerful engine (442 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 750 000)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (17.1 kWh/100km l/100km)
Mercedes-AMG A-Class
Better fuel economy (8.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (310 kW vs 442 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the i4 or A-Class?
The i4 uses 17.1 kWh/100km l/100km and the A-Class uses 8.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The A-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 i4 or A-Class?
The i4 produces 442 kW and 795 Nm of torque while the A-Class delivers 310 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The i4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the i4 and A-Class?
The i4 starts from R1 750 000 and the A-Class from R1 837 590. The i4 is cheaper by R87 590 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the i4 or A-Class?
The i4 has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the A-Class can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the i4 or the A-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.