BMW I5 Edrive40 M Sport 2024 vs Mercedes-AMG C-Class AMG C 63 S E 2024

Q: Which is more fuel efficient, the I5 or C-Class?

The I5 uses 15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km and the C-Class uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 wL/100km on the combined cycle. The C-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.

Q: Which has more power, the I5 or C-Class?

The I5 produces 250 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the C-Class delivers 500 kW and 1020 Nm of torque. The C-Class is the more powerful option.

Q: What is the price difference between the I5 and C-Class?

The I5 starts from R1 812 000 and the C-Class from R2 417 692. The I5 is cheaper by R605 692 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.

Q: Which has a higher towing capacity, the I5 or C-Class?

The I5 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the C-Class can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.

BMW I5

Edrive40 M Sport

From R1 812 000

View Full Specs →

Mercedes-AMG C-Class

AMG C 63 S E

From R2 417 692

★ Our Pick

View Full Specs →

At a Glance

Power

250 kW

500 kW

Torque

430 Nm

1020 Nm

Fuel

15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km

2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 wL/100km

Towing

1500 Kg

1800 Kg

0-100 km/h

6.0 s

3.4 s

Engine

electric cc

1991 cc

Choosing between the BMW I5 and the Mercedes-AMG C-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW I5 delivers 250 kW while the Mercedes-AMG C-Class produces 500 kW. On fuel, the I5 returns 15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km while the C-Class uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 wL/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 812 000 for the I5 and R2 417 692 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.

Performance

Power Output

250 kW

500 kW

Torque

430 Nm

1020 Nm

0-100 kph

6.0 s

3.4 s

Top Speed

193 Km/h

250 Km/h

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine Capacity

electric cc

1991 cc

Engine Layout

—

inline

Cylinders

—

Fuel Type

electric

petrol-electric hybrid

Forced Induction Device

—

turbocharger

Transmission

automatic

Number of Gears

Drive Wheels

rear

all

Full Time 4x4

—

✓ Standard

Fuel Economy

Fuel Consumption Average

15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km

2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 wL/100km

Fuel Tank Capacity

81.2 kWh l

60 l

CO2 Emissions

167 combined g/km

Dimensions

Length

5060 mm

4842 mm

Width

1900-2156 mm

1824-2165 mm

Height

1515 mm

1458 mm

Wheelbase

2995 mm

2865 mm

Ground Clearance

154 mm

—

Kerb Weight

2130 DIN / 2205 EU Kg

2090 DIN / 2165 EU Kg

Doors

Seats

Load Volume

490 l

280 l

Towing & Payload

Towing Capacity

1500 Kg

1800 Kg

Load Capacity

610 lkg

485 lkg

Safety

ABS

✓ Standard

EBD

✓ Standard

Brake Assist

✓ Standard

Stability Control

✓ Standard

Traction Control

✓ Standard

Airbag Count

6 (opt 8)

Driver Airbag

✓ Standard

Passenger Airbag

✓ Standard

Side Airbags Front

✓ Standard

Curtain Airbags

✓ Standard

Features & Tech

Air Conditioning

✓ Standard

Climate Control

✓ Standard

Cruise Control

Optional

Adaptive Cruise Control

Optional

Bluetooth

✓ Standard

Satellite Navigation

✓ Standard

Optional

Reversing Camera

Optional

Park Distance Rear

✓ Standard

Park Distance Front

✓ Standard

Sunroof

Optional

Heated Seats

✓ Standard

Optional

Keyless Entry

✓ Standard

Tow Bar

Optional

—

Alloy Wheels

✓ Standard

Warranty & Service

Warranty Period

2 vehicle / 8 battery

Warranty Distance

unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km

unlimited Km

Service Intervals

service interval indicator

The Verdict

Which Wins?

Overall Winner

Mercedes-AMG C-Class

3 / 4 categories

Performance

C-Class

Fuel Economy

C-Class

Value

Practicality

C-Class

Pros & Cons

BMW I5

+Lower starting price (R1 812 000)

-Less power than rival (250 kW vs 500 kW)

Mercedes-AMG C-Class

+More powerful engine (500 kW)

+Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)

+Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.4 ss)

-Higher starting price

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more fuel efficient, the I5 or C-Class?

The I5 uses 15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km and the C-Class uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 wL/100km on the combined cycle. The C-Class 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 I5 or C-Class?

The I5 produces 250 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the C-Class delivers 500 kW and 1020 Nm of torque. The C-Class is the more powerful option.

What is the price difference between the I5 and C-Class?

The I5 starts from R1 812 000 and the C-Class from R2 417 692. The I5 is cheaper by R605 692 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.

Which has a higher towing capacity, the I5 or C-Class?

The I5 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 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 I5 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.

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