VS
At a Glance
Power
250 kW
145 engine kW
Torque
430 Nm
440 Nm
Fuel
15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
2100 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.0 s
7.6 s
Engine
electric cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the BMW I5 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW I5 delivers 250 kW while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class produces 145 engine kW. On fuel, the I5 returns 15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km while the E-Class uses 5.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 812 000 for the I5 and R1 428 015 for the E-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
145 engine kW
Torque
430 Nm
440 Nm
0-100 kph
6.0 s
7.6 s
Top Speed
193 Km/h
238 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
9
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
81.2 kWh l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
—
129 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5060 mm
4949 mm
Width
1900-2156 mm
1880-2065 mm
Height
1515 mm
1468 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
2961 mm
Ground Clearance
154 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2130 DIN / 2205 EU Kg
1915 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
490 l
540 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
2100 Kg
Load Capacity
610 l
615 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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
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
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2 / 4 categories
Performance
I5
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
E-Class
Practicality
E-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW I5
More powerful engine (250 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.0 ss)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Lower starting price (R1 428 015)
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Less power than rival (145 engine kW vs 250 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the I5 or E-Class?
The I5 uses 15.9-18.9 kWh/100km l/100km and the E-Class uses 5.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the I5 or E-Class?
The I5 produces 250 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the E-Class delivers 145 engine kW and 440 Nm of torque. The I5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the I5 and E-Class?
The I5 starts from R1 812 000 and the E-Class from R1 428 015. The E-Class is cheaper by R383 985 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the I5 or E-Class?
The I5 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the E-Class can tow 2100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the I5 or the E-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.