VS
At a Glance
Power
442 kW
300 engine kW
Torque
820 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km
9.1 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
4.6 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 442 kW while the Mercedes-AMG C-Class produces 300 engine kW. On fuel, the I5 returns 18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km while the C-Class uses 9.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 080 000 for the I5 and R1 714 255 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.
Specification
BMW I5M60 2023 - From R2 080 000
Mercedes-AMG C-ClassAMG C43 4matic (w206) 2023 - From R1 714 255
Performance
Power Output
442 kW
300 engine kW
Torque
820 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
4.6 s
Top Speed
230 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km
9.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
81.2 kWh l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
-
201 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5060 mm
4791 mm
Width
1900-2156 mm
1824-2033 mm
Height
1505 mm
1450 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
136 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2305 DIN / 2380 EU Kg
1840 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
490 l
455 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
590 lkg
510 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6 (opt 8)
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
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
I5
Fuel Economy
C-Class
Value
C-Class
Practicality
I5
Pros & Cons
BMW I5
More powerful engine (442 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-AMG C-Class
Lower starting price (R1 714 255)
Less power than rival (300 engine kW vs 442 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the I5 or C-Class?
The I5 uses 18.2-20.6 kWh/100km l/100km and the C-Class uses 9.1 l/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 442 kW and 820 Nm of torque while the C-Class delivers 300 engine kW and 500 Nm of torque. The I5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the I5 and C-Class?
The I5 starts from R2 080 000 and the C-Class from R1 714 255. The C-Class is cheaper by R365 745 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 2000 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.
Also Consider