VS
At a Glance
Power
400 kW
450kW@4750
Torque
745 Nm
1000Nm@2000
Fuel
18.4-19.6 kWh/100km l/100km
14.8
Towing
2000 Kg
2035
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
4.4
Engine
electric cc
5980
Choosing between the BMW I7 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW I7 delivers 400 kW while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 450kW@4750. On fuel, the I7 returns 18.4-19.6 kWh/100km l/100km while the S-Class uses 14.8 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 953 000 for the I7 and R2 167 100 for the S-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
400 kW
450kW@4750
Torque
745 Nm
1000Nm@2000
0-100 kph
4.7 s
4.4
Top Speed
240 Km/h
250
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
5980
Engine Layout
—
LONGITUDINAL V 12
Cylinders
—
12
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
5
Drive Wheels
all
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
18.4-19.6 kWh/100km l/100km
14.8
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
23.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
10
Fuel Tank Capacity
102 kWh l
90
CO2 Emissions
—
355
Dimensions
Length
5391 mm
5252
Width
1950-2192 mm
1940-2115
Height
1544 mm
1478
Wheelbase
3215 mm
3165
Ground Clearance
136 mm
150
Kerb Weight
2640 DIN / 2715 EU Kg
2270
Doors
4
4
Seats
5 (opt 4)
5
Load Volume
500 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2035
Load Capacity
610 l
560
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
10
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
SPEEDTRONIC
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW I7
2 / 4 categories
Performance
I7
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
S-Class
Practicality
I7
Pros & Cons
BMW I7
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Lower starting price (R2 167 100)
Higher towing capacity (2035)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.4s)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the I7 or S-Class?
The I7 uses 18.4-19.6 kWh/100km l/100km and the S-Class uses 14.8 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 I7 or S-Class?
The I7 produces 400 kW and 745 Nm of torque while the S-Class delivers 450kW@4750 and 1000Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the I7 and S-Class?
The I7 starts from R2 953 000 and the S-Class from R2 167 100. The S-Class is cheaper by R785 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the I7 or S-Class?
The I7 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the S-Class can tow 2035. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the I7 or the S-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.