VS
At a Glance
Power
400 kW
265 kW
Torque
765 Nm
800 Nm
Fuel
17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km
20.0-22.8 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.6 s
6.0 s
Engine
electric cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BMW iX and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW iX delivers 400 kW while the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV produces 265 kW. On fuel, the iX returns 17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km while the EQS SUV uses 20.0-22.8 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 689 000 for the iX and R2 735 851 for the EQS SUV. 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
265 kW
Torque
765 Nm
800 Nm
0-100 kph
4.6 s
6.0 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
electric cc
Fuel Type
electric
electric
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km
20.0-22.8 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
108.0 kWh l
118 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
—
—
Dimensions
Length
4965 mm
5125 mm
Width
1970-2230 mm
1959-2157 mm
Height
1695 mm
1718 mm
Wheelbase
3000 mm
3210 mm
Ground Clearance
202 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2505 DIN / 2580 EU Kg
2730 DIN / 2805 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5 (opt 7)
Load Volume
500-1750 l
645-2100 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
640 l
570 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
unlimited vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW iX
2 / 4 categories
Performance
iX
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
iX
Practicality
EQS SUV
Pros & Cons
BMW iX
More powerful engine (400 kW)
Lower starting price (R2 689 000)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (265 kW vs 400 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the iX or EQS SUV?
The iX uses 17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km and the EQS SUV uses 20.0-22.8 kWh/100km 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 iX or EQS SUV?
The iX produces 400 kW and 765 Nm of torque while the EQS SUV delivers 265 kW and 800 Nm of torque. The iX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the iX and EQS SUV?
The iX starts from R2 689 000 and the EQS SUV from R2 735 851. The iX is cheaper by R46 851 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the iX or EQS SUV?
The iX has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the EQS SUV can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the iX or the EQS SUV?
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.