VS
At a Glance
Power
309kW@8300
375 kW
Torque
400Nm@3900
750 Nm
Fuel
12.3L/100km
2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.L/100km
Towing
1700kg
—
0-100 km/h
5.1s
4.9 s
Engine
3999cc
2999 cc
Choosing between the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW M3 delivers 309kW@8300 while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 375 kW. On fuel, the M3 returns 12.3L/100km while the S-Class uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 134 650 for the M3 and R3 224 101 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.
Specification
BMW M3Convertible Dynamic M-DCT 2010 - From R1 134 650
Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS580 E 2024 - From R3 224 101
Performance
Power Output
309kW@8300
375 kW
Torque
400Nm@3900
750 Nm
0-100 kph
5.1s
4.9 s
Top Speed
250km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3999cc
2999 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
7
9
Drive Wheels
REAR
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.3L/100km
2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
17.3L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
9.4L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
63L
67 l
CO2 Emissions
295g/km
16-23 when hybrid battery charged / 181-g/km
Dimensions
Length
4615mm
5289 mm
Width
1804-1804mm
1954-2109 mm
Height
1392mm
1503 mm
Wheelbase
2761mm
3216 mm
Ground Clearance
143mm
—
Kerb Weight
1830kg
2375 DIN / 2450 EU Kg
Doors
2
4
Seats
4
5 (opt 4)
Load Volume
—
350 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1700kg
—
Load Capacity
350kg
620 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7 (opt 9 / opt 11)
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
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2
Warranty Distance
-
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator (max 20000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Class
Fuel Economy
S-Class
Value
M3
Practicality
S-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW M3
Lower starting price (R1 134 650)
Higher fuel consumption (12.3L/100km)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Better fuel economy (2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.L/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M3 or S-Class?
The M3 uses 12.3L/100km and the S-Class uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.L/100km on the combined cycle. The S-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 M3 or S-Class?
The M3 produces 309kW@8300 and 400Nm@3900 of torque while the S-Class delivers 375 kW and 750 Nm of torque. The S-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M3 and S-Class?
The M3 starts from R1 134 650 and the S-Class from R3 224 101. The M3 is cheaper by R2 089 451 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the M3 or S-Class?
The M3 has a braked towing capacity of 1700kg and the S-Class can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the M3 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.
Also Consider