VS
At a Glance
Power
330kW@8400
375 kW
Torque
420Nm@3900
750 Nm
Fuel
11.2L/100km
2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.L/100km
Towing
-
—
0-100 km/h
4.5s
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 330kW@8400 while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 375 kW. On fuel, the M3 returns 11.2L/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 194 963 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 M3Coupe Frozen Edition 2010 - From R1 194 963
Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS580 E 2024 - From R3 224 101
Performance
Power Output
330kW@8400
375 kW
Torque
420Nm@3900
750 Nm
0-100 kph
4.5s
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
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
6
9
Drive Wheels
REAR
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
11.2L/100km
2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
15.9L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.5L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
63L
67 l
CO2 Emissions
263g/km
16-23 when hybrid battery charged / 181-g/km
Dimensions
Length
4615mm
5289 mm
Width
1804-1976mm
1954-2109 mm
Height
1424mm
1503 mm
Wheelbase
2761mm
3216 mm
Ground Clearance
-
—
Kerb Weight
1600kg
2375 DIN / 2450 EU Kg
Doors
2
4
Seats
4
5 (opt 4)
Load Volume
—
350 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
—
Load Capacity
450kg
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
DRIVER
✓ 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 194 963)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.5ss)
Higher fuel consumption (11.2L/100km)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Better fuel economy (2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M3 or S-Class?
The M3 uses 11.2L/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 330kW@8400 and 420Nm@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 194 963 and the S-Class from R3 224 101. The M3 is cheaper by R2 029 138 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 0kg 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