BMW M3 Xdrive Competition (g80) 2024 vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class S580 E 2024

Q: Which is more fuel efficient, the M3 or S-Class?

The M3 uses 10.2 l/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.

Q: Which has more power, the M3 or S-Class?

The M3 produces 390 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the S-Class delivers 375 kW and 750 Nm of torque. The M3 is the more powerful option.

Q: What is the price difference between the M3 and S-Class?

The M3 starts from R2 213 002 and the S-Class from R3 224 101. The M3 is cheaper by R1 011 099 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.

Q: Which has a higher towing capacity, the M3 or S-Class?

The M3 has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the S-Class can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.

BMW M3

Xdrive Competition (g80)

From R2 213 002

View Full Specs →

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

S580 E

From R3 224 101

View Full Specs →

At a Glance

Power

390 kW

375 kW

Torque

650 Nm

750 Nm

Fuel

10.2 l/100km

2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.L/100km

Towing

—

0-100 km/h

3.5 s

4.9 s

Engine

2993 cc

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 390 kW while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 375 kW. On fuel, the M3 returns 10.2 l/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 R2 213 002 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.

Performance

Power Output

390 kW

375 kW

Torque

650 Nm

750 Nm

0-100 kph

3.5 s

4.9 s

Top Speed

290 Km/h

250 Km/h

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine Capacity

2993 cc

2999 cc

Engine Layout

inline

Cylinders

Fuel Type

petrol

petrol-electric hybrid

Forced Induction Device

turbocharger

Transmission

automatic

Number of Gears

Drive Wheels

all

Full Time 4x4

✓ Standard

Fuel Economy

Fuel Consumption Average

10.2 l/100km

2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.L/100km

Fuel Tank Capacity

59 l

67 l

CO2 Emissions

232 g/km

16-23 when hybrid battery charged / 181-g/km

Dimensions

Length

4794 mm

5289 mm

Width

1903-2068 mm

1954-2109 mm

Height

1433 mm

1503 mm

Wheelbase

2857 mm

3216 mm

Ground Clearance

120 mm

—

Kerb Weight

1770 DIN / 1855 EU Kg

2375 DIN / 2450 EU Kg

Doors

Seats

5 (opt 4)

Load Volume

480 l

350 l

Towing & Payload

Towing Capacity

—

Load Capacity

480 lkg

620 lkg

Safety

ABS

✓ Standard

EBD

✓ Standard

Brake Assist

✓ Standard

Stability Control

✓ Standard

Traction Control

✓ Standard

Airbag Count

7 (opt 9 / opt 11)

Driver Airbag

✓ Standard

Passenger Airbag

✓ Standard

Side Airbags Front

✓ Standard

Curtain Airbags

✓ Standard

Features & Tech

Air Conditioning

✓ Standard

Climate Control

✓ Standard

Cruise Control

✓ Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control

✓ Standard

Bluetooth

✓ Standard

Satellite Navigation

✓ Standard

Reversing Camera

✓ Standard

Park Distance Rear

✓ Standard

Park Distance Front

✓ Standard

Sunroof

Optional

✓ Standard

Heated Seats

✓ Standard

Keyless Entry

✓ Standard

Tow Bar

—

Optional

Alloy Wheels

✓ Standard

Warranty & Service

Warranty Period

Warranty Distance

unlimited Km

Service Intervals

service interval indicator / 20000 km

service interval indicator (max 20000)

The Verdict

Which Wins?

Overall Winner

Tie

2 / 4 categories

Performance

Fuel Economy

S-Class

Value

Practicality

S-Class

Pros & Cons

BMW M3

+More powerful engine (390 kW)

+Lower starting price (R2 213 002)

+Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.5 ss)

-Higher fuel consumption (10.2 l/100km)

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

+Better fuel economy (2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.0-9.L/100km)

-Less power than rival (375 kW vs 390 kW)

-Higher starting price

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more fuel efficient, the M3 or S-Class?

The M3 uses 10.2 l/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 390 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the S-Class delivers 375 kW and 750 Nm of torque. The M3 is the more powerful option.

What is the price difference between the M3 and S-Class?

The M3 starts from R2 213 002 and the S-Class from R3 224 101. The M3 is cheaper by R1 011 099 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 0 Kg 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.

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