BMW M5 (g90) (phev) 2024 vs Mercedes-AMG C-Class AMG C43 4matic (w206) 2023

Q: Which is more fuel efficient, the M5 or C-Class?

The M5 uses 1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km and the C-Class uses 9.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The M5 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 M5 or C-Class?

The M5 produces 535 kW and 1000 Nm of torque while the C-Class delivers 300 engine kW and 500 Nm of torque. The M5 is the more powerful option.

Q: What is the price difference between the M5 and C-Class?

The M5 starts from R2 782 000 and the C-Class from R1 714 255. The C-Class is cheaper by R1 067 745 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.

Q: Which has a higher towing capacity, the M5 or C-Class?

The M5 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the C-Class can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.

BMW M5

(g90) (phev)

From R2 782 000

★ Our Pick

View Full Specs →

Mercedes-AMG C-Class

AMG C43 4matic (w206)

From R1 714 255

View Full Specs →

At a Glance

Power

535 kW

300 engine kW

Torque

1000 Nm

500 Nm

Fuel

1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km

9.1 l/100km

Towing

2000 Kg

1800 Kg

0-100 km/h

3.5 s

4.6 s

Engine

4395 cc

1991 cc

Choosing between the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-AMG C-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW M5 delivers 535 kW while the Mercedes-AMG C-Class produces 300 engine kW. On fuel, the M5 returns 1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km while the C-Class uses 9.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 782 000 for the M5 and R1 714 255 for the C-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

535 kW

300 engine kW

Torque

1000 Nm

500 Nm

0-100 kph

3.5 s

4.6 s

Top Speed

305 Km/h

250 Km/h

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine Capacity

4395 cc

1991 cc

Engine Layout

inline

Cylinders

Fuel Type

petrol-electric hybrid

Forced Induction Device

turbocharger

Transmission

automatic

Number of Gears

Drive Wheels

all

Full Time 4x4

✓ Standard

Fuel Economy

Fuel Consumption Average

1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km

9.1 l/100km

Fuel Tank Capacity

60 litre + 18.6 kWh l

66 l

CO2 Emissions

39 when hybrid battery charged / 68 combg/km

201 g/km

Dimensions

Length

5096 mm

4791 mm

Width

1970-2156 mm

1824-2033 mm

Height

1510 mm

1450 mm

Wheelbase

3006 mm

2865 mm

Ground Clearance

115 mm

—

Kerb Weight

2435 DIN / 2510 EU Kg

1840 Kg

Doors

Seats

Load Volume

466 l

455 l

Towing & Payload

Towing Capacity

2000 Kg

1800 Kg

Load Capacity

505 lkg

510 lkg

Safety

ABS

✓ Standard

EBD

✓ Standard

Brake Assist

✓ Standard

Stability Control

✓ Standard

Traction Control

✓ Standard

Airbag Count

6 (opt 8)

Driver Airbag

✓ Standard

Passenger Airbag

✓ Standard

Side Airbags Front

✓ Standard

Curtain Airbags

✓ Standard

Features & Tech

Air Conditioning

✓ Standard

Climate Control

✓ Standard

Cruise Control

✓ Standard

Optional

Adaptive Cruise Control

✓ Standard

Optional

Bluetooth

✓ Standard

Satellite Navigation

✓ Standard

Optional

Reversing Camera

✓ Standard

Optional

Park Distance Rear

✓ Standard

Park Distance Front

✓ Standard

Sunroof

—

Optional

Heated Seats

✓ Standard

Optional

Keyless Entry

✓ Standard

Tow Bar

Optional

—

Alloy Wheels

✓ Standard

Warranty & Service

Warranty Period

2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery

Warranty Distance

unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batterkm

unlimited Km

Service Intervals

service interval indicator

The Verdict

Which Wins?

Overall Winner

BMW M5

3 / 4 categories

Performance

Fuel Economy

Value

C-Class

Practicality

Pros & Cons

BMW M5

+More powerful engine (535 kW)

+Better fuel economy (1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km)

+Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)

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

-Higher starting price

Mercedes-AMG C-Class

+Lower starting price (R1 714 255)

-Higher fuel consumption (9.1 l/100km)

-Less power than rival (300 engine kW vs 535 kW)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more fuel efficient, the M5 or C-Class?

The M5 uses 1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km and the C-Class uses 9.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The M5 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 M5 or C-Class?

The M5 produces 535 kW and 1000 Nm of torque while the C-Class delivers 300 engine kW and 500 Nm of torque. The M5 is the more powerful option.

What is the price difference between the M5 and C-Class?

The M5 starts from R2 782 000 and the C-Class from R1 714 255. The C-Class is cheaper by R1 067 745 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.

Which has a higher towing capacity, the M5 or C-Class?

The M5 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the C-Class can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.

Should I buy the M5 or the C-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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