VS
At a Glance
Power
535 kW
590 kW
Torque
1000 Nm
1430 Nm
Fuel
1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km
4.6 when hybrid battery charged / 11.8 wL/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
-
0-100 km/h
3.5 s
3.3 s
Engine
4395 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-AMG S-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW M5 delivers 535 kW while the Mercedes-AMG S-Class produces 590 kW. On fuel, the M5 returns 1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km while the S-Class uses 4.6 when hybrid battery charged / 11.8 wL/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 782 000 for the M5 and R4 609 291 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 M5(g90) (phev) 2024 - From R2 782 000
Mercedes-AMG S-ClassAMG S63 E 2024 - From R4 609 291
Performance
Power Output
535 kW
590 kW
Torque
1000 Nm
1430 Nm
0-100 kph
3.5 s
3.3 s
Top Speed
305 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km
4.6 when hybrid battery charged / 11.8 wL/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.6 kWh l
76 l
CO2 Emissions
39 when hybrid battery charged / 68 combg/km
104-114 when hybrid battery charged / 26g/km
Dimensions
Length
5096 mm
5336 mm
Width
1970-2156 mm
1954-2130 mm
Height
1510 mm
1515 mm
Wheelbase
3006 mm
3216 mm
Ground Clearance
115 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2435 DIN / 2510 EU Kg
2520 DIN / 2595 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5 (opt 4)
Load Volume
466 l
305 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
-
Load Capacity
505 lkg
550 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batterkm
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Class
Fuel Economy
M5
Value
M5
Practicality
S-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW M5
Better fuel economy (1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 782 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Less power than rival (535 kW vs 590 kW)
Mercedes-AMG S-Class
More powerful engine (590 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (4.6 when hybrid battery charged / 11.8 wL/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M5 or S-Class?
The M5 uses 1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km and the S-Class uses 4.6 when hybrid battery charged / 11.8 wL/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 S-Class?
The M5 produces 535 kW and 1000 Nm of torque while the S-Class delivers 590 kW and 1430 Nm of torque. The S-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M5 and S-Class?
The M5 starts from R2 782 000 and the S-Class from R4 609 291. The M5 is cheaper by R1 827 291 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the M5 or S-Class?
The M5 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the S-Class can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the M5 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