VS
At a Glance
Power
535 kW
225kW@5600
Torque
1000 Nm
460Nm@2700
Fuel
1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km
-
Towing
2000 Kg
1875kg
0-100 km/h
3.5 s
-
Engine
4395 cc
4966cc
Choosing between the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW M5 delivers 535 kW while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 225kW@5600. On fuel, the M5 returns 1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km while the S-Class uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 782 000 for the M5 and R3 600 000 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-Benz S-Class500l B6/7 Guard 7g-Tronic 2003 - From R3 600 000
Performance
Power Output
535 kW
225kW@5600
Torque
1000 Nm
460Nm@2700
0-100 kph
3.5 s
-
Top Speed
305 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
4966cc
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
all
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.6 kWh l
88L
CO2 Emissions
39 when hybrid battery charged / 68 combg/km
-
Dimensions
Length
5096 mm
5163mm
Width
1970-2156 mm
1855mm
Height
1510 mm
1444mm
Wheelbase
3006 mm
3085mm
Ground Clearance
115 mm
150mm
Kerb Weight
2435 DIN / 2510 EU Kg
1895kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
466 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
1875kg
Load Capacity
505 lkg
500kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
ALL
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batterkm
-
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW M5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
M5
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
M5
Practicality
M5
Pros & Cons
BMW M5
Lower starting price (R2 782 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 wL/100km)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Well-rounded specification
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 0L/100km on the combined cycle. 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 225kW@5600 and 460Nm@2700 of torque. The M5 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 R3 600 000. The M5 is cheaper by R818 000 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 1875kg. 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