VS
At a Glance
Power
535 kW
180kW@6600
Torque
1000 Nm
297Nm@4200
Fuel
2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 10.9 wL/100km
14.88L/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
1800kg
0-100 km/h
3.6 s
8.1s
Engine
4395 cc
3000cc
Choosing between the BMW M5 and the Subaru Outback is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW M5 delivers 535 kW while the Subaru Outback produces 180kW@6600. On fuel, the M5 returns 2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 10.9 wL/100km while the Outback uses 14.88L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 812 000 for the M5 and R384 000 for the Outback. 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
180kW@6600
Torque
1000 Nm
297Nm@4200
0-100 kph
3.6 s
8.1s
Top Speed
305 Km/h
227km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
3000cc
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 6
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 10.9 wL/100km
14.88L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
18.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.4L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.6 kWh l
64L
CO2 Emissions
46 when hybrid battery charged / 72 combg/km
-
Dimensions
Length
5096 mm
4730mm
Width
1970-2156 mm
1770mm
Height
1516 mm
1545mm
Wheelbase
3006 mm
2670mm
Ground Clearance
118 mm
202mm
Kerb Weight
2475 DIN / 2550 EU Kg
1585kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
500-1630 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
1800kg
Load Capacity
575 lkg
1649kg
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
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batterkm
100000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW M5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
M5
Fuel Economy
M5
Value
Outback
Practicality
M5
Pros & Cons
BMW M5
Better fuel economy (2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 10.9 wL/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Subaru Outback
Lower starting price (R384 000)
Higher fuel consumption (14.88L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M5 or Outback?
The M5 uses 2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 10.9 wL/100km and the Outback uses 14.88L/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 Outback?
The M5 produces 535 kW and 1000 Nm of torque while the Outback delivers 180kW@6600 and 297Nm@4200 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the M5 and Outback?
The M5 starts from R2 812 000 and the Outback from R384 000. The Outback is cheaper by R2 428 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the M5 or Outback?
The M5 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the Outback can tow 1800kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the M5 or the Outback?
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.