VS
At a Glance
Power
460 kW
258kW@6000
Torque
750 Nm
530Nm@2800
Fuel
12.5 l/100km
14.9L/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500kg
0-100 km/h
3.9 s
6.1s
Engine
4395 cc
5461cc
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X5 delivers 460 kW while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class produces 258kW@6000. On fuel, the X5 returns 12.5 l/100km while the G-Class uses 14.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 301 901 for the X5 and R1 494 000 for the G-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 X5M Competition 2023 - From R3 301 901
Mercedes-Benz G-Class500 7g-Tronic 2012 - From R1 494 000
Performance
Power Output
460 kW
258kW@6000
Torque
750 Nm
530Nm@2800
0-100 kph
3.9 s
6.1s
Top Speed
290 Km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
5461cc
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.5 l/100km
14.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
96L
CO2 Emissions
285 g/km
348g/km
Dimensions
Length
4948 mm
4662mm
Width
2015-2218 mm
1760-2007mm
Height
1762 mm
1951mm
Wheelbase
2972 mm
2850mm
Ground Clearance
212 mm
205mm
Kerb Weight
2400 DIN / 2475 EU Kg
2530kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
650-1870 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500kg
Load Capacity
640 lkg
2250kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
2
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
-
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
G-Class
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (12.5 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.9 ss)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Lower starting price (R1 494 000)
Higher fuel consumption (14.9L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or G-Class?
The X5 uses 12.5 l/100km and the G-Class uses 14.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The X5 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 X5 or G-Class?
The X5 produces 460 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the G-Class delivers 258kW@6000 and 530Nm@2800 of torque. The X5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X5 and G-Class?
The X5 starts from R3 301 901 and the G-Class from R1 494 000. The G-Class is cheaper by R1 807 901 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or G-Class?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the G-Class can tow 3500kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 or the G-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.