VS
At a Glance
Power
408kW@6000
118 kW
Torque
680Nm@1500
253 Nm
Fuel
13.9L/100km
6.2 l/100km
Towing
3000kg
1100 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7s
8.9 s
Engine
4395cc
1482 cc
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the KIA Seltos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X5 delivers 408kW@6000 while the KIA Seltos produces 118 kW. On fuel, the X5 returns 13.9L/100km while the Seltos uses 6.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 398 033 for the X5 and R626 995 for the Seltos. 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
408kW@6000
118 kW
Torque
680Nm@1500
253 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7s
8.9 s
Top Speed
250km/h
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395cc
1482 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
ALL
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.9L/100km
6.2 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
20.1L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
11L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
85L
50 l
CO2 Emissions
325g/km
141 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4851mm
4365 mm
Width
1933-2197mm
1800 mm
Height
1764mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2933mm
2610 mm
Ground Clearance
212mm
190 mm
Kerb Weight
2380kg
1364 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
433 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000kg
1100 Kg
Load Capacity
1750kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
8
6
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
WITH BRAKE FUNCTION
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
5
Warranty Distance
-
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
4yr
Service Plan Distance
—
60000km
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Seltos
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Seltos
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
Seltos
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Higher towing capacity (3000kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9L/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
KIA Seltos
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R626 995)
Factory service plan included
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or Seltos?
The X5 uses 13.9L/100km and the Seltos uses 6.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Seltos 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 Seltos?
The X5 produces 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque while the Seltos delivers 118 kW and 253 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X5 and Seltos?
The X5 starts from R1 398 033 and the Seltos from R626 995. The Seltos is cheaper by R771 038 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or Seltos?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of 3000kg and the Seltos can tow 1100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 or the Seltos?
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.