VS
At a Glance
Power
408kW@6000
257kW@6800
Torque
680Nm@1500
440Nm@3500
Fuel
13.9
13.8
Towing
3000
3500
0-100 km/h
4.7
7.5
Engine
4395
4163
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X5 delivers 408kW@6000 while the VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG produces 257kW@6800. On fuel, the X5 returns 13.9 while the TOUAREG uses 13.8 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 398 033 for the X5 and R706 855 for the TOUAREG. 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
257kW@6800
Torque
680Nm@1500
440Nm@3500
0-100 kph
4.7
7.5
Top Speed
250
234
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395
4163
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.9
13.8
Fuel Consumption Urban
20.1
19.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
11
10.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
85
100
CO2 Emissions
325
329
Dimensions
Length
4851
4754
Width
1933-2197
1928
Height
1764
1726
Wheelbase
2933
2855
Ground Clearance
212
237
Kerb Weight
2380
2257
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000
3500
Load Capacity
1750
1570
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
36
Warranty Distance
—
120000
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
TOUAREG
Value
TOUAREG
Practicality
TOUAREG
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7s)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
Better fuel economy (13.8)
Lower starting price (R706 855)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or TOUAREG?
The X5 uses 13.9 and the TOUAREG uses 13.8 on the combined cycle. The TOUAREG is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X5 or TOUAREG?
The X5 produces 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque while the TOUAREG delivers 257kW@6800 and 440Nm@3500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X5 and TOUAREG?
The X5 starts from R1 398 033 and the TOUAREG from R706 855. The TOUAREG is cheaper by R691 178 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or TOUAREG?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of 3000 and the TOUAREG can tow 3500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 or the TOUAREG?
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.