VS
At a Glance
Power
390 kW
258kW@3500
Torque
750 Nm
850Nm@2000
Fuel
11.9 l/100km
12.6
Towing
3500 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
4.3 s
6.7
Engine
4395 cc
4921
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 390 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG produces 258kW@3500. On fuel, the X5 returns 11.9 l/100km while the TOUAREG uses 12.6 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 234 215 for the X5 and R977 500 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
390 kW
258kW@3500
Torque
750 Nm
850Nm@2000
0-100 kph
4.3 s
6.7
Top Speed
250 Km/h
235
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
4921
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 10
Cylinders
8
10
Fuel Type
petrol
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
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
11.9 l/100km
12.6
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
17.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.6
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
100
CO2 Emissions
269 g/km
333
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4754
Width
2004-2218 mm
1977
Height
1765 mm
1703
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2855
Ground Clearance
214 mm
300
Kerb Weight
2345 DIN / 2420 EU Kg
2602
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
650-1870 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
720 l
500
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000
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
TOUAREG
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (11.9 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.3 ss)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
Lower starting price (R977 500)
Higher fuel consumption (12.6)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or TOUAREG?
The X5 uses 11.9 l/100km and the TOUAREG uses 12.6 on the combined cycle. The X5 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 390 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the TOUAREG delivers 258kW@3500 and 850Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X5 and TOUAREG?
The X5 starts from R2 234 215 and the TOUAREG from R977 500. The TOUAREG is cheaper by R1 256 715 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 3500 Kg 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.