VS
At a Glance
Power
210 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
650 Nm
750 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
9.4 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.1 s
5.8 s
Engine
2993 cc
2989 cc
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 210 kW while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the X5 returns 7.8 l/100km while the G-Class uses 9.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 814 637 for the X5 and R3 561 203 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 X5Xdrive 30d Xline (g05) 2023 - From R1 814 637
Mercedes-Benz G-ClassG450d 2025 - From R3 561 203
Performance
Power Output
210 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
650 Nm
750 Nm
0-100 kph
6.1 s
5.8 s
Top Speed
233 Km/h
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993 cc
2989 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
9.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
100 l
CO2 Emissions
206 g/km
246 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4825 mm
Width
2004-2218 mm
1913-2187 mm
Height
1765 mm
1973 mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2890 mm
Ground Clearance
214 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2220 DIN / 2295 EU Kg
2480 DIN / 2555 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 7)
5
Load Volume
650-1870 l
640-2010 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
730 lkg
645 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
G-Class
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
X5
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 814 637)
Less power than rival (210 kW vs 270 engine kW)
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
More powerful engine (270 engine kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or G-Class?
The X5 uses 7.8 l/100km and the G-Class uses 9.4 l/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 210 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the G-Class delivers 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque. The G-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X5 and G-Class?
The X5 starts from R1 814 637 and the G-Class from R3 561 203. The X5 is cheaper by R1 746 566 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 3500 Kg. 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.