VS
At a Glance
Power
210 kW
258kW@6000
Torque
650 Nm
530Nm@2800
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
14.9L/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500kg
0-100 km/h
6.1 s
6.1s
Engine
2993 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 210 kW while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class produces 258kW@6000. On fuel, the X5 returns 7.8 l/100km while the G-Class uses 14.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 874 637 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 X5Xdrive30d M Sport (g05) 2023 - From R1 874 637
Mercedes-Benz G-Class500 7g-Tronic 2012 - From R1 494 000
Performance
Power Output
210 kW
258kW@6000
Torque
650 Nm
530Nm@2800
0-100 kph
6.1 s
6.1s
Top Speed
233 Km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993 cc
5461cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
diesel
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
7.8 l/100km
14.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
96L
CO2 Emissions
206 g/km
348g/km
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4662mm
Width
2004-2218 mm
1760-2007mm
Height
1765 mm
1951mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2850mm
Ground Clearance
214 mm
205mm
Kerb Weight
2220 DIN / 2295 EU Kg
2530kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 7)
5
Load Volume
650-1870 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500kg
Load Capacity
730 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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Tow Bar
✓ 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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
G-Class
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
G-Class
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
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 7.8 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 210 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the G-Class delivers 258kW@6000 and 530Nm@2800 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 874 637 and the G-Class from R1 494 000. The G-Class is cheaper by R380 637 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.