VS
At a Glance
Power
280 kW
230kW@3750
Torque
520 Nm
750Nm@2000
Fuel
9.3 l/100km
-
Towing
3500 Kg
3500kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
7.8s
Engine
2998 cc
4921cc
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Volkswagen Touareg is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X5 delivers 280 kW while the Volkswagen Touareg produces 230kW@3750. On fuel, the X5 returns 9.3 l/100km while the Touareg uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 915 476 for the X5 and R723 000 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
280 kW
230kW@3750
Torque
520 Nm
750Nm@2000
0-100 kph
5.4 s
7.8s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
225km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
4921cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 10
Cylinders
6
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
9.3 l/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
16.6L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.8L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
100L
CO2 Emissions
211 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4754mm
Width
2004-2218 mm
1928mm
Height
1765 mm
1703mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2855mm
Ground Clearance
214 mm
233mm
Kerb Weight
2165 DIN / 2240 EU Kg
2536kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
650-1870 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500kg
Load Capacity
720 lkg
1520kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ 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
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
Optional
ELECTRIC
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
120000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Touareg
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Touareg
Lower starting price (R723 000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or Touareg?
The X5 uses 9.3 l/100km and the Touareg uses 0L/100km on the combined cycle. 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 Touareg?
The X5 produces 280 kW and 520 Nm of torque while the Touareg delivers 230kW@3750 and 750Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X5 and Touareg?
The X5 starts from R1 915 476 and the Touareg from R723 000. The Touareg is cheaper by R1 192 476 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 3500kg. 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.