VS
At a Glance
Power
230 kW
155kW@3400
Torque
450 Nm
540Nm@1600
Fuel
1.9 l/100km
11.2L/100km
Towing
2700 Kg
3500kg
0-100 km/h
4.8 s
9.1s
Engine
2998 cc
2987cc
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 230 kW while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class produces 155kW@3400. On fuel, the X5 returns 1.9 l/100km while the G-Class uses 11.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 930 000 for the X5 and R1 337 993 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 X5Xdrive50e Xline (g05) 2023 - From R1 930 000
Mercedes-Benz G-Class350 Bluetec 7g-Tronic 2013 - From R1 337 993
Performance
Power Output
230 kW
155kW@3400
Torque
450 Nm
540Nm@1600
0-100 kph
4.8 s
9.1s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
175km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
2987cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.9 l/100km
11.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
19.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
12L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
69 l
96L
CO2 Emissions
41 g/km
295g/km
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4662mm
Width
2004-2218 mm
1760-2007mm
Height
1755 mm
1951mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2850mm
Ground Clearance
214 mm
205mm
Kerb Weight
2420 DIN / 2495 EU Kg
2570kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
500-1720 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2700 Kg
3500kg
Load Capacity
780 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 vehicle / 8 battery
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
-
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
G-Class
Practicality
G-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (1.9 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Lower starting price (R1 337 993)
Higher towing capacity (3500kg)
Higher fuel consumption (11.2L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or G-Class?
The X5 uses 1.9 l/100km and the G-Class uses 11.2L/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 230 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the G-Class delivers 155kW@3400 and 540Nm@1600 of torque. The X5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X5 and G-Class?
The X5 starts from R1 930 000 and the G-Class from R1 337 993. The G-Class is cheaper by R592 007 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 2700 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.