VS
At a Glance
Power
408kW@6000
270 engine kW
Torque
680Nm@1500
750 Nm
Fuel
13.9L/100km
9.4 l/100km
Towing
3000kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7s
5.8 s
Engine
4395cc
2989 cc
Choosing between the BMW X6 and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X6 delivers 408kW@6000 while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the X6 returns 13.9L/100km while the G-Class uses 9.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 443 533 for the X6 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 X6M Steptronic 2012 - From R1 443 533
Mercedes-Benz G-ClassG450d 2025 - From R3 561 203
Performance
Power Output
408kW@6000
270 engine kW
Torque
680Nm@1500
750 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7s
5.8 s
Top Speed
250km/h
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395cc
2989 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
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
13.9L/100km
9.4 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
19.3L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
10.8L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
85L
100 l
CO2 Emissions
325g/km
246 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4876mm
4825 mm
Width
1983-2195mm
1913-2187 mm
Height
1684mm
1973 mm
Wheelbase
2933mm
2890 mm
Ground Clearance
205mm
—
Kerb Weight
2245kg
2480 DIN / 2555 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
—
640-2010 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1450kg
645 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2
Warranty Distance
-
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X6
Fuel Economy
G-Class
Value
X6
Practicality
G-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW X6
Lower starting price (R1 443 533)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9L/100km)
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Better fuel economy (9.4 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X6 or G-Class?
The X6 uses 13.9L/100km and the G-Class uses 9.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The G-Class 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 X6 or G-Class?
The X6 produces 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque while the G-Class delivers 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque. The X6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X6 and G-Class?
The X6 starts from R1 443 533 and the G-Class from R3 561 203. The X6 is cheaper by R2 117 670 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X6 or G-Class?
The X6 has a braked towing capacity of 3000kg 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 X6 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.