VS
At a Glance
Power
150 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
365 Nm
250Nm@1900
Fuel
26.2-29.4 kWh/100km l/100km
—
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
12.1 s
18.5
Engine
electric cc
2461
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz EQV and the Volkswagen Caravelle is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz EQV delivers 150 kW while the Volkswagen Caravelle produces 75kW@3500. On fuel, the EQV returns 26.2-29.4 kWh/100km l/100km while the Caravelle uses 0 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 300 000 for the EQV and R327 940 for the Caravelle. 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
150 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
365 Nm
250Nm@1900
0-100 kph
12.1 s
18.5
Top Speed
158 Km/h
165
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2461
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE INLINE 5
Cylinders
—
5
Fuel Type
electric
DIESEL
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
—
5
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
26.2-29.4 kWh/100km l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 kWh l
80
CO2 Emissions
—
—
Dimensions
Length
5140 mm
5189
Width
1928-2244 mm
1840
Height
1901 mm
1940
Wheelbase
3200 mm
3320
Ground Clearance
—
180
Kerb Weight
2748 Kg
1961
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear liftgate
4
Seats
7
8
Load Volume
610-1030-4630-5010 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
677 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
1
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
Optional
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Caravelle
2 / 4 categories
Performance
EQV
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Caravelle
Practicality
Caravelle
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz EQV
Quicker 0-100 km/h (12.1 ss)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Caravelle
Lower starting price (R327 940)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the EQV or Caravelle?
The EQV uses 26.2-29.4 kWh/100km l/100km and the Caravelle uses 0 on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the EQV or Caravelle?
The EQV produces 150 kW and 365 Nm of torque while the Caravelle delivers 75kW@3500 and 250Nm@1900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the EQV and Caravelle?
The EQV starts from R2 300 000 and the Caravelle from R327 940. The Caravelle is cheaper by R1 972 060 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the EQV or Caravelle?
The EQV has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Caravelle can tow 0. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the EQV or the Caravelle?
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.