VS
At a Glance
Power
400kW@5500
485 kW
Torque
760Nm@2000
850 Nm
Fuel
13.8L/100km
11.9 l/100km
Towing
3500kg
-
0-100 km/h
5.4s
3.3 s
Engine
5461cc
3996 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class delivers 400kW@5500 while the Porsche Cayenne produces 485 kW. On fuel, the G-Class returns 13.8L/100km while the Cayenne uses 11.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 047 000 for the G-Class and R4 606 000 for the Cayenne. 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
Mercedes-Benz G-Class63 AMG Speedshift 7g-Tronic 2012 - From R2 047 000
Porsche CayenneTurbo GT Coupe (e3 II) 2026 - From R4 606 000
Performance
Power Output
400kW@5500
485 kW
Torque
760Nm@2000
850 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4s
3.3 s
Top Speed
210km/h
305 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5461cc
3996 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.8L/100km
11.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
96L
90 l
CO2 Emissions
322g/km
271 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4769mm
4932 mm
Width
1855-2055mm
1995-2194 mm
Height
1938mm
1648 mm
Wheelbase
2850mm
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
-
173-223 mm
Kerb Weight
2550kg
2245 DIN / 2320 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
—
538-576-1486 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500kg
-
Load Capacity
2250kg
435 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
8 (opt 10)
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
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✗
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2
Warranty Distance
-
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Cayenne
Fuel Economy
Cayenne
Value
G-Class
Practicality
G-Class
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Lower starting price (R2 047 000)
Higher towing capacity (3500kg)
Higher fuel consumption (13.8L/100km)
Porsche Cayenne
Better fuel economy (11.9 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.3 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the G-Class or Cayenne?
The G-Class uses 13.8L/100km and the Cayenne uses 11.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Cayenne 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 G-Class or Cayenne?
The G-Class produces 400kW@5500 and 760Nm@2000 of torque while the Cayenne delivers 485 kW and 850 Nm of torque. The Cayenne is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the G-Class and Cayenne?
The G-Class starts from R2 047 000 and the Cayenne from R4 606 000. The G-Class is cheaper by R2 559 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the G-Class or Cayenne?
The G-Class has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and the Cayenne can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the G-Class or the Cayenne?
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.