VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
310 kW
Torque
400 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
4.8 l/100km
8.9 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.1 s
3.9 s
Engine
1995 cc
1991 cc
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-AMG A-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 140 kW while the Mercedes-AMG A-Class produces 310 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 4.8 l/100km while the A-Class uses 8.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 051 873 for the 4 Series and R1 461 469 for the A-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.
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
310 kW
Torque
400 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
7.1 s
3.9 s
Top Speed
240 Km/h
270 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995 cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.8 l/100km
8.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
127 g/km
210 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4768 mm
4453 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1850-1992 mm
Height
1383 mm
1414 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2729 mm
Ground Clearance
127 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1605 DIN / 1680 EU Kg
1605 Kg
Doors
2
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
440 l
370-1210 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
485 l
450 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
service interval indicator max 20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 4 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A-Class
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
4 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (4.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 051 873)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 310 kW)
Mercedes-AMG A-Class
More powerful engine (310 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or A-Class?
The 4 Series uses 4.8 l/100km and the A-Class uses 8.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 4 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 4 Series or A-Class?
The 4 Series produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the A-Class delivers 310 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The A-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and A-Class?
The 4 Series starts from R1 051 873 and the A-Class from R1 461 469. The 4 Series is cheaper by R409 596 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 4 Series or A-Class?
The 4 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the A-Class can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 4 Series or the A-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.