VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
174 kW
Torque
300 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
7.5 s
6.3 s
Engine
1998 cc
2387 cc
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the Toyota GR86 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 135 kW while the Toyota GR86 produces 174 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 6.4 l/100km while the GR86 uses 9.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 005 063 for the 4 Series and R900 700 for the GR86. 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
135 kW
174 kW
Torque
300 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
7.5 s
6.3 s
Top Speed
240 Km/h
226 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
2387 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
217 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4768 mm
4265 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1480-1775 mm
Height
1383 mm
1310 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2575 mm
Ground Clearance
127 mm
130 mm
Kerb Weight
1525 DIN / 1600 EU Kg
1298 Kg
Doors
2
3
Seats
4
2+2
Load Volume
440 l
226 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
—
Load Capacity
490 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota GR86
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GR86
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
GR86
Practicality
GR86
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Better fuel economy (6.4 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Less power than rival (135 kW vs 174 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota GR86
More powerful engine (174 kW)
Lower starting price (R900 700)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.5 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or GR86?
The 4 Series uses 6.4 l/100km and the GR86 uses 9.5 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 GR86?
The 4 Series produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the GR86 delivers 174 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The GR86 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and GR86?
The 4 Series starts from R1 005 063 and the GR86 from R900 700. The GR86 is cheaper by R104 363 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 4 Series or GR86?
The 4 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the GR86 can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 4 Series or the GR86?
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.