VS
At a Glance
Power
285 kW
174 kW
Torque
500 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
8.4 l/100km
8.8 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
6.9 s
Engine
2998 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 285 kW while the Toyota GR86 produces 174 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 8.4 l/100km while the GR86 uses 8.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 658 786 for the 4 Series and R927 300 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
285 kW
174 kW
Torque
500 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
6.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
216 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
2387 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.4 l/100km
8.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
192 g/km
201 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4770 mm
4265 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1480-1775 mm
Height
1394 mm
1310 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2575 mm
Ground Clearance
—
130 mm
Kerb Weight
1890 DIN / 1965 EU Kg
1318 Kg
Doors
2
3
Seats
4
2+2
Load Volume
300-385 l
226 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
—
Load Capacity
500 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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ 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
BMW 4 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
4 Series
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
GR86
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
More powerful engine (285 kW)
Better fuel economy (8.4 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota GR86
Lower starting price (R927 300)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (174 kW vs 285 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or GR86?
The 4 Series uses 8.4 l/100km and the GR86 uses 8.8 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 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the GR86 delivers 174 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The 4 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and GR86?
The 4 Series starts from R1 658 786 and the GR86 from R927 300. The GR86 is cheaper by R731 486 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 1800 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.